When it comes to breakup songs familiar to people in their 80s, it’s probably the tunes released during the Showa era, isn’t it?
Back then, there were so many masterpieces in pop and enka that portrayed bittersweet emotions.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of breakup songs we hope people in their 80s will enjoy listening to.
If you’re from a younger generation and reading this, please recommend the songs we’re about to introduce to the 80-somethings around you.
They’ll surely be reminded of their youthful days.
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- For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.
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Recommended heartbreak songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic tracks that capture bittersweet feelings (1–10)
Goodbye once moreOzaki Kiyohiko
Kiyohiko Ozaki’s “Sayonara wo Mou Ichido” is a heartfelt breakup song themed around parting and the hope of reunion.
It conveys complex emotions that find love even within farewell.
Ozaki’s powerful vocals gently embrace the bittersweet feelings of two people who chose to part.
Released in 1971, the song was featured in the film Nodojiman and has been covered by many artists, remaining beloved across generations.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone whose chest aches with memories of an old love or who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.
Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi
Hiroshi Itsuki’s “Yokohama Tasogare” is a classic released in 1971.
Set in the port city of Yokohama, its lyrics about a poignant parting between a man and a woman deeply resonate.
Through delicate depictions, the pain of heartbreak vividly emerges alongside the scenery.
Itsuki’s powerful yet wistful voice further accentuates the sorrow of farewell.
Listening to this song may bring back nostalgic memories.
It’s a piece I especially recommend to older listeners who have experienced the parting of someone dear.
Waltz of StarlightSen Masao
Hoshikage no Waltz is a heartbreak song in which Masao Sen’s singing voice resonates deeply.
The regret of choosing to part ways and a profound love for the other person are woven into the poignant lyrics.
Released in 1966, it gradually gained popularity and became a million-selling classic.
It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or reminisce about an old love.
Listening to this song may make you feel the importance of honestly expressing your feelings to someone you cherish.
Morning of PartingPedoro & Kapurishasu
Pedro & Capricious’s “Farewell Morning” is a masterpiece that gently envelops the pain of heartbreak with a wistful Latin rhythm and lyrics that seep into the heart.
The lyrics, depicting a parting scene at a train station, may vividly rekindle the memories of youth for older listeners.
Since its release in 1971 as their debut single, it has been covered by many artists and has remained beloved for decades.
It’s the perfect song for spending quiet time alone or reflecting on memories with someone special.
LetterYuki Saori
Saori Yuki’s “Tegami” is a heartfelt breakup song that captures the sorrow of parting.
Its pure vocals and heartrending lyrics tighten the listener’s chest.
The powerful feelings conveyed in the lyrics are something anyone can relate to.
Released in 1970, it became a beloved classic, earning accolades such as the Japan Record Award for Vocal Performance.
Why not listen to this song of memories and take a moment to reminisce about your youth? It would also be lovely to listen together with older adults and let the conversation blossom with stories from those days.
Yanagase BluesMikawa Ken’ichi
Kenichi Mikawa’s “Yanagase Blues” is a classic that poignantly portrays the ache of lost love.
The image of crying at night in the rain symbolizes the heartbreak almost everyone has experienced.
Against the backdrop of the Yanagase district, the longing for a love one wants to forget but cannot surges back to the heart.
Released in 1966, the song remains one of Mikawa’s signature works, cherished by many.
Its influence extended beyond music, even inspiring a film of the same name.
For older listeners, it may overlap with memories of their youth.
Why not spend a quiet moment reflecting on an unforgettable love, letting nostalgic memories gently resurface?
Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun
Jun Mayuzumi’s “Tenshi no Yuuwaku” (Angel’s Temptation) is a masterpiece that poignantly sings of the pain of heartbreak.
The image of happiness, likened to orange-colored clouds, fades away, leaving only tears—an evocative scene that resonates deeply.
The bittersweet feelings of recalling a former lover are beautifully expressed through Jun Mayuzumi’s captivating vocals.
Released in 1968, the song was also used as the theme for a film of the same name and won the 10th Japan Record Award.
It became a massive hit etched in many people’s hearts.
It’s highly recommended when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart or when you feel like reminiscing about a past romance.
You’ll surely find yourself moved by the voice that gently stays by your side.