[No Going Back] A Love Song About Regret
You might have regrets too—like breaking up with someone you loved, or giving up before confessing your feelings.
People often say “There’s no use crying over spilt milk,” but once it’s over, you can’t help thinking, “I should have done this,” or “I wish I’d done that.” In this article, we’re introducing love songs about regret that we hope you’ll listen to.
We’ve gathered many tracks—from songs that express a heart weighed down by regret to ones that try to move forward despite the remorse—so give them a listen if you’d like.
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- A song of forbidden love. A heartrending, sorrowful love song.
[No Going Back] A Love Song of Regret (91–100)
Love PhotosOtsuka Ai
It was released in 2006 as Ai Otsuka’s 13th single.
The song was used as the theme for the Toei nationwide film “Heavenly Forest” (Tada, Kimi o Aishiteru), won the Gold Prize at the 48th Japan Record Awards, and was performed at the 57th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a heartrending song in which looking at photos the two of them took together brings a surge of regret after their breakup.
It’s okay.Mayo Okamoto
It was released in 1998 as Mayo Okamoto’s seventh single.
It reached No.
10 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Although they’ve broken up, the feelings of wanting to hear the person’s voice again, wanting to call them, and having countless regrets resonate in the heart along with the poignant sound of the song.
Lemonadeyuka
A bittersweet love song about sweet-and-sour memories of romance has arrived from Yuka.
Its light, breezy sound carries a hidden poignancy in the melody, creating a distinctive atmosphere where freshness and wistfulness coexist.
Released digitally in September 2024, the track features co-writing by Takahito Uchisawa of androp.
The lyrics portray the process of looking back on a past relationship and embracing both its sweetness and its sting, resonating with many listeners.
It’s perfect for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or want to revisit bittersweet love.
With a voice that reaches deep into the heart, this song will stay by your side.
I can’t stop this sadnessAnri
It was released in 1983 as Anri’s 14th single.
It’s a bittersweet song about losing a boyfriend to a friend after introducing them.
The sorrow of losing both a friend and a lover overflows throughout.
The song is filled with regret over having introduced him to her friend.
Stay by my sideAbe Mao
It was released in 2011 as Mao Abe’s seventh single.
Written when Abe was in her senior year of high school, the song expresses the regret of breaking up with a lover.
The lyrics, which portray the loneliness after the breakup and a weakened heart, make it a very heartrending love ballad.
To move forwardAbe Mao
A masterpiece filled with Mao Abe’s soulful cry, where sorrow and resolve intertwine.
It’s a moving love song that portrays the courage to move forward while still holding lingering feelings for a past lover.
Digitally released in May 2024, it also sparked buzz through a collaboration with Shueisha’s manga “I Want to Fall in Love That Lets Me Forget You.” Marking a fitting celebration of Abe’s 15th anniversary, her powerful yet delicate vocals resonate deep in the heart.
A song that stays close to those suffering from heartbreak and to anyone ready to take a new step.
It’s sure to become a source of strength for you.
TIMEB’z
It was released in 1992 as the coupling track to B’z’s 10th single, “BLOWIN’.” In the 1990s, it was frequently performed live as a staple ballad.
The lyrics depict the bittersweet feelings of a man who realizes the importance and significance of his ex-girlfriend after their breakup and regrets losing her.