Famous songs we’d like women in their 50s to sing (by age group)

Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

Miyuki Nakajima’s powerful vocals are perfectly matched with the majestic sound.

This work gently illuminates the presence of people who usually go unnoticed yet live earnestly, likening them to “stars.” Released in July 2000 as the theme song for NHK’s popular documentary series “Project X: Challengers,” it gradually drew attention alongside the program’s broadcast.

At the 2002 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was performed via a live relay from the Kurobe Dam and achieved the highest singer-specific viewership rating of the show.

Aim for dynamic, powerful singing like Miyuki Nakajima’s.

Lonely Tropical FishWink

Lonely Tropical Fish (Music Video)

WINK, a duo representing 1980s synth-pop.

Their vocals have a pleasantly laid-back quality, and that relaxed vibe earned them a passionate following among certain listeners.

Their song “Lonely Tropical Fish” is their biggest hit.

Because it features high-note phrases, it’s often misunderstood as being difficult to score well at karaoke.

In reality, there aren’t large melodic leaps within each section.

The high parts and mid-range parts are clearly separated, so if you can use mixed voice or falsetto, you shouldn’t have trouble staying on pitch.

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PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki

Miki Imai – “PIECE OF MY WISH” (from the 30th Anniversary Concert Tour 2015 “Colour”)

A warm, encouraging song that sings of life’s hopes with a bright, translucent voice.

It gently empathizes with a woman weathering rough seas, conveying both the strength to face challenges alone and a tender sense of comfort.

Released in November 1991, it became one of Miki Imai’s signature works as the theme song for the drama “Ashita ga Aru Kara.” It was also included on the album “Ivory II,” and, boosted by the drama’s popularity, earned support from a wide audience.

In December 2015, it was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

A motivational track to listen to when you’re at a crossroads in life or making a resolution.

Miki Imai’s voice, combining gentleness and strength, will softly embrace a troubled heart.

Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Song of Life (Official Music Video)

A gem of a ballad woven by Mariya Takeuchi’s delicate and graceful voice.

With beautiful melodies and gentle piano phrases, it engraves in the heart the preciousness of life and the miracle of human encounters.

The melody that brings to mind bonds with loved ones and the warm, embracing vocals gently heal the listener’s heart.

Originally released in 2009 under the name Mana Kana as an insert song for the NHK morning drama series “Dandan,” it was later released in 2012 as a self-cover by Mariya Takeuchi.

It has also been cherished as the theme song for the NHK docudrama “Kaitakusha-tachi” (The Pioneers).

Loved as a piece that accompanies life’s important moments—such as weddings and graduations—it is a heartwarming song that makes you want to feel grateful for each irreplaceable day before you.

O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Yozakura O-Shichi

This is a celebrated enka masterpiece that beautifully sings of ardent longing against a backdrop of cherry blossoms.

From full bloom to the moment the petals fall, the subtle shifts in a woman’s heart are vividly portrayed through a delicate yet powerful melody and a lustrous vocal performance.

The story-like world it evokes is brought to life by Fuyumi Sakamoto’s assured expressiveness.

Released in September 1994, this elegant work features lyrics by Amari Hayashi and composition by Takashi Miki.

It’s a perfect song for the cherry blossom season—at times poignant, at times nostalgic—when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of days gone by.