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

sea breezeUra Koyuki

Koyuki Ura “Sea Breeze” Music Video

Ura Koyuki, who also performs as the vocalist and guitarist of Sundae May Club, released the 2023 track “Shiokaze” (Sea Breeze).

The lyrics are heartbreaking, with a tone that seems to push away the pain and loneliness of a breakup by saying “I’m done,” as if suppressing those feelings.

As the song progresses, hints of self-effacement emerge—admitting she might have been at fault—while she chooses to end the relationship to protect herself from being crushed by a flood of emotions.

“Why… I don’t want to break up, I’m sorry…” It’s a song that candidly portrays the tumult of emotions that accompany a parting.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

I love you more than anyone.Furuchi Toko

I love you more than anyone.

Released in 1996, Toko Furuuchi’s seventh single and one of her signature songs, “Dare yori Suki na no ni” (“Even Though I Love You More Than Anyone”), conveys a flood of emotions just from its title.

There’s nothing more painful than a one‑sided feeling or a love you know won’t come true.

You find yourself elated or crushed by the other person’s slightest gestures—and though it’s frustrating when you step back and see yourself, you can’t help it when it’s someone you love.

This song is packed tightly with those feelings; there’s hardly another track that embodies the word “heartrending” so perfectly.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

SunshadeYuka

Yuka – Sunshade (Official Audio)

A song whose tear-evoking vocals and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.

The delicate voice gently envelops the pain of heartbreak and touches the heart.

Released in June 2024, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Laughing Matryoshka.” Co-written with Toru from ONE OK ROCK, this work showcases Yuka’s musical range, featuring a soundscape that feels boundless and vocals that carry a tinge of melancholy.

It’s the perfect track for healing the pain of a breakup or when you’re standing at a crossroads in life.

Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. “Banquet Song” Official Music Video

A song that poignantly grips the heart with the ache of heartbreak.

Since its release in September 2023, it has drawn attention as tuki.’s debut work, and the music video featuring beautiful illustrations by Posuka Demizu also became a hot topic.

It portrays the image of oneself making a loved one cry and the wavering feelings of being unable to let go nonetheless, stirring the heart with gratitude and pain toward the other person.

With an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen secured, this work has established a solid presence in the music scene despite the artist being just 15 years old.

It’s a recommended track for those who carry memories of a bittersweet romance or who want to reexamine their feelings for someone dear.

I LOVE YOUkurisu haato

Chris Hart – I LOVE YOU

A heart-stirring ballad that poignantly sings of a love growing cold.

Released in February 2014 as Chris Hart’s first original single, the song is known as the theme for the ACE JTB TV commercial.

While cherishing the happy memories with a lover, it vividly portrays the emotional turmoil of drifting apart.

Though American-born, Hart masterfully conveys the delicate nuances of Japanese and delivers a warm vocal that resonates deeply with listeners.

Scenes of memories unfolding with the changing seasons—like springtime cherry-blossom viewing and winter kisses indoors—further heighten the ache of heartbreak.

It’s a song that gently supports those who have lost someone precious or who are seeking closure.

for a whilerikon densetsu

Divorce Legend – For a While (Official Music Video)

A ballad that portrays a bittersweet love, scattered with striking imagery—an hourglass by the window, light reflected in cracked glass.

Released by Rikon Densetsu in January 2025, this work features melodies that evoke a sense of loss and nostalgia, striking straight at the heart.

Crafted over three years since the early days of their career, it conveys a strong resolve to keep moving forward while staying close to memories of someone precious.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while walking at night, savoring the ache of a broken heart.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco

Cocco “The Strong and Ephemeral Ones” Music Video

This song portrays a poignant love that sets out on a difficult journey to build something precious for a beloved, only to be confronted with the reality of betrayal.

It depicts, with striking clarity, both the strength to fight for love and the fragility and weakness inherent in being human, while Cocco’s translucent voice resonates deeply.

Released in November 1997, it was featured as the theme song for JAL’s Hawaii campaign commercial.

It’s a piece that offers solace to those who resonate with the turmoil between wanting to protect someone dear and facing an unyielding reality, as well as to those struggling with unrequited love.