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

AloneMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “ALONE” Music Video

Mayo Okamoto’s third single delicately sings of the complex emotions of a woman whose boyfriend was taken by her friend.

Beneath her show of bravado lies profound loneliness and a heartrending longing for the one she loves—feelings that strike a deep chord.

Released in November 1996, it reached No.

10 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It’s a gem of a ballad you’ll want to listen to quietly when you wish to reflect on the pain of heartbreak and the subtleties of human relationships.

I Want to See You ~Missing You~Matsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda – I Want to See You ~Missing You~ (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

A gemlike love ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak everyone experiences at least once and the longing for a reunion.

The tender, heartrending lyrics penned by Seiko Matsuda herself are etched deeply in the heart along with nostalgic memories.

Each time her sweet, soft voice rings out over the gentle melody, memories of a past lover come flooding back.

Released in April 1996, this song drew major attention as the ending theme for “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle” and as a Canon commercial song.

It’s the kind of nostalgic love song you’ll find yourself softly humming on nights when you recall the warmth of someone you once loved, immersing yourself in the feelings of those days.

Perfume of loveglobe

globe / Perfume of love

For those in their 40s, many probably immersed themselves in the height of the TK sound during their youth—it’s etched into their memories.

globe is one of the emblematic artists from that era, with numerous hit songs and many timeless tracks that are still listened to today.

While they have many songs about love, “Perfume of love” stands out as a popular number about a sorrowful romance.

It’s a deeply moving and relatable song that captures the sense of loss after a breakup and those helpless, aimless feelings.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie

Harunanoni

A classic by Yoshie Kashiwabara that portrays a farewell with a loved one on graduation day, set to a gentle melody and wistful lyrics.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima, it won the Gold Prize at the 25th Japan Record Awards in 1983, the year it was released.

The memorable phrase repeated in the chorus beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling of parting during a season of new beginnings, resonating with many listeners.

The piano- and strings-centered arrangement further enhances its emotive world.

For many, it remains etched in the heart alongside memories of graduation season.

A gem of a ballad with timeless appeal that lingers in the heart, together with cherished memories of youth.

rainMoritaka Chisato

Ame

A heart-stirring ballad by Chisato Moritaka, where the poignancy of heartbreak overlaps beautifully with rainy scenery.

Since its release in September 1990, this song has marked a turning point as she evolved toward a more artist-driven direction.

The delicate vocals weave a story of unrequited love, vividly portraying the complex emotions of a woman parting with her lover in the rain.

Released by Warner-Pioneer, the track reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It’s the perfect accompaniment for quiet moments—when you want to empathize with the ache of love, on a gently rainy afternoon, or during a nighttime drive to sort out your thoughts.