Tear-jerking songs for men in their 80s: a collection of timeless masterpieces that touch the heartstrings

MoonlightKuwana Masahiro

Tsuki No Akari (2012 Remaster)

Masahiro Kuwana’s “Tsuki no Akari,” released in 1978, is a quintessential masterpiece of Japanese rock-kayō.

His soulful vocals and poetic lyrics, which tenderly convey the pain of heartbreak and parting, are sure to resonate with listeners in their 80s.

It’s a classic ballad you’ll want to hear during long-distance breakup scenes or farewells with someone dear.

Illuminated by moonlight and holding thoughts of a loved one close, it’s the perfect song for taking a new step forward.

Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi

Masafumi Akikawa “A Thousand Winds” Music Video

As a masterpiece of beautiful Japanese ballads, Masafumi Akikawa’s singing voice has left a deep impression on many hearts.

With the powerful, soaring tone characteristic of a tenor, this gem of a song gently conveys the preciousness of life and feelings for loved ones.

Released in May 2006, it became an extraordinary hit for a classical singer, creating a major buzz that included Akikawa serving as the closing performer for the White Team at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

In 2007, it was also selected as the theme song for a Fuji TV documentary drama.

Singing about the feelings one has for someone dear, this work continues to be cherished across generations as a song that resonates in many moments of life.

Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

A masterpiece that sings of hope shining through the bitter cold, its bittersweet sense of life’s melancholy resonates deeply.

Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s vocals, tinged with sorrow yet brimming with strength, seep into the depths of the heart.

Released in 1986, it won the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards.

That same year, it appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and topped the Oricon charts—a work cherished by many.

Masterfully intertwining northern landscapes with the stirrings of love, this song was also used in regional tourism promotions and winter campaigns.

For many, it remains a treasured song of memories.

Why not spend a quiet moment listening to its heartwarming voice?

Words of FarewellKaientai

It’s a beloved song with a gentle melody that accompanies moments of departure and farewell, carrying a warm message.

It carefully speaks to life lessons such as “loving someone deeply,” “accepting sorrow through tears,” and “trusting others and moving forward.” The lyrics were written by Kaientai’s leader, Tetsuya Takeda, based on a heartbreak he experienced in college, and the many words that strike the heart are especially compelling.

Released as a single in November 1979, it was chosen as the theme song for the first season of the TBS drama Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B, starring Tetsuya Takeda.

For older adults who have experienced the loss of a family member, it is sure to be a song that resonates deeply.

By reminiscing together or keeping time with handclaps to the melody, everyone can share a peaceful moment.

Sanguisorba officinalis (Great burnet)sugimoto masato

Masato Sugimoto / Burnet

Masato Sugimoto, known for his gentle and warm singing voice, created a heartwarming piece imbued with deep love for his late mother.

Released by Teichiku Entertainment in February 2007, this work marked a major turning point in his career as a singer.

Alongside a melody full of tenderness, it carefully weaves themes of life’s fragility and feelings for one’s family, resonating with many listeners.

Used as an insert song on TV Tokyo’s music program “Yoko’s Enka Straight Line,” it also earned him a spot in that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

With its warm vocals and lyrics that touch the heart, this is a song you’ll want to sing slowly at karaoke as you look back on memories with your family and friends.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI

An emotionally moving love ballad that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this song captivates with Keisuke Kuwata’s deep vocals and a warmly poetic world.

It begins quietly, then swells like waves of emotion with a beautiful, memorable melody that conveys both the strength and the fragility of love.

Released in January 2000, it was also used as the theme song for the ‘Future Diary III’ segment of the TV show ‘Uunnan no Hontoko!’ and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It won the Grand Prize at the 42nd Japan Record Awards, becoming a definitive song of the year 2000 in both name and substance.

It is a gem that resonates deep in the heart when you want to immerse yourself in memories of a loved one or reflect on life.

I love youOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki 'I Love You' [Lyric Video]

This is a masterpiece that resonates in many hearts as a pinnacle of bittersweet love songs.

Included on the debut album “Seventeen’s Map” and released as a single in 1991, it poignantly sings of a forbidden love between a young man and woman.

The piano ballad that Yutaka Ozaki crafted at the age of seventeen continues to captivate listeners.

Numerous artists, including Hikaru Utada and Koji Tamaki, have covered the song, and it has been featured as the image song for the film “Hot Road” as well as in JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” commercials.

It’s a perfect track for spending a quiet moment immersed in music and reminiscing.

How about a heartwarming karaoke time accompanied by its gentle melody?