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

A Tearful RequestChekkāzu57rank/position

Request of Tears - The Checkers - 1984

The Checkers, a band formed around the Fujii brothers Fumiya and Naoyuki, also defined an era in Japan’s pop music scene.

Their evolution—from idol-like youths to mature artists as they aged—might itself be considered a legacy of the Showa entertainment world.

The lyrics, which feel like a breeze requesting a love one still can’t let go of, were pop and innovative for their time.

Even after heartbreak, you could stay upbeat thanks to The Checkers’ joyful performances.

With lyrics by Masao Urino and composition by Hiroaki Serizawa—an unbeatable duo—this is a breakup song that hasn’t lost its luster even today!

Journey of the Heartchūrippu58rank/position

TULIP “Kokoro no Tabi” (Lyric Video)

This is the third single by Tulip, a four-piece band led by singer-songwriter Kazuo Zaitsu—often dubbed the “Japanese Paul McCartney” for his melodic sensibilities.

It became Tulip’s biggest hit, distinguished by an outstanding style that fuses Beatles-esque arrangements with Japanese folk song influences.

The story of choosing to part with a lover in order to follow one’s own path is a timeless dilemma many can relate to in love.

A classic breakup song with a universal theme that deeply moves the heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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silver ringchūrippu59rank/position

Silver Ring / Tulip

During this era, Tulip also enjoyed very strong, enduring popularity, and especially Hineno, who handled vocals, stood out even more than Tazawa.

Their signature breakup song “Kokoro no Tabi” is similar in that respect: it’s uptempo, with a light, lively electric guitar sound, and its charm lies in the fact that it doesn’t quite sound like a breakup song.

I won’t forget who you are now.Naoto Intiraymi60rank/position

Naoto Inti Raymi – I Won’t Forget You As You Are Now [With Lyrics]

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 childHanaregumi61rank/position

Hanaregumi – “Oaiko” Music Video

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 goodbyeFujifaburikku62rank/position

Fujifabric / Laugh and Say Goodbye

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.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Morning of PartingPedoro & Kapurishasu63rank/position

Morning of Parting

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?