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

Darkening RoomElefanto Kashimashi43rank/position

A Darkening Room - Elephant Kashimashi cover

The tear-jerking breakup song “Kageri Yuku Heya,” released by Yumi Matsutoya during her Arai Yumi era.

Unlike Yuming’s original, Elephant Kashimashi’s cover expresses the sorrow of loss with powerful, earthy, human, and impassioned emotion—it’ll bring you to tears.

You told a lie.ofukōsu44rank/position

You told a lie.

It’s a single released in 1984.

She has someone else she loves, and she’s hiding it—but he’s aware of it.

The song conveys the despair and sorrow of being lied to and betrayed.

Kindness and cruelty are separated by the thinnest of lines, aren’t they?

Signs of autumnofukōsu45rank/position

Signs of autumn

Off Course, the band that gained popularity with singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda at its center.

Their 11th single, “Aki no Keihai” (“Signs of Autumn”), opens with acoustic guitar and strings that evoke a sentimental autumn mood.

The lyrics, which depict the resolve to part ways with a lover, mirror the ever-changing autumn sky and are likely to stir a sense of poignancy.

It’s a heart-wrenching number, graced by a transparent high tenor voice and beautiful choral work.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Stay aquamarineKarurosu Toshiki & Omega Toraibu46rank/position

Carlos Toshiki & Omega Tribe [Stay Like Aquamarine] MV

Even after changing their name from 1986 Omega Tribe to Carlos Toshiki & Omega Tribe, the band kept churning out hits, and their refreshing sound gives them a strong “summer band” image.

They were a perfect fit for summer and the sea, right up there with TUBE and Southern All Stars.

“The love is ending and you’re changing, but only when you’re with me…”—he compares the girl he doesn’t want to change to an aquamarine shining with eternal brilliance.

If heartbreak could be this stylish, I’d want to experience it at least once! If you haven’t listened to them yet, you definitely should!

Because it’s important…kerakera47rank/position

[Best Unrequited Love Song] Kerakera – “Because It’s Precious…” [Official Video]

Kerakera became widely known to the public with “Starlaboration,” which was chosen as the theme song for the drama Last Cinderella.

During their indie days, they released this unrequited-love song, “Taisetsu dakara… (Because You’re Important…).” Without confessing their feelings, they try to keep the same distance as before by staying close as a friend.

The lyrics, which portray a heartbreakingly bittersweet love, resonated with listeners and drew a lot of attention.

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sasashina

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windKobukuro48rank/position

Kobukuro “Kaze”

This is a ballad that sets bittersweet memories recalled with the arrival of spring to a gentle melody.

Released in February 2002 as Kobukuro’s fourth major-label single, it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ucchi Kuru!?” and also inspired the drama “A Story I’ll Never Forget.” The lyrics trace feelings for a former lover and delicate emotions, as if time gradually melts away the pain.

Its depictions of spring are superb, and it’s a masterpiece that conveys not only sadness but also the strength to look forward.

The song was performed at the 57th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2006 and has remained beloved for years.

I’d especially recommend it to men who’ve had those moments when a past love suddenly comes back to mind and their chest tightens.

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbyeGōruden Bonbā49rank/position

Golden Bomber 'Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye' MV

A track that closes Golden Bomber’s second album, No Music, No Weapon, released in 2015.

It’s a straightforward ballad without any comedic elements, expressing the bittersweet feeling of trying to forget an ex-lover but being unable to, no matter what.