Classic and popular unrequited love breakup songs

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

A major hit by Golden Bomber, an artist popular with younger generations for catchy melodies that stick after a single listen and upbeat, fast-paced tracks.

While the lively rhythm often takes the spotlight, the lyrics are actually about heartbreak, expressing lingering feelings for a former lover.

A world without youto shiki

A world without you

This is a work by Toshiki, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, singing about overflowing feelings for someone precious who has disappeared from right before your eyes.

Released in August 2022, the song spread on social media after a post sparked buzz as a “heart-wrenchingly divine track,” inspiring over 4,000 fan-made videos.

It depicts the painful realization, only after losing them, that the ordinary days spent with someone you can no longer meet were the true happiness.

Perhaps everyone has experienced the torment of secretly holding on to love—still being in love even after a breakup.

A masterful ballad sung from a male perspective that gently embraces such sentimental feelings.

Please take your time and listen closely to his warm yet heartrending voice.

bookmarkAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Shiori” Music Video

A major hit by Aqua Timez, an artist beloved across generations for their love songs sung with a warm, familiar voice.

It’s a heartbreak song from a man’s perspective, as he remembers the usual meeting spot and the path they used to walk with the lover he broke up with, unable to forget her.

Lovers AgainEXILE

EXILE / Lovers Again (Short Ver.)

A hugely popular song by EXILE, an artist celebrated for their solid vocal ability and overwhelming performance skills, attracting fans across a wide range of tracks from ballads to dance numbers.

It’s a heartbreak number that evokes the scene of standing alone in falling snow, tucking away memories of a former lover after a breakup.

Poem of SunlightLe Couple

Hidamari no Uta / Le Couple (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

A massively popular unrequited-love number by Le Couple, renowned for songs that blend a clear, transparent singing voice with sincere, straightforward messages.

It’s a heartbreak song that depicts someone recalling the kindness and warmth of a lover they’ve parted ways with.

Say goodbye to the love I clung to.matsuri

Say goodbye to clinging love. / Matsuri (Good bye, toxic love) [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Matsuri that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman breaking free from a past dependence on love and trying to take a new step forward.

Released digitally in June 2022, it features striking lyrics about the struggle between telling herself she’s forgotten her former partner and the bittersweet memories that occasionally resurface.

The track gained popularity on TikTok and resonated with younger listeners, and a music video starring Yuu Miyazaki was also produced.

It’s a warm breakup song that offers comfort to those trying to face forward despite heartache and to those who still feel lingering attachment to past love.

Goodbye Busyuzu

Goodbye Bus / Yuzu (Cover)

A mega-hit by Yuzu, artists who continue to lead Japan’s music scene with crystal-clear harmonies that captivate everyone and songs that exude a gentle warmth.

This number memorably portrays the moment when lovers are parted.