Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
As of 2023, those in their 50s likely spent their sensitive teenage and twenties years experiencing in real time the golden age of Japan’s music industry—from late-70s New Music through 90s J-POP.
Each of you must have your own songs filled with memories.
In this feature, we’ve gathered tracks we recommend for all of you—songs that will likely resonate and move you.
We hope they help you relive and enjoy your younger days.
Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)
Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo
This is a song by Shogo Hamada that exists in two versions: the original, released as a single in 1981, and a remade version released in 1992 as a TV drama theme song.
It was written based on an episode from Hamada’s life—when his mother fell into a critical, unconscious condition due to cerebral infarction.
Though he was consumed by profound sadness and despair, he found himself, in a quiet moment, able to feel kindness toward others.
The song is a moving piece born from that experience.
Kindness Picture-Story ShowMizutani Yutaka
This is the seventh single by Japanese singer and actor Yutaka Mizutani, released on July 21, 1980.
It was the theme song for the second series of the hugely popular drama Netsu Chu Jidai: Kyōshi-hen, in which Mizutani himself starred.
As mentioned, the drama was extremely popular at the time, so as of 2022, many people now in their fifties likely watched it with great enthusiasm.
With its somewhat bittersweet melody and lyrics, it’s a highly recommended track to revisit now, evoking childhood nostalgia.
Enjoy it while reflecting on your own boyhood days.
Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki
It was released in 1986 as Hideaki Tokunaga’s debut single.
The song was created together with Makoto Oki, whom Tokunaga met while working part-time in Karuizawa, and it was re-released on November 1, 1997.
Covered by many artists regardless of gender, this classic has become a renowned ballad, with Tokunaga’s heartrending vocals leaving a deep impression.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
It’s a song included on Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s third studio album, “Kampai,” released in 1980.
After hearing that a friend from his hometown was getting married, Nagabuchi wrote it to offer his congratulations, making it an anthem that cheers on people at major turning points in life.
It’s a moving classic beloved by many men.
unrequited loveHamada Shogo
It was the B-side track on Shogo Hamada’s sixth single, “Ai o Nemurasete,” which was released on April 21, 1979.
Although a B-side, it has since been covered by many artists and is considered one of Hamada’s classic ballads.
I imagine many readers, in their younger days, listened to this song with deep empathy, overlaying its lyrics with their own feelings of love.
Please enjoy it along with your memories of pure romance and the heartache of unrequited feelings.
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu
It’s Off Course’s 23rd single in total, released in February 1982.
This is another classic ballad where vocalist Kazumasa Oda’s clear, high-toned voice resonates beautifully.
The “la la la~” at the beginning of the chorus feels like it expresses, more than words can, the feelings that the title alludes to.
The version introduced here is by Off Course, but there are many cover versions by various artists, including a remake on Oda’s own self-cover album.
If you’re interested, be sure to search for the cover versions as well.
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
Yutaka Ozaki’s fourth single overall, released on January 21, 1985.
It was the lead single from his second album, “Kaikisen” (1985), and Ozaki’s first 12-inch single.
The 1980s, when this song was released, was a time when schools enforced rules much more strictly than today.
Many people who are in their fifties as of 2022 likely spent their days feeling cramped and oppressed by school and its regulations.
Precisely because of those daily conditions, many listeners must have deeply related to the lyrics of this song.
While the lyrics are sprinkled with provocative words, the melody is a beautifully crafted folk ballad—an exquisite balance that makes it a masterpiece.
Ozaki’s vocal performance, which seems to express his “true, life-sized self,” is also outstanding.
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
It was released in 1997 as Kazuyoshi Saito’s 15th single.
Chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV,” this classic has been covered by many artists.
It clearly shows how widely Saito’s vocals are appreciated by fellow musicians.
It’s a tear-jerking song that’s especially recommended for men.
SubaruTanimura Shinji
This is a song released by Shinji Tanimura in 1980.
Created as part of his solo activities launched alongside the group Alice at the height of their popularity that same year, the song became a massive hit after being used in a commercial for Nikka Whisky’s Super Nikka.
Seven years after its release, in 1987, Tanimura made his first appearance at the 38th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song.
It is one of Shinji Tanimura’s signature works.
MPRINCESS PRINCESS
A poignant ballad about the pain of heartbreak, this song was released in April 1989 as the B-side to PRINCESS PRINCESS’s “Diamonds.” The lyrics, written by drummer Kyoko Tomita based on her own experience, are powerfully moving and resonate deeply with listeners.
The memorable phrase “turning to the M pages in the phone book” symbolizes lingering feelings for a past lover.
The single achieved major commercial success, including becoming the first CD single in history to sell over a million copies.
For those in their 50s, it may evoke memories of their youth.
How about listening to it on a long autumn night, reminiscing about a love from your younger days?