For men in their 30s: Heart-touching breakup songs—masterpieces that can move grown men to tears

KanadeNEW!Sukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

“Kanade,” Sukima Switch’s second single, released in March 2004.

It’s a signature song for Sukima Switch and a classic ballad that will surely continue to be loved for years to come.

It’s also known for coloring numerous memorable scenes, such as being featured in the film “Rough” and serving as the ending theme on the final day of “Nettou Koshien” in 2006.

This piece carries not only the sorrow of parting, but also a strong determination to connect with the future through song.

Its earnest message and warm melody are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced saying goodbye to someone dear.

A song that brings tears to your eyes—perfect for a sentimental night.

Close your eyesNEW!Hirai Ken

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A ballad that portrays the sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching yearning to keep chasing their memory.

Ken Hirai’s emotional vocals gently accompany hearts spending lonely nights.

Released in April 2004 as his 20th single, it was written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” With total shipments exceeding one million copies, it became a social phenomenon, topping the annual charts that year.

It will especially resonate with those who, in unguarded moments, recall a past love and feel their chest tighten.

A gem of a track, perfect for adult men who want to listen alone while quietly having a drink.

MetronomeNEW!Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

Let me introduce a delicate ballad that traces the way hearts fall out of sync over time.

Comparing two people to metronomes keeping their own tempo, the lyrics portray how a rhythm that once matched gradually drifts apart—piercingly resonant, isn’t it? Even after the breakup, the lingering attachment and regret that lead one to wish for the other’s happiness yet still hope for a reunion are sure to bring listeners to tears.

This song is included on the album “Bremen,” released in October 2015.

It’s also known for the fact that Kenshi Yonezu not only wrote and composed it, but also created the music video, drawing about 200 original illustrations.

A song about the emotional distance that love alone cannot prevent, it’s one to hear on nights when the pain of heartbreak won’t fade, or for anyone who just can’t forget someone.

Mikan HeartNEW!C&K

C&K – Mikan Heart

There’s nothing more painful than knowing your feelings won’t reach the person you love.

This is a song by the male music duo C&K, made up of CLIEVY and KEEN, released in October 2013 as their 10th single.

It’s a ballad marked by a poignant piano and deeply emotive vocals.

Centered on the theme of an “unfinished heart,” the lyrics portray longing and hurt for someone special, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Many of us have probably had moments—on the way home from work or alone at night—when a sudden memory of someone brought us to tears.

CLIEVY’s high tone layered with KEEN’s warm voice amplifies the heartache.

The music video, featuring Haruma Miura and Naoko Watanabe, also drew attention for its dramatic depiction of the song’s worldview.

Included on the album “CK AND MORE…,” it remains a beloved classic.

It’s a must-listen for adult men who can’t cut off lingering feelings—when your head says you shouldn’t fall in love, but your heart can’t keep up.

See you againNEW!SEAMO

SEAMO “Mata Aimashou - tears ver. -”

When it comes to SEAMO’s signature ballad that intertwines the bittersweet pain of parting with compassion for the other person, it has to be this song.

Many men have surely found themselves moved to tears, overlaying it with their own experiences.

The gentle, conversational rap and the memorable chorus melody really leave an impression.

Rather than ending the breakup as something purely sad, the lyrics aim to affirm the other person’s future and send them off—something adult men can particularly relate to.

Released in April 2006 as his fourth single, it later became well-loved as the theme song for the anime Tokyo Marble Chocolate.

Also included on the album Live Goes On, this is a track you’ll want to listen to alone on nights when you’re putting on a brave face but are truly lonely, unable to sort out your feelings.

The song that comes afterNEW!back number

The song that comes after

back number portrays lingering attachment and regret after a breakup in unadorned, down-to-earth words.

“Ato no Uta,” included on their indie-era album Ato no Matsuri, is a hidden gem released in June 2010.

The lyrics describe the ironic psychology where deliberately avoiding reminders in an effort to forget only makes you more conscious of the other person’s presence.

By refusing to dress up the pain of heartbreak and instead depicting it as traces that remain in everyday life, the song’s words carry a wrenching sense of reality.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when the sadness of parting hasn’t healed and memories resurface in unguarded moments.

If you’re standing still, unable to sort out a past love, this song will gently stay by your side.

HappinessNEW!back number

Shiawase

Back number, known for lyrics and melodies that ache and tighten the chest, has won wide support.

This work is the B-side track included on their major-label debut single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011.

It was later included on the album “Superstar,” released in October of the same year, and has continued to be cherished by fans as a hidden gem.

Realizing that the person you love is thinking of someone other than you, yet being able to stay by their side only by wishing for their happiness—these painfully selfless feelings and inner conflicts are depicted in the lyrics, piercing listeners’ hearts.

The beautiful arrangement incorporating strings further stirs the emotions.

For those suffering from unrequited love or who have once prayed for a loved one’s happiness from afar, this is a song that will bring you to tears.