Ranking of Popular Breakup Songs by Male Japanese Artists [2026]

Lingering Snowkaguya hime29rank/position

Kaguyahime – Nagori Yuki (Official Audio)

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 threadKobukuro30rank/position

Kobukuro “Red Thread”

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 Yosui31rank/position

Yosui Inoue – Issho Serenade

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.

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Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko32rank/position

Mata Au Himade

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 Keisuke33rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

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 Fumiya34rank/position

Another Orion..

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 ATSUSHI35rank/position

EXILE ATSUSHI / MELROSE ~A Promise Not to Love~

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.