Japanese breakup songs sung by female artists

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

The lyrics of “Tobacco” are about how certain things remind you of someone you broke up with.

Just like the title suggests, cigarettes bring back memories of an ex.

Heartbreak is really painful, and I think it takes everyone some time to recover.

In times like that, listening to this song by Koresawa somehow makes you feel lighter.

MPRINCESS PRINCESS

M – PRINCESS PRINCESS (Princess Princess) (Full)

I’m sure you’ve heard it somewhere before.

Princess Princess—affectionately known as “Puri Puri”—was a girl band that defined the 1980s and ’90s.

Their song “M” is probably their most famous track.

This cross-generational classic, with its vivid, concrete lyrics, is impossible to listen to without tears!

First LoveHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – First Love

Let me introduce ‘First Love’ by Hikaru Utada, who is now supported around the world as one of Japan’s leading singers.

If you’re talking about Japanese breakup songs, you can’t leave this one out.

Released in 1999 on her debut album, it has continued to be loved by people of all ages.

366 daysHY

HY “366 Days” MV (MBS “+music” ver.)

Falling in love, dating, breaking up.

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When you experience heartbreak, you can’t help but be left with lingering feelings alongside so many memories.

HY’s “366 Days” is a song that expresses those emotions of a broken heart.

Many people can relate to that feeling of heartbreak.

As a masterpiece, it has been covered by many artists and continues to be loved even today.

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

Tsumugu / Tota

Singer-songwriter Tota, known for a sound that incorporates indie rock and synth-pop, has been drawing attention.

Released in February 2023 and included on the debut album “oidaki,” this digital single features a voice that leaves a deep impression as it speaks to the heart.

When a short version was posted on social media in June 2021, it spread rapidly, and the performance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE also became a major topic.

This work is a love song that depicts parting with someone dear, and a prayer for the future that continues despite it.

The lyrics, which evoke scenes of sending one’s feelings on the sky’s tears and the wind’s song, may leave you with a bittersweet ache just by listening.

It’s sure to gently stay by the side of a heart sunk in the sorrow of farewell.

She and TIP ON DUOMiki Imai

She and TIP ON DUO

This is a famous song by Miki Imai that leaves a strong impression with its portrayal of an independent woman who gracefully moves on from heartbreak.

The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto and the music composed by Chika Ueda, and the urban, smooth sound is wonderfully stylish.

While acknowledging where her former partner is now, the lyrics depict her stepping forward flexibly into her own future; combined with Imai’s transparent vocals, it’s a song that seems to breathe a refreshing breeze into the listener’s heart.

Released in August 1988, the track was used in a Shiseido campaign and became a major talking point.

Jun Sato, who arranged the piece, is also known for winning the Arranger Award at the 30th Japan Record Awards for this sophisticated production.

Why not enjoy this song as background music for a weekend drive or a relaxing café time?

Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing「Time goes by」

A million-selling hit from 1998.

If you’re Japanese, there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know it, right? The lyrics start off drenched in lingering attachment, but by the end they end with a smile and a wish to meet again.

Let’s hope that time will heal everything.