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

Endless JourneyMr.Children

Endless Journey / Mr.Children (Cover)

This is one of Mr.

Children’s signature works, featuring impressive lyrics that depict the journey of life and a grand, sweeping sound.

Its universal messages—about the importance of moving forward, the courage to face hardship, and the quest to find your ideal self—resonate deeply.

Released in October 1998 and used as the theme song for the TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it became one of their defining tracks.

It’s a song that will surely support those who keep striving toward their dreams and goals, as well as those standing at a crossroads or searching for themselves.

SymphonyHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Symphony (Music Video)

A song by Dai Hirai that powerfully sings of feelings for a loved one, as if telling a hero’s story of life.

Like the heroes we all admired, the determination to grow stronger for the sake of someone you must protect strikes a chord.

Produced in April 2023 as the theme song for the live-action film “TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room — The Movie,” it beautifully blends Hirai’s gentle, warm vocals with the grandeur of an orchestral sound.

The lyrics, linked to the film’s worldview, are sure to gently encourage everyone striving for the sake of someone dear.

Filled with love, Hirai’s voice makes this a song you’ll want to hear when your feelings for family, a partner, friends, or anyone special grow strong.

homeKiyama Yusaku

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

A song from a father’s perspective by Yusaku Kiyama that weaves together the deep love of a parent cherishing their child and the joys of parenting, expressed through a gentle vocal and ballad melody.

It delivers to the heart, along with the warm tones of the piano, everyday moments shared with a child, a parent’s feelings as they watch their child grow, and messages to the child.

Released in February 2008 as his major-label debut on tearbridge records, it was chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya.” In December of the same year, he performed at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

This is a song you’ll want to listen to during life’s important milestones—such as graduations and weddings—when you want to feel the bond between parent and child.

A woman born in OsakaBORO

BORO – The Woman Born in Osaka

Known as a local song of Osaka, “Osaka de Umareta Onna” (The Woman Born in Osaka) is a track sung by singer-songwriter BORO.

He reportedly wrote it in response to a request for “a song about Osaka.” The original was an epic with as many as 18 verses, depicting the breakup between a man who decides to move to Tokyo and a woman who chooses to stay in Osaka, as well as their lives thereafter.

The version widely known today extracts only several parts, so only the key elements of the story are sung.

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loadTHE toraburyū

THE Toramaru Dragon “Road” FULL Music Video

The signature work of THE Toraba-ryu is a masterpiece that portrays the path of life unfolding serenely on an epic scale.

Powerfully voicing the resolve to face adversity and loneliness, this song depicts a stance of overcoming setbacks and moving forward, leaving a deep imprint on many listeners’ hearts.

Its lyrics, which symbolically express life’s journey, resonate with listeners and offer courage and hope.

First released in May 1992 and re-released in 1993, it achieved an astonishing 2.2 million sales.

It was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name released in 1997 and won an Excellence Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

It’s a perfect pick not only for livening up gatherings with friends but also for karaoke with older audiences.

Be sure to showcase this powerful classic that invites everyone to sing along and share in the moment.

youyashiki takajin

you

Takajin Yashiki, known for his multifaceted career as a singer-songwriter and TV host, remains a legend who continues to influence many artists even today.

One of his ballads, “Anta,” is said to have been created based on memories of his former wife.

In the song, from a woman’s perspective, she steps back to support a man pursuing his dreams.

Let’s focus on the heartrending situation and the deep love that emanates from it.

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Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.