Breakup songs popular among women in their 20s. Tear-jerking love songs.

Why not me?Misaka Saki

Saki Misaka – Isn’t It Fine If It’s Me (Full ver.)

This song by Saki Misaka portrays the bittersweet feelings of gradually falling in love, even though you thought you were content just staying close as a friend.

With a clear, gentle voice, she expresses the conflict of wishing for the other person’s happiness while not wanting to see them with someone else.

Released digitally in February 2021, the track was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s romantic reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.” It’s sure to resonate with those who, despite knowing what would bring happiness, can’t let go, and who sense the other person’s feelings yet can’t bring themselves to speak up.

Bad personsenritsu kannano

Kano Kanaru “Bad Person” M/V

A gem of a love song that beautifully captures the complex emotions of a woman torn by a forbidden love, with a heartrending vocal and delicate lyrics.

Kayayu from Young Skinny—a favorite among Gen Z—wrote the song, and Kanano Senritsu delivers a fragile, poignant performance.

Since its release in September 2024, it has resonated on social media, delicately depicting the turmoil of a woman who forgives even as she recognizes her partner’s lies, and the ache of memories that resurface with the changing seasons.

Its universal lyrics invite anyone struggling in love to see themselves in the story.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those overwhelmed by complicated feelings for someone who can’t exactly be called a good person.

Sentimental KissShio Reira

Reira Shio / Sentimental Kiss Acoustic ver. (full) [Official Music Video]

A gentle ballad by Reira Shio that delivers bittersweet feelings on a warm acoustic sound.

The lyrics delicately portray the distance between lovers after a breakup and the emotions wavering between heart and body, resonating deeply.

Her voice weaves memories of a feverish love and a faint lingering warmth with novel-like beauty, tenderly embracing the kind of heartache everyone has felt at least once.

Released in March 2022, the song was also used as background music for ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive.” It’s a track that will stay by your side on nights when you want to bask in memories of someone special, or when you need someone to hear the feelings you can’t hold inside.

HappinessOnda Masanori

"Happiness" / Masanori Onda

Masamori Onda’s “Shiawase” is a wonderful song paired with an MV that’s heartbreakingly poignant, like a home movie of happier days.

Believe it or not, Onda was still only 19 as of 2023.

“Shiawase” is a classic breakup song that looks back on days of happiness, yet it somehow avoids any trace of the usual clichés—there’s something mysterious about it.

The scene where he writes her name in the sand, in particular, is a real tearjerker.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants a good, cathartic cry!

tragic heroineMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Tragic Heroine

This is a breakup song released in February 2024 by My Hair is Bad, a three-piece rock band from Niigata.

The song portrays the feelings of a woman who goes to her ex-boyfriend’s place to pick up her things—the lingering “I still love you” and the reality that there’s no going back.

Those painful emotions are expressed with striking realism.

The band’s characteristically candid lyrics combined with a melody that seeps into the heart make the heartbreak even more poignant.

It’s a perfect track for women fresh from a breakup or anyone still hung up on an ex.

Listen to it alone at night, and it will surely be there for you.