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.
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.
romantic feelingsAikawa Nanase
Nanase Aikawa’s powerful vocals brilliantly capture this classic song woven with bittersweet longing and anxious emotion.
While looking back on happy memories of the past, the protagonist’s confusion about their current relationship is beautifully depicted through evocative imagery like the sound of waves and the darkness of night.
Released in October 1996, the song was featured in a Camelia Diamond commercial and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon chart and selling a total of 1.129 million copies.
Its innovative sound—bringing elements of folklore into J-pop—also drew attention, and it continues to be cherished by many as one of Nanase Aikawa’s signature tracks.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you can’t move on from heartbreak or when you’re struggling with a relationship with someone important to you.