Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended classics and staple tracks
If you’re currently in your 50s, songs from the ’80s and ’90s are probably packed with memories of your youth, aren’t they?
And there are likely many tracks from the 2000s that feel familiar and nostalgic as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended songs for women in their 50s, focusing on music from the ’80s through the 2000s.
We’ve carefully chosen only tracks that were popular at the time, so you’re sure to reunite with some old favorites.
We hope you’ll enjoy listening closely—and that this list will also come in handy when choosing songs for karaoke.
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Japanese popular music favored by women in their 50s: Recommended masterpieces and classic songs (31–40)
Hold On MeKohiruimaki Kahoru
Kahoru Kohiruimaki is a female singer who garnered popularity for her strikingly low, cool vocal timbre and soulful singing.
It was an exceptional achievement for a Japanese artist at the time that she was recognized by figures like Maurice White and Prince.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Hold On Me.
While the track carries hints of soul and R&B, the vocal lines themselves contain elements of Showa-era kayōkyoku, making it easier to sing than it might sound at first.
The range isn’t very wide either, so it’s a good choice for women in their 50s with lower voices.
Heavenly KissMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda has many famous songs, but for women in their early 50s, “Heavenly Kiss” may be the one that left the strongest impression.
Among her tracks, this piece is especially characterized by its refreshing melody, yet surprisingly its vocal range isn’t particularly wide.
The English lyrics in the chorus might be a tricky part, but as long as you can pronounce them clearly, it’s quite a singable song.
If you were on Team Seiko back in the day and are now in your 50s, why not give this one a try?
loveHoshino Gen
A smash hit by Gen Hoshino known for its exhilarating rhythm and catchy melody.
Released in October 2016, it drew attention as the theme song for the TBS drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu).
Together with the drama, in which Hoshino himself appeared, it became a social phenomenon, and the “Koi Dance” sparked a massive craze with countless people joining in.
The lyrics’ embrace of diverse forms of love and the empowering force of love that transcends the idea of being alone resonated with a wide range of ages.
It’s also hugely popular at karaoke, perfect for livening up fun gatherings.
A go-to track when you want to feel bright and positive.
Love Doesn’t Stop ~Turn It Into Love~Wink
A gemlike love song that captures the bittersweet feelings everyone experiences at least once—the unstoppable stirrings of romance that sprout from friendship.
Released in November 1988 and gaining attention as the theme song for the drama “I Want to Chase You!”, the track reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart the following year, selling approximately 645,000 copies.
With a swelling premonition of love in one’s heart and emotions that can’t be contained even after learning the other person already has a partner, this timeless classic speaks to all who resonate with that poignant ache.
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho
A gem of a love song that eloquently sings of the joy and poignancy of romance.
It gently weaves a wish for eternal love with a fated partner, and the feelings full of hope and expectation for a chance reunion resonate in the heart.
The collaboration between Miho Nakayama and WANDS drew attention upon its October 1992 release as the theme song for the drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (“Someone Loves Her”).
It surpassed one million copies sold in just 20 days after release and topped the Oricon charts for four consecutive weeks.
Depicting a fateful reunion and unwavering love, this piece is perfect for when you want to reflect on meeting someone special, or when your heart flutters at the start of a new romance.
Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended classics and standard tracks (41–50)
Second LoveNakamori Akina
A heartrending love ballad released in November 1982 that delicately portrays the feelings of a girl inexperienced in romance.
Within its gently enveloping, warm melody, the bashfulness and bittersweet longing of a girl in love are woven.
The song earned Ms.
Nakamori her first-ever No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and is regarded as one of her signature works.
Since June 2024, it has also been used as the departure melody at Seibu Ikebukuro Line’s Kiyose Station, continuing to be cherished across generations.
With its relaxed tempo and tender melodic line, this piece is also an easy, soothing choice to sing at karaoke.
Purple TownYagami Junko
This was Junko Yagami’s ninth single, released in July 1980.
It was selected as the commercial song for that year’s Japan Airlines/JALPAK “I LOVE NEW YORK Campaign,” becoming a major hit that reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and sold a total of 600,000 copies.
Incidentally, the title “Purple Town” is said to have been written with the skyline of New York at dawn as its motif.
While the song powerfully conveys that lively, daybreak scene, the vocal melody is very easy to sing and remember, so please try performing it as powerfully as she does!
