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 (51–60)
LOVE LOVE LOVEDREAMS COME TRUE
This is a song by DREAMS COME TRUE released in 1995.
It’s also said to be DCT’s biggest hit, a massive hit song.
It’s left such a strong impression that you almost feel like the track can only be truly heard with Miwa Yoshida’s husky yet soaring vocals.
The intro alone floods you with nostalgia.
The melody is basically a simple, repeated motif, making it easy to follow.
The lyrics are on the sparse side, but when you really listen to those few lines, they make you think about so many things.
A swirl of feelings and memories rises up, and the tears come naturally.
likeDREAMS COME TRUE
When you’ve had your heart broken.
When you realize just how much you love someone.
When you remember an old romance.
This classic ballad by Dreams Come True gently stays by your side in those moments when you feel like shedding a few tears.
Precisely because the words are so simple, they somehow seep into your heart.
The wistful sustained notes in the chorus are a must-hear.
Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu
No introduction needed: this is Southern All Stars’ 31st single, released in 1992.
Kuwata’s voice, sung in an overwhelmingly gentle tone, has a certain luster to it.
It later became a massive hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta.” Stylish dramas from that era were known as “trendy dramas,” and I think just the sound of that term is enough to make many people feel nostalgic.
Chikako Kaku and Hiroshi Fuse made a perfect pair.
It’s a spot-on track for those in their 50s.
Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi
It was singer Ayumi Nakamura’s third single, released in May 1988.
The song tells a story from the perspective of a girl hurt by love, and I imagine many listeners can relate to those lyrics.
I myself first learned about Ayumi Nakamura through this song and still remember when it came out; I recall being surprised by her slightly raspy voice, which you couldn’t really call pretty in the conventional sense for a singer at the time.
But in a way, that “awkward” style of singing actually heightens the song’s emotional world.
Tearjerker songs recommended for women in their 50s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (61–70)
I love you more than anyone.Furuchi Toko
When someone treats you gently, your heart aches; when they’re cold, you feel like crying…
This classic by Toko Furuuchi delicately portrays the feelings of everyone in love.
Capturing both the uncontrollable emotions toward a partner and the conflicts and contradictions that come with romance, the song was released in May 1996.
Used as an insert song for the drama “Watch Out for Us,” it was also included as a remixed version on the album “Hourglass.” Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Sowelu, Hideaki Tokunaga, and JUJU.
If you’ve ever struggled with love, scenes from your own experience will surely come to mind.
It’s the perfect song to listen to quietly on your own or when you want to think about someone special.
CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie
It was Namie Amuro’s ninth single under her solo name, released in February 1997.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro—although it almost feels silly to spell that out, given how massive a hit this song was.
I remember it being used often as wedding BGM back then.
Amuro’s vocals really resonate with the heart; you could truly call it a timeless classic.
Including the choice of singer, Komuro’s production prowess and his sensibility as a melody-maker make you want to say, “As expected—brilliant!”
Goodbyeofukōsu
This was Off Course’s 17th single, released in December 1979.
It’s another classic ballad from the Showa-era New Music scene.
Kazumasa Oda’s wonderfully high, beautiful vocals, the arrangement that brings out their full charm, and the unforgettable lyrics—all of it comes together to create a world within the song that feels so real you can almost sense the cold air of the city just before winter arrives.
Now that I’m in my fifties, listening to it again, I feel like it resonates even more deeply.