Hanako Oku’s Heartbreak Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

wedgeOku Hanako1rank/position

Kusabi (Wedge) by Hanako Oku

A piano ballad by Hanako Oku that quietly embraces the inescapable pain of parting.

Cherished since her indie days and lovingly passed down in her performances, it’s a song that has been adored by fans for many years.

Two shadows lit by streetlights after the last train has gone, a final kiss shared even as they know they’ll never meet again.

Lyrics that portray such helpless scenes are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

The song gained popularity through word of mouth and was finally released as a single in July 2015, marking the 10th anniversary of her debut.

It was later included on the album “Prism.” On nights when you’re sinking into sorrow with no way out, why not surrender yourself to this piece and let the tears flow?

GarnetOku Hanako2rank/position

Garnet

A signature song by Hanako Oku, chosen as the theme for the smash-hit animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Its poignant lyrics and piano tones are captivating, evoking memories of days gone by as if they were right before your eyes.

Oku’s clear, transparent vocals gently permeate the heart.

Though we can no longer meet, the song expresses gratitude for a encounter that made the self stronger, offering not only solace from heartbreak but also the strength to move forward.

Released in July 2006, the song won the Best Theme Song (Film) at the Heisei Anime Song Awards.

For those who want to overcome a painful farewell and step into the future with beautiful memories, this song will gently nudge you forward.

fireworksOku Hanako3rank/position

Hanako Oku / Fireworks [Music Video]

Speaking of Hanako Oku, she sings many popular love songs, doesn’t she? Among them, this song has lyrics that make you look back on a summer romance as the season comes to an end.

When we think of summer, we think of beautiful fireworks, but in this song they’re portrayed with a deep sense of sadness.

The fireworks festival they went to before breaking up with his girlfriend… I’m sure many people can relate to the lyrics of this song.

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Hane Keisuke

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loveOku Hanako4rank/position

A heartrending, tear-jerking song: 'Koi (Love) / Hanako Oku'

Even when the person you like already has a partner—and you know in your head that you should back off—you still can’t stop how you feel.

If you’re suffering from unrequited love, this song is for you.

It’s by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, known for hits like “Garnet,” and it’s included on her second album, TIME NOTE, released in 2007.

The lyrics unfold the protagonist’s inner feelings: no matter how much she thinks about the other person, no matter how hard she tries to start disliking them, it just doesn’t work.

It might be a good one to listen to when you want to pause and sort out your feelings about what to do next.

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Araki Jakkan

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CinderellaOku Hanako5rank/position

Hanako Oku / Cinderella [Music Video]

Released in 2012 as Hanako Oku’s 12th single.

With lyrics that sing of the slightly bittersweet pain of heartbreak, a sparkling sound that evokes the world of Cinderella, and a pop melody, it’s a song where you can hear Hanako Oku’s own “Cinderella story.”

Winter FireworksOku Hanako6rank/position

Winter Fireworks / Hanako Oku [MV]

This is the 13th single by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku, who, even after her major-label debut, continued to energetically perform street gigs and has written, composed, and sung for numerous commercial songs.

The story of being unable to voice your feelings to the person you love and ending up heartbroken—a situation many of us have likely experienced—really hits home, doesn’t it? The arrangement, layering piano, acoustic guitar, and strings, creates a wintry chill and depth that amplifies the poignancy of the lyrics.

It’s a bittersweet winter song, perfect for immersing yourself in solitude at Christmas.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Unrequited loveOku Hanako7rank/position

Oku Hanako – Unrequited Love

Even if the other person’s feelings aren’t directed toward me, I’m happy just to be by their side.

That emotion comes through in Hanako Oku’s “Kataomoi” (“Unrequited Love”).

The song is included on the album “vol.best,” released in 2005 during her indie days.

Sung with self-accompaniment on a digital-sounding piano, Oku’s voice carries a tender yet heartrending atmosphere, and the lyrics—devotedly thinking of someone despite an unattainable love—evoke the image of a strong woman.

It’s a song I especially want those currently in unrequited love to hear.

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Hamada Takuya

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