Ranking of Popular Breakup Songs by Male Japanese Artists [2026]
When you’ve had your heart broken, you often feel like listening to sad breakup songs rather than upbeat ones, don’t you? For those in that situation, here’s a ranking of popular breakup songs by male singers that we recommend.
These are masterpieces that will help heal your heart and guide you toward your next love.
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Ranking of Popular Breakup Songs by Male Japanese Artists [2026] (31–40)
An outright serenadeInoue Yosui31rank/position
Yosui Inoue’s hit song “Isso Serenade.” Released in October 1984, the track was featured in a Suntory commercial and went on to sell over 350,000 copies.
That might sound like an impressive number, but compared to other hits from the same era, it didn’t quite spark a massive craze.
Even so, it’s now known as one of Inoue’s signature works.
One likely reason it became established as a flagship song after its release is the prominent covers by major artists such as Mariko Takahashi and Yasushi Nakanishi.
Let’s start from goodbyeSano Motoharu32rank/position
A slow ballad with elegantly resonant strings that poignantly captures the moment of parting.
It’s said to be a song Motoharu Sano wrote and composed during his high school years.
The contrast between those who wave goodbye and the protagonist who cannot brings the lonely heart that struggles to accept the farewell vividly into focus.
Released in March 1983 as his 10th single, it was also included on the album No Damage, released in April of the same year.
Its steadily unfolding, lyrical melody quietly accompanies anyone who has experienced a departure or a goodbye, and is sure to evoke deep empathy.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko33rank/position
It’s a masterpiece that beautifully portrays the moment of parting.
The feelings contained in the phrase “Until We Meet Again” resonate deeply.
Kiyohiko Ozaki’s rich, resonant voice captures the sorrow of farewell perfectly.
Released in March 1971, the song became a huge hit and has remained beloved over the years; it was even chosen as the entrance march for the 1972 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced a parting or want to reflect on memories with someone special.
As a mature heartbreak song that teaches a way to part without hurting each other, it will surely offer comfort to your heart.
Sad feelingsKuwata Keisuke34rank/position
This is the solo debut single by Keisuke Kuwata, the vocalist of Southern All Stars.
At first listen it has a bright, breezy sound, but beneath that lies the inescapable loneliness of a man heartbroken in love.
The contrast between the cheerful tone and the heartrending lyrics may, if anything, tighten many listeners’ chests.
Released in October 1987, it was later included on the album “Keisuke Kuwata.” Please take your time and give it a careful listen.
Another OrionFujii Fumiya35rank/position
It was released in 1996 as Fumiya Fujii’s 10th single.
The song was used as the theme for the TBS Friday drama “Garasu no Kakeratachi,” in which Fumiya Fujii himself starred, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Though parting is painful, the song’s uplifting lyrics—believing that hearts remain connected even when apart—are truly comforting.
It’s a song that makes you want to look up at the night sky and heal a broken heart.
MELROSE ~A Promise Not to Love~EXILE ATSUSHI36rank/position
Released in 2012 as EXILE ATSUSHI’s third single overall.
The song portrays a mature romance about falling in love with someone one must not love, and it was featured in the “Reveur Moist & Gloss” commercial.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Real ValentineEXILE ATSUSHI37rank/position
This is a heartbreak song that portrays a bittersweet love.
EXILE ATSUSHI’s emotive vocals vividly express lingering feelings and regret for a former lover.
The pain of realizing “we’ll never meet again,” and the wish of “if only I could go back to the past,” really hit home.
Released in June 2013 as the coupling track to EXILE’s single “Flower Song,” and later included on ATSUSHI’s solo album, this piece is recommended for moments when you want to heal a broken heart or reflect on memories with someone special.
Listening to this song might make you want to cherish the love you have now.
I want to see youGACKT38rank/position
GACKT’s song is a ballad that delicately portrays the ache of unrequited love.
Its gentle melody, built around live piano and acoustic guitar, is layered with GACKT’s emotionally rich vocals, resonating deeply with listeners.
The lyrics, which empathize with those who have experienced a breakup, may help soothe the pain of heartbreak.
Released in October 2004, the track was also used as the ending theme for “The Wide.” It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who continues to hold feelings for someone important.
You might find it nice to listen while letting your thoughts drift to a lover from your memories.
I knew it was a love that would never reach you, yet I couldn’t hold myself back and kept on loving you.GACKT39rank/position
A song by GACKT that portrays the anguish of a heartrending love.
Even knowing the feelings will never reach their destination, he sings them out with powerful emotion.
Combined with the production process that transformed it into a heavy ballad, it became a track that leaves a deep impression on listeners.
Released in August 2005, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Keiyaku Kekkon” (Contract Marriage).
It was GACKT’s first drama theme song and is also included on the album DIABOLOS.
It’s perfect for those nursing the pain of heartbreak or holding onto feelings they can’t let go of.
Try belting it out at karaoke to release the emotions you carry inside.
If it’s not youKG40rank/position
It’s a song you can listen to from both a male and a female perspective.
Even though they’ve broken up, they just can’t forget and keep looking back on the memories.
It portrays that hard-to-let-go feeling so well, and I really related to it.
Since the melody isn’t too dark, I recommend it to those who feel like crying but still want to look forward.