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.
- Favorite Songs for Women in Their 50s: A Curated Selection of Sweet and Bittersweet Love Ballads!
- Energizing songs recommended for women in their 50s
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Famous songs we’d like women in their 50s to sing (by age group)
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- Recommended breakup songs for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended classics and staple tracks
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Good songs recommended for people in their 50s: classic and popular J-pop tracks.
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Recommended for the Yutori generation! Tear-jerking masterpieces from the J-pop scene
Tear-Jerking Songs Recommended for Women in Their 50s: Classic and Popular Japanese Hits (11–20)
Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko
Included on Seiko Matsuda’s 13th album SUPREME, which was released in June 1986.
Seiko Matsuda has released many songs, and Ruriiro no Chikyuu (Azure Earth) is one of her signature tracks, but astonishingly, it has never been released as a single! There are numerous remakes by Matsuda herself as well as cover versions by other artists, which also speaks to the song’s classic status.
The piece itself is a very beautiful ballad centered on piano and vocals; just listening to it brings vivid images of our beautiful planet to mind and leaves you with a gentle, soothing feeling.
Love is overŌyō Fifi
This song, one of Faye Ouyang’s signature works, evokes a lingering poignancy and deep emotion.
The lyrics, which convey the pain of heartbreak and profound affection for the other person, resonate with listeners.
Originally released in 1979 as a B-side, it did not make a notable impact at first, but word of mouth gradually spread, leading to its re-release as an A-side in July 1980.
Since then, it has continued to be cherished, become known as a classic, and has been covered by many artists.
For those with rich life experiences, it is a song that will be etched in the heart along with memories.
Its relaxed atmosphere also makes it perfect for spending time with someone special.
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.
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.
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.
Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: Japanese classics and popular tracks (21–30)
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.