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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- 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 tracks (1–10)
Tears of Magnolia ~acoustic~Sutādasuto☆Rebyū
Let me introduce a timeless ballad in music history, “Mokuren no Namida.” It’s a signature song by the rock band Stardust Revue and is also known as a commercial song for Nikka Whisky.
The piece portrays a woman overwhelmed by grief, mourning a man who has passed away.
Those who have experienced something similar will likely find deep resonance in it.
Coupled with vocalist Kaname Nemoto’s husky voice, it’s enough to bring tears to your eyes.
It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki
A gem of a ballad by Masaki Ueda, whose husky voice stirs listeners’ hearts.
Released in October 1982, the song didn’t sell well at first, but its popularity gradually grew, and by the following year it had become a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon chart.
The unique atmosphere created by Kansai-dialect lyrics meshes perfectly with a melody line infused with R&B elements.
The lyrics, which chronicle the pain and loneliness of heartbreak, are sure to strike deeply in the listener’s heart.
If you sing it at karaoke, pouring your emotions into the performance will bring out the song’s charm even more.
Blue airmailArai Yumi
A classic by Yumi Arai that captures the aching feelings for a lover far away.
Its gentle melody and deeply emotional lyrics sink into the heart and resonate with listeners.
Featured on the 1979 album “OLIVE,” the song has remained beloved for many years, even inspiring a TV drama adaptation on NHK in 2007.
The lyrics skillfully portray the changing seasons and the passage of time, expressing the bittersweetness and anxiety of a long-distance relationship, as well as unwavering love.
Perfect for moments of nostalgic reflection or when you’re seeking a song that truly pierces the heart.
It’s also a karaoke favorite, with an appealing, easy-to-sing vocal range.
youyashiki takajin
Takajin Yashiki, known for his multifaceted career as a singer-songwriter and TV host, remains a legend who continues to influence many artists even today.
One of his ballads, “Anta,” is said to have been created based on memories of his former wife.
In the song, from a woman’s perspective, she steps back to support a man pursuing his dreams.
Let’s focus on the heartrending situation and the deep love that emanates from it.
MPurinsesu Purinsesu
A classic song that captures the pain of heartbreak.
It’s one of Princess Princess’s signature works, isn’t it? Although it became a huge hit, it wasn’t initially released as a single; it first appeared on the album “LET’S GET CRAZY,” and was later put out as the B-side to the single “Diamonds.” In fact, it was never marketed as a standalone single.
It’s a quintessential heartbreak song, but you can also feel an autumn-like melancholy in it.
The imagery of flipping through a phone book and the lingering attachment to a past love are things many can relate to.
Since its 1988 release, this song has continued to stay close to people’s hearts.
Stop the clockKarumen Maki
A masterpiece that portrays love feelings that are both heartrending and beautiful.
Carmen Maki’s powerful, expressively rich vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
The melody and lyrics capture the wish to freeze the lovers’ dreamlike moments forever.
Included on the album “Carmen Maki & OZ,” it is one of the smash hits that sold over 100,000 copies.
It’s recommended for times when you want to look back on bittersweet memories of love or moments with someone special.
It will surely stay close to your heart and awaken nostalgic memories.
PRIDEImai Miki
It was Miki Imai’s 12th single, released in November 1996.
To date, it’s her biggest hit, and thanks in part to being used as a TV drama theme song, it became a massive success, selling over 1.6 million copies.
Incidentally, the lyrics, composition, and production were by Tomoyasu Hotei.
Even listening now, it’s easy to see why so many people were captivated—by Imai’s clear, gentle vocals, the tender ballad style, and the lyrics’ worldview that resonated with listeners.
A true classic.
