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 J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
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Tear-Jerking Songs Recommended for Women in Their 50s: Classic and Popular Japanese Hits (11–20)
A woman born in OsakaBORO
Known as a local song of Osaka, “Osaka de Umareta Onna” (The Woman Born in Osaka) is a track sung by singer-songwriter BORO.
He reportedly wrote it in response to a request for “a song about Osaka.” The original was an epic with as many as 18 verses, depicting the breakup between a man who decides to move to Tokyo and a woman who chooses to stay in Osaka, as well as their lives thereafter.
The version widely known today extracts only several parts, so only the key elements of the story are sung.
Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko
A song filled with memories of youth.
Tokiko Kato’s gentle voice evokes a deep sense of nostalgia.
Released in 1987, this piece portrays young people who, though poor, lived with hope.
In 1992, it was chosen as the ending theme for Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film Porco Rosso, resonating with many hearts.
It’s a song that can give you courage when you want to look back on memories with someone dear or when you stand at a crossroads in life.
Just loveWatanabe Machiko
Many of us have probably experienced heartbreak.
Sometimes the shock can even make you feel like you’ve lost the will to live.
The song ‘Takaga Koi’ portrays a woman who finds herself in that very situation.
This piece is by Machiko Watanabe, a singer-songwriter known for her expressive vocals.
Her vibrato-laden voice resonates to the depths of the listener’s heart.
It’s also wonderful how the lyrics hint at the drama unfolding in the background throughout the song.
Azure NocturneOzaki Ami
Aozekyoku ~ Serenade is characterized by its romantic yet razor-sharp sound.
It’s a song released by singer-songwriter Ami Ozaki.
To discuss this work, it’s essential to understand the “serenade” mentioned in the title: a serenade is a piece performed beneath a lover’s window to express one’s love.
In this song, the wish is sung for one’s beloved to sing a serenade to them.
There are actually both single and album versions, so be sure to check out each.
JunTakahashi Mariko
Singer Mariko Takahashi, who thrives with her powerful vocals, is not to be missed—especially her breakup song “Jun.” Set on a pier in Yokohama, the song portrays the parting of the female protagonist and a man called Jun.
A key point is how vividly it conveys the woman’s inner feelings as she wishes not to break up.
Because of this, listeners with or without similar experiences can immerse themselves in its world.
The mellow sound that heightens the dramatic development is also a major draw.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Teresa Teng, known as the diva of Asia.
When it comes to her signature songs, many people probably think of this one.
Released in 1986, it’s a moving ballad where passionate, love-themed lyrics blend beautifully with Teng’s clear, translucent voice.
The words, which strike a deep chord with listeners, portray complex emotions that balance profound love for a cherished person with a sense of resignation—entrusting oneself to the passage of time.
Beloved as a karaoke staple, it has been covered by many artists.
It’s a recommended listen when you want to look back on memories with someone special, or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.
Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: Japanese classics and popular tracks (21–30)
Swaying feelingsZARD
This was ZARD’s eighth single, released on May 19, 1993.
It was used in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat and became ZARD’s second million-selling hit.
Since the early 1990s—when this song came out—are considered the golden age of J-pop, I imagine that as of March 2022, most people in their 50s have heard this track at least once.
I’m sure each listener has a personal memory that resurfaces along with the melody.
Izumi Sakai’s vocals are also very gentle and striking.
