Recommended breakup songs for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese tracks

I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi – I'm Glad I Met You (Official Video)

“I’m Glad I Met You” is a single released by Kyoko Koizumi in 1991.

It was the theme song for the commercial TV drama “Papa to Natchan.” The lyrics are said to be based on Kyon Kyon’s own experience of parting with someone important to her.

To date, this song remains her biggest hit, and it’s one that adults in particular should sing.

No matter how painful the farewells or experiences, nothing is ever in vain.

Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Iwasaki Hiromi

Adolescence (shishūki)

Hiromi Iwasaki was an idol singer renowned for her outstanding vocal ability.

“Shishūki” (Late Autumn), written by the hit-making duo of the time—lyricist Yū Aku and composer Takashi Miki—might have become a completely different work without her vocal and expressive power.

The song was released in 1977.

When singing it at karaoke, recalling your own girlhood can help you pour more emotion into the performance.

Love is overŌyō Fifi

Love Is Over

Ouyang Fei Fei is a singer from Taiwan.

She is still active in music, mainly based in Taiwan.

She has a hit song composed by The Ventures called “Ame no Midosuji,” but if you’re going to sing at karaoke, I recommend “Love Is Over.” It’s a relaxed ballad; although it’s about heartbreak, the female protagonist remains poised and dignified, so it doesn’t feel gloomy.

That’s its charm.

Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana

Hana*Hana “Goodbye, My Beloved”

“Goodbye, My Beloved” is one of those songs that makes your eyes well up just by listening.

When you’re the one who’s been dumped, you can spend a while in a daze.

Their feelings are no longer directed at you, yet you still have plenty of attachment left.

All you can do is wait for those feelings to fade little by little, and this song conveys that pain palpably.

Even so, it also expresses genuine gratitude toward the other person, making it a song you can sing with a clear heart—even through tears.

It was released in 2000.

silver ringchūrippu

Silver Ring / Tulip

During this era, Tulip also enjoyed very strong, enduring popularity, and especially Hineno, who handled vocals, stood out even more than Tazawa.

Their signature breakup song “Kokoro no Tabi” is similar in that respect: it’s uptempo, with a light, lively electric guitar sound, and its charm lies in the fact that it doesn’t quite sound like a breakup song.

Your BalladSera Masanori & Tsuisto

Your Ballad

It’s a Grand Prix–winning song from the Yamaha Popular Song Contest, which was a gateway to success for artists at the time.

Amid a field dominated by folk and New Music, it was the first rock-style song to win.

Its over-the-top performance and rough-edged vibe made it a huge hit.

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

It’s a classic song that depicts a man’s changing feelings as he gradually grows accustomed to the city, eventually telling his lover back in the countryside that he can’t return and saying goodbye.

For its time, the lyrics were groundbreaking, and it became a smash hit almost instantly.

That said, younger people might hardly know the song anymore.