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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Japanese Male Artists’ Breakup Songs – Popular Ranking [2026] (61–70)
I won’t forget who you are now.Naoto Intiraymi61rank/position
It was released in 2011 as Naoto Inti Raymi’s fourth single.
The song, featuring actress Keiko Kitagawa, was used as the theme for the Sony Ericsson “Cyber-shot Phone S006” commercial.
The lyrics and music were written by Naoto Inti Raymi, and it’s said that when composing the song, he placed a photo of Keiko Kitagawa from the commercial on his piano’s music stand for inspiration.
Aoi childHanaregumi62rank/position
Sung as if squeezing out each and every word over a piano arrangement rich with space that evokes a night fallen into hushed stillness due to passing, mismatched feelings.
With hardly any other instruments used, the shifting chords and the sense of scale in the chorus stand out.
The song was written and composed by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.
Smile and say goodbyeFujifaburikku63rank/position
The “bittersweetness” flowing from the beautiful melody can only bring tears.
It’s one of those songs where the late genius frontman Masahiko Shimura’s voice rings high into the sky.
No matter how hard things get, it gives you the courage to smile and say goodbye—a true song of encouragement.
The lyrics are full of struggles, but for some reason, when I listen to this song while looking up at the sky, I feel a push on my back to keep going again.
Morning of PartingPedoro & Kapurishasu64rank/position
This song paints the scene of a bittersweet farewell that makes your chest tighten every time you remember it.
Released by Pedro & Capricious in October 1971, it became a classic covered by many artists.
You can almost see the two quietly finishing their tea and parting with a smile.
The lyrics, which push each other away, convey both the strength to accept the separation and the deep love hidden in their hearts.
Alongside memories of youth, it may prompt you to look back on partings with those dear to you.
Why not take your time and savor this unforgettable song?
It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki65rank/position
On a seaside where rain is drawing near, lovers are shrouded in the premonition of parting.
Masaki Ueda gives a powerful voice to the poignant feeling of “You were my youth” in this work, a renowned classic known as one of the defining heartbreak songs of the Showa era.
Although sales were sluggish when it was released in October 1982, requests on cable radio increased, and the following year it reached No.
5 on the Oricon chart, ultimately becoming a major hit that ranked No.
26 for the year.
Perhaps the unexpected pairing of Kansai-dialect lyrics with a melody suited to English lyrics captured the hearts of many.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those carrying the pain of a broken heart or who have experienced a farewell with someone dear.
Sad Colors, huh? ~ OSAKA BAY BLUESUeda Masaki66rank/position
A classic ballad that lets you fully savor the charm of old-school songcraft, “Kanashii Iro Yane.” It’s a 1982 single by soul singer Masaki Ueda—who also delivered many beloved tunes with the band emblematic of the Kansai blues scene, Ueda Masaki & South To South.
The lyrics were written by the legendary Chinfa Kan, who colored countless masterpieces from the Showa to Heisei eras.
The composition is by Tetsuji Hayashi, a melody maker known for crafting breezy songs now often grouped under city pop.
Masaki Ueda’s husky, overwhelmingly emotive vocals are incredibly cool, and the lyrical expressions resonate with a deep, heartrending poignancy.
It truly brings tears to your eyes…
A masterpiece whose quietly evocative expressions heighten the sense of melancholy, gently nestling close to a broken heart, while setting many memories in motion and even conveying a certain strength.
If we ever meet in the city somedayNakamura Masatoshi67rank/position
It’s a gently written, heart-touching classic about memories of a past lover and the wish to meet again.
From parting in the city of memories, to love and resentment, and even the moment when dreams were shattered, it weaves together every moment the two spent together.
Masatoshi Nakamura’s warm vocals blend beautifully with the soothing melody crafted by Takuro Yoshida, resulting in a song that evokes both nostalgia and bittersweet longing.
Released in May 1975, it was used as an insert song in the drama “Oretachi no Kunshō” and reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts.
Many artists, including Naoko Ken and Masayuki Suzuki, have covered it.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to if you’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or when you’re in the mood to reminisce about the past.
Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta68rank/position
We swore to love each other forever, yet now I’m all alone.
Even in this aching situation, I can’t let go of my gratitude and tender feelings for you.
This work, which sent shockwaves through the J-POP scene, is a masterpiece that portrays memories that keep shining even after a breakup, and a strong bond that can’t be cut.
Released as a single in May 2009 and also included on the album “Ring,” this song marked the beginning of the MiliShow era—a collaboration between Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.
On lonely nights, I put on a brave face, but deep down I just want to cry.
Listening to it in moments like that can help you regain your honest feelings.
It’s a song for anyone who wishes they could start over.
Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki69rank/position
This song is filled with a poignant sorrow that etches a breakup with a lover into the heart.
Over Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s beautiful melody, Masakazu Sakai sings with heartfelt emotion.
Released in May 1971, the track is also known as Sakai’s solo debut single.
The lyrics portray a couple who failed to recognize the happiness of their everyday life and ultimately parted ways, resonating deeply with listeners.
Following his time with The Spiders, this work revealed a new side of Sakai.
It’s a song that stands beside those who have experienced heartbreak or are trying to overcome a farewell with someone dear—one you’ll surely want to keep close to your heart.
dizzinessogura kei70rank/position
This is a song with lyrics written by the lyricist and singer Kei Ogura.
It isn’t very well known, but it seems it was used as an insert song in the sequel to the nostalgic drama Oretachi no Tabi, which people in their fifties and older may remember, such as The Fate of the Thirtieth Year.
Many of Kei Ogura’s songs are notable for their excellent poetry, and in Memai, the parting of a man and a woman is depicted with words that evoke vivid colors, like the sea and lipstick.