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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Top 2026 Ranking of Breakup Songs by Male J-Pop Artists (Positions 21–30)
SuddenlyEXILE ATSUSHI29rank/position
In 2020, EXILE ATSUSHI announced he would focus on solo activities.
That doesn’t mean he quit EXILE, though, so I hope we’ll see him sing in front of EXILE’s performers again someday.
This song portrays a man’s shock and regret after being abruptly told it’s over.
Yet the lyrics feel completely free of the clichés and inertia of old-school pop.
I think that’s a testament to ATSUSHI’s passion for songwriting.
Not every breakup leaves you feeling upbeat and positive.
This is a recommended track for those who want to properly mourn a heartbreak.
MurasakiJin Akanishi30rank/position
A song by Jin Akanishi, formerly of KAT-TUN and now active as a solo artist.
In fact, this song had been performed at concerts even before KAT-TUN’s debut, making it a special track for longtime fans of Akanishi.
It was included as the B-side to his debut solo single, “Eternal,” released after he left KAT-TUN to begin his solo career.
Akanishi’s delicacy comes through in the lyrics and melody, making it a very beautiful song.
Ranking of Popular Breakup Songs by Male Japanese Artists [2026] (31–40)
Lingering Snowkaguya hime31rank/position
It’s a classic song that beautifully portrays springtime in Japan.
The scene of parting on a snowy station platform resonated with many people.
It was included on Kaguya-hime’s album “Sankaidate no Uta” and released in March 1974.
Iruka’s cover version was also a major hit, reportedly selling a total of 800,000 copies.
Loved for many years as a song people want to hear in the season of farewells, it continues to endure.
The model for the setting is Tsukumi City in Oita Prefecture, hometown of Shozo Ise, and at Tsukumi Station the melody is used when trains arrive and depart.
It’s surely a song that will touch the hearts of those who have experienced parting in a place full of memories.
the red threadKobukuro32rank/position
Kobukuro weaves an epic, nearly seven-minute story, singing of a fateful bond with beautiful harmony.
It portrays a year in the lives of two people who once drew a line in their relationship and decided not to see each other for a while.
Some listeners may see themselves in the protagonist, who believes and keeps waiting until the other person’s heart arrives at an answer—reflecting a complex love that continues even after a breakup.
After being included on the indie release “Root of my mind,” this song was covered by Yui Aragaki and also used in a Nippon Life commercial.
Choosing to part ways yet still thinking of the other person somewhere in your heart is proof of how deeply you loved, isn’t it? This song seems to gently embrace that painful feeling and affirm the meaning of taking time apart.
An outright serenadeInoue Yosui33rank/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 Motoharu34rank/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 Kiyohiko35rank/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.