Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, he built experience as a composer and producer at a major label, then moved to the United States. In Los Angeles, he studied vocalization and singing under top voice trainer Elizabeth Sabine, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal method she advocated. After returning to Japan, he trained and produced a variety of singers, earning high praise for his direction that maximized the appeal of both the songs and the vocalists. In a collaboration video with Guild’s vocalist ryuichi, he handled keyboard performance, vocal direction, and sound production. (Passed away in 2025)

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.

Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (71–80)

I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki

Only Looking at You (2019 Remastered)

I'm only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki

This song poignantly portrays a woman’s bittersweet feelings as she changes herself for love.

Her determination and inner conflict to be reborn for her lover are depicted in contrast to the upbeat melody.

Maki Ohguro’s powerful vocals vividly express the protagonist’s pain and wavering emotions.

Released in December 1993, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.

Within about three months of its release, it became a million seller and has been included on multiple albums, such as “Toward the Eternal Dream” and “BACK BEATs #1.” It’s a song I especially recommend to those who can relate to the struggle between staying true to oneself and being in love.

Its heartrending melody and down-to-earth lyrics gently embrace the complex emotions of romance.

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AloneMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “ALONE” Music Video

Alone Miyo 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.

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I can’t stop this sadnessAnri

I can’t stop the sorrow — I CAN’T STOP THE LONELINESS

I can't stop this sadnessAnri

A gem of a love song by Anri that conveys the poignant emotions of a woman whose boyfriend has been taken by her best friend, expressed through an urbane melody and sophisticated arrangement.

With her warm vocal timbre and graceful singing, your heart aches for the heroine who loses both her lover and her friend at once.

Released in November 1983, the song was issued as an advance single from the album “Timely!!” and reached No.

4 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Bolstered by its tie-in with a Shiseido commercial, it generated a huge response.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to heal the pain of a breakup—something everyone experiences at least once—while reflecting the complicated feelings stirred by the evolving relationship between friend and lover.

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I’m sorryTakahashi Mariko

I'm sorry…

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.

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After you passed byTHE ALFEE

After you passed by

After you passed byTHE ALFEE

This is The Alfee’s 26th single, released in March 1987.

It was produced as the theme song for Toho-distributed animated film “Touch 3: After You Passed By.” Toshihiko Takamizawa takes the lead vocals on this track, and his clear, high voice combined with the symphonic arrangement creates a very beautiful ballad.

The anime film “Touch 3,” for which this song serves as the theme, was also a major hit, so I’m sure there are many people who feel a strong attachment to it.

I hope you enjoy it.

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