Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
Every listener has their own memories and personal connections to musical works.
This time, we’ve put together a selection of “tear-jerker” songs that are likely to be especially memorable for women in their 50s.
The focus is on hit songs from the 1980s to the 1990s and the popular ballads of the time.
As you read this article, we hope it helps you recall your own “good old days,” and that just hearing a melody or a line of lyrics will instantly bring back the atmosphere of that nostalgic era—letting you feel the power of music.
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Tearjerker songs recommended for women in their 50s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (61–70)
CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie
It was Namie Amuro’s ninth single under her solo name, released in February 1997.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro—although it almost feels silly to spell that out, given how massive a hit this song was.
I remember it being used often as wedding BGM back then.
Amuro’s vocals really resonate with the heart; you could truly call it a timeless classic.
Including the choice of singer, Komuro’s production prowess and his sensibility as a melody-maker make you want to say, “As expected—brilliant!”
I love you more than anyone.Furuchi Toko
When someone treats you gently, your heart aches; when they’re cold, you feel like crying…
This classic by Toko Furuuchi delicately portrays the feelings of everyone in love.
Capturing both the uncontrollable emotions toward a partner and the conflicts and contradictions that come with romance, the song was released in May 1996.
Used as an insert song for the drama “Watch Out for Us,” it was also included as a remixed version on the album “Hourglass.” Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Sowelu, Hideaki Tokunaga, and JUJU.
If you’ve ever struggled with love, scenes from your own experience will surely come to mind.
It’s the perfect song to listen to quietly on your own or when you want to think about someone special.
Goodbyeofukōsu
This was Off Course’s 17th single, released in December 1979.
It’s another classic ballad from the Showa-era New Music scene.
Kazumasa Oda’s wonderfully high, beautiful vocals, the arrangement that brings out their full charm, and the unforgettable lyrics—all of it comes together to create a world within the song that feels so real you can almost sense the cold air of the city just before winter arrives.
Now that I’m in my fifties, listening to it again, I feel like it resonates even more deeply.
I’m sorryTakahashi Mariko
A song depicting a heartrending farewell and lingering regret, released in May 1996 by Mariko Takahashi as the theme for Tuesday Suspense Theater.
With a clear, translucent voice, it poignantly conveys the feelings of a woman who has hurt someone precious and committed an irreparable mistake.
The portrayal of regret over romantic missteps, the plea for forgiveness, and the earnest love for someone dear is deeply moving.
It is a piece that offers profound empathy to those struggling with relationships or who have experienced a painful parting.
A masterpiece that everyone who has known heartbreak or separation should hear.
Words of FarewellKaientai
A song by the folk group Kaientai, led by Tetsuya Takeda, who is also famous for the drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B.” In addition to being used as the theme song for the aforementioned “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B,” it is one of Kaientai’s signature songs and is often sung at graduation ceremonies.
Although it is widely perceived as a send-off song with beautiful Japanese—especially in its use of first- and second-person pronouns—it’s surprising to learn that Takeda actually wrote it as a breakup song after being rejected by a woman he had a crush on.
It might be fair to say that this number, open to many interpretations depending on the listener, stands as a representative piece of Japanese popular music.
AloneMayo Okamoto
Mayo Okamoto’s third single delicately sings of the complex emotions of a woman whose boyfriend was taken by her friend.
Beneath her show of bravado lies profound loneliness and a heartrending longing for the one she loves—feelings that strike a deep chord.
Released in November 1996, it reached No.
10 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s a gem of a ballad you’ll want to listen to quietly when you wish to reflect on the pain of heartbreak and the subtleties of human relationships.
Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki
As a grand anthem casting light on an era without hope, the feelings Miyuki Nakajima delivered to people’s hearts continue to shine.
She wove together a message that resonates deeply, portraying the struggles of unsung heroes buried in everyday life through expressions likening them to stars and celestial bodies.
The powerful rock-infused sound and striking melodic line brilliantly convey a majestic worldview.
Released in July 2000, the song was chosen as the theme for NHK’s “Project X: Challengers,” and it was etched into the memories of many along with the program.
During the 2002 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was performed via a live broadcast from the Kurobe Dam, achieving the highest singer-specific rating of the program.
It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking energy for tomorrow or wishing to cheer on the efforts of those around them.