[Tear-Jerking Breakup Songs] A curated selection of love songs that gently comfort a wounded heart!

the red threadKobukuro

Kobukuro “Red Thread”

Kobukuro weaves an epic, nearly seven-minute story, singing of a fateful bond with beautiful harmony.

It portrays a year in the lives of two people who once drew a line in their relationship and decided not to see each other for a while.

Some listeners may see themselves in the protagonist, who believes and keeps waiting until the other person’s heart arrives at an answer—reflecting a complex love that continues even after a breakup.

After being included on the indie release “Root of my mind,” this song was covered by Yui Aragaki and also used in a Nippon Life commercial.

Choosing to part ways yet still thinking of the other person somewhere in your heart is proof of how deeply you loved, isn’t it? This song seems to gently embrace that painful feeling and affirm the meaning of taking time apart.

GarnetOku Hanako

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.

GoodbyeNishino Kana

Goodbye

Even though they didn’t grow to hate each other, they end up choosing to part ways due to drifting apart.

This is a poignant medium-tempo ballad by Kana Nishino that tightens the heart with the complexity of such an ending to love.

The way the protagonist tries to seal away the memories without truly accepting what happened feels strikingly real, likely because of the lyrics’ masterful grasp of the subtleties of romance.

Released in October 2013, the song is also known as the theme for the NHK serial drama “Glass no Ie” and is included on the album “with LOVE.” For those who have lost a love that couldn’t be saved by feelings alone and can’t yet move on, this song will gently whisper, “It’s okay—you don’t have to force yourself to forget.”

Best-before date of lovetuki.

tuki. 'Best-Before Date of Love' Official Music Video

While sensing the end of love, they still can’t let go of their affection for the other person.

This song by tuki.

portrays that contradictory heart with painfully raw realism.

Frustrated by miscommunication over social media, yet feeling happy just to be by their side—the protagonist’s feelings will inevitably tighten the listener’s chest.

Released in September 2024, exactly one year after the striking debut “Bansanka,” this work is an answer song.

With other tracks featured in PlayStation 5 commercials, tuki.’s unique world continues to captivate many.

If you’ve ever experienced the aching loneliness of a relationship slowly cooling, you’ll surely resonate deeply.

On nights when you’re bewildered by love that’s changing, why not quietly align your heart with this song, alone?

Love SongGO!GO!7188

Koi no Uta – GO!GO!7188

“Koi no Uta” is one of the signature songs by GO!GO!7188, the three-piece band that unfortunately disbanded in 2012.

It’s a heartbreaking number that can move you to tears even if you’re not nursing a broken heart right now, and it surely resonates deeply with anyone who’s been hurt—a classic love song.

Released in 2000 as their third single, it became a long-running hit.

Sometimes love ends without you ever saying the words out loud or conveying how you feel.

For anyone who’s gone through that kind of painful love, this is a song you can’t listen to without tears.

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Tears of TomorrowKoseki Mai

Mai Koseki “Namida no Tomorrow” Promotion Edit

A song whose wistful melody and lyrics seep deep into the heart and resonate in your chest.

While depicting the pain of heartbreak, it also conveys the strength to take a step toward the future.

Included on Mai Koseki’s single “Namida no Tomorrow/Yes! Hare Yohō,” released in April 2024, this track also charms with a nostalgic feel reminiscent of 1990s J‑POP.

The scene set in the memorable café where the breakup was announced is vividly portrayed, making it feel as if it were your own experience.

When you’re tormented by the pain of a broken heart, it might be good to listen to this song and let the tears flow.

To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa

Koresawa “To You Who Didn’t Choose Me” [Music Video]

This is a quintessential Koresawa number that poppily portrays the pain of heartbreak, lingering feelings, and wishes for the other person.

Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “To the You Who Chose Me, and the You Who Didn’t.” It features a catchy melody and lyrics that express the emotions of a breakup in a straightforward yet cute way.

The positivity and strength hidden beneath the sadness create a song that resonates with listeners.

It will be your ally when you’re trying to move on from heartbreak!