Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits

First loveHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “First Love” Music Video

A ballad by Motohiro Hata, woven with sincere feelings carried by his clear, translucent voice.

He tenderly portrays memories of a love that ended against the flow of fate, likening them to a blue apple and tangled threads.

Released in January 2013 as the ending theme for the TV anime “Space Brothers” and later included on the album “Signed POP,” this work is a characteristically minor-key song from Hata.

Coupled with Seiji Kameda’s delicate arrangement, it strikingly depicts the pain and regret of a love that reached its farewell while still immature.

Hata’s relatable vocals make it a song that recalls the bitter experiences of a first love.

Mary AnnTHE ALFEE

Mary Ann

A classic youth anthem that beautifully fuses bittersweet romance with an energetic rock sound.

Released in June 1983, this track became THE ALFEE’s first major hit, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and No.

30 on the year-end ranking.

It later climbed to No.

3 on The Best Ten.

Riding this success, the band made their first appearance at the 34th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1983.

Also included on the album ALFEE’S LAW, the song has remained a beloved staple of THE ALFEE’s live performances.

With romantic lyrics woven together in perfect balance with hard rock, this piece is a must-listen for anyone cherishing a secret love.

Friendanzenchitai

Anzenchitai “Friend”

A song released by Anzen Chitai in October 1986 that gained popularity on the TV show “Yoru no Hit Studio” was used in a Daio Paper commercial.

Featured on the album Anzen Chitai V, it drew strong response, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon chart and peaking at No.

2 on The Best Ten.

Koji Tamaki’s expressively rich vocals poignantly convey the delicate emotional shifts of a relationship transitioning from lovers to friends.

The beautiful melody, unfolding from a wistful piano intro into a grand orchestral arrangement, gently resonates with anyone feeling the loneliness of a changing bond with someone dear.

single bedSha ran Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

This is a wistful ballad that poignantly sings of lingering feelings for a former lover, a classic that gently teaches the preciousness of love.

As the protagonist looks back on memories left behind on a single bed, they realize that a romance once taken for granted was in fact more valuable than jewels, weaving a moving drama.

Released by Sharam Q in October 1994, the song became a major hit, ranking 24th on the year-end charts.

It was also used as the ending theme for the anime D.N.A²: They Were Once a Thing, and included on the album Inferiority Complex.

It’s the perfect track for reminiscing about youthful love while sharing memories with friends.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

This song portrays the hardships and setbacks in life, and the journey of overcoming them to grasp hope.

It beautifully expresses the light that awaits beyond tears no one sees and the sweat shed in silence, woven with melodies and words that deeply resonate with listeners.

Released by Yuzu in July 2004, the song was chosen as NHK’s official theme for the Athens Olympics, and, together with the moment the men’s gymnastics team won gold, it became etched in the memories of many.

Loved as a cheer song for everyone striving toward their goals, it continues to offer support: to those taking steady steps toward their dreams and to those confronting the walls before them.

As a piece that accompanies the important moments of life, it delivers a powerful, heartfelt message that truly resonates.

prideImai Miki

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

This song by Miki Imai, released in 1996, was used as the theme song for the drama “Doc.” It was written by Tomoyasu Hotei before he married Imai, and imagining that context, the lyrics feel quite suggestive.

Imai was hugely popular not only among men in their 50s but also among women, admired as a natural and cool actress.

Even with the passage of time, both the lyrics and the melody remain unfading—one of those timeless classics.

If a man sings it, it’s sure to boost his likability.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

This song is imbued with a warm gaze and deep respect for people who usually remain out of the spotlight.

Miyuki Nakajima portrays those who strive to live in places where no one looks, using beautiful metaphors.

It is an ode to unsung heroes who keep making efforts in various places, shining like stars in everyday life.

Released in July 2000, the piece was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s documentary program Project X: Challengers, and together with the program’s moving content, it deeply resonated with many viewers.

It set a record by staying on Oricon’s Weekly Singles Chart for 174 consecutive weeks.

It is a song that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments when the pressures of daily life make you want to stop.