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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Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (71–80)
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
A gem of a mid-tempo ballad by Yumi Matsutoya, whose lyrical melody heralds the arrival of spring.
The lyrics, evoking feelings for a cherished person who has been lost, quietly seep into the listener’s heart.
Released in October 1994 as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, the song topped the Oricon charts and became a million-seller.
It was also featured in commercials for Suntory’s BOSS Rainbow Mountain Blend and All Nippon Airways, winning love across a wide audience.
Brimming with hope, it’s a song that stays close to your heart during life’s milestones—graduations, new beginnings, and other seasonal turning points.
You’re My Only Shinin’ StarNagayama Miho
It’s a romantic ballad that beautifully portrays a moonlit scene.
The song weaves feelings of a miraculous encounter and a vow of eternal love together with a gentle melody.
Under the starry sky, it’s a graceful tale that will resonate in your heart, making you want to listen while thinking of the one you love.
Miho Nakayama’s clear, translucent voice tenderly embraces an emotionally rich world that spins a story of everlasting love.
Released in February 1988 and crafted by Toshiki Kadomatsu, the piece reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It also left a strong impression as an insert song for the TBS drama “Mama wa Idol!” starring Nakayama, and won the Japan Record Awards Gold Prize.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to step away from the busyness of daily life and savor your gratitude for someone special.
Why not spend a calm moment immersing yourself in this heartwarming, gentle love story?
I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi
A gem of a love song by Fuyumi Sakamoto that gently portrays a rekindled romance blossoming between a long-married couple.
The serene melody and her emotive vocals weave a harmony that deeply resonates with listeners.
With warm, tender strokes, it depicts the precious affection found in everyday moments and gratitude for the many years overcome together.
Released in January 2009 as the coupling track to “Pirates of Asia,” the song also became beloved as the theme for Sanwa Shurui’s Mugi Shochu iichiko commercial.
It is included on the album “Love Songs ~ Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru ~,” and has earned support from a wide range of generations.
A recommended track for anyone wishing to rediscover the value of time spent with someone dear.
stationTakeuchi Mariya
A song by Mariya Takeuchi that tells a poignant story of unexpectedly reuniting with a former lover at a station at dusk.
The pain and nostalgia of a past romance seep into the heart, carried by her clear, translucent voice.
Originally written in 1986 as the theme song for the film “Goodbye Mama” and provided to Akina Nakamori, it was self-covered by Mariya Takeuchi the following year.
Rearranged by her husband Tatsuro Yamashita, the piece blossomed into an elegant sound centered on piano and strings.
Its universal narrative, themed around the breakup and reunion that many experience in love, gently stirs the listener’s memories.
It is a gem of a song best enjoyed in the quiet mood of twilight, as you reflect on cherished memories with someone dear.
My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu
It was Southern All Stars’ third single, released in March 1979.
Although Southern later released many hit ballads, this was apparently their first ballad single.
It’s truly a definitive Showa-era ballad classic.
If you’re in your 50s, chances are you’ve heard it at least once.
Beyond the lyrics and melody, I feel that Kuwata’s somewhat simple, rough-hewn vocals further heighten the song’s bittersweet atmosphere.
