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

Cactus FlowerZaitsu Kazuo

Kazuo Zaitsu: Cactus Flower (theme song of “Under One Roof”)

I feel like many of the hit songs from that time were theme songs for TV dramas.

So when I hear a song, it brings back memories of that drama and of who I was when I watched it every week.

In that sense, this song also reminds me not so much of Tulip’s 1975 version, but of Kazuo Zaitsu’s 1993 version “Saboten no Hana ~Hitotsu Yane no Shita yori~,” which was used as the theme song for Under One Roof.

The lyrics are about grieving a love that has ended, yet not clinging to it and facing the future.

If you’re in your fifties, don’t you have one or two such romances you can look back on with a smile?

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

Isn’t Masayoshi Yamazaki’s early signature song, the wistful acoustic guitar ballad “One more time, One more chance,” a quintessential tearjerker? It’s a masterpiece among breakup songs, pouring with lingering feelings for a former lover and a desperate plea to see them again.

In the Name of LoveHamada Shogo

Under the Name of Love — Shogo Hamada

A track from Shogo Hamada’s album “Before the Generation of Love,” released in September 1981.

It drew attention partly because another song from the same album, “Like Sorrow Falling as Snow,” later became a TV drama theme.

Although it’s a ballad in a major key, its melody and lyrics convey a sense of melancholy, and above all, Hamada’s earnest vocals still resonate and speak to the heart even today.

I’m sure many people have all kinds of memories tied to this song.

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Kei Takahata

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SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] SAY YES / CHAGE and ASKA

A song by the musical duo CHAGE and ASKA, used as the theme for the quintessential 1990s “trendy drama” and massive hit, The 101st Proposal.

It’s a track packed with highlights, including a beautiful piano-featured intro and layered harmonies that showcase the duo’s trademark distinctive vocals.

The lyrics, which boldly express powerful feelings for a loved one and resonate with the drama’s storyline, are highly relatable.

It’s a song that should not be forgotten when discussing 1990s J-pop.

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Hoshino Takashi

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CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

A track from Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s third album Kanpai, which was released in September 1980.

At the time it appeared only on the album and was not released as a single.

Later, in 1988, it was re-recorded for Nagabuchi’s self-cover album NEVER CHANGE and was released as the lead single from that album.

It’s said that Nagabuchi created this song for a friend who was getting married, and the lyrics celebrate the start of a new chapter in life.

Many people in their 50s may remember singing it at graduation ceremonies and similar occasions.

It’s a song to enjoy together with those memories.

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Kei Takahata

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Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita "Christmas Eve" Music Video

Ever since it was featured in a JR commercial during the 1988 Christmas season, this masterpiece among masterpieces has continued to sweep through Japan every holiday season.

For many, past Christmases come flooding back like a revolving lantern, and it may even bring them to tears.

Hold me.Matsuda Seiko

Hold Me... (new version) / Seiko Matsuda

This song was included on the 1988 album Citron.

After being performed on a music show, it became a hot topic and, despite not being released as a single, has come to be regarded as one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature ballads.

Its portrayal of a heartbroken woman clinging to a lover who seems to be involved with another woman is deeply moving and brings listeners to tears.