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

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Ariake Coliseum)

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.

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Kei Takahata

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Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

Since the 2000s, Hideaki Tokunaga—a veteran singer-songwriter who has continued to pursue a career that probes the essence of being a vocalist—has achieved massive success with his VOCALIST series, which covers timeless J-POP masterpieces.

Released as a single in 1990, Kowarekake no Radio is one of Tokunaga’s signature songs and a standout ballad born of the 1990s.

Beyond its beautiful melody and a vocal delivery that weaves gentleness with aching poignancy, the lyrics—written by Tokunaga himself—are truly remarkable: while nostalgically sketching memories of youth, they ask the radio what true happiness is and what precious things we come to forget as we grow older.

Speaking personally, the sense of wonder I felt when I first heard this song as an elementary school student has only grown brighter with age.

No matter how old I get, whenever I lose my way on the road called life, stopping for a moment to listen to this song gives me the courage to move forward.

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KOH-1

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unrequited loveHamada Shogo

Unrequited Love (ON THE ROAD “FILMS”)

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.

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Kei Takahata

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If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki

If I Could Play the Piano

This is a song by Toshiyuki Nishida released in 1981, with lyrics written by Yū Aku.

Yū Aku won the 1981 Japan Lyricist Award for this song.

It was used as the theme song for the 1981 TV drama Ikemoto Genta 80 Kilograms starring Toshiyuki Nishida, and it became a major hit.

Nishida made his first appearance at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song, and it has become one of his signature works.

MPRINCESS PRINCESS

Princess Princess – M

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?

My teacher is feverishHarada Jun

Netchû Jidai - Theme Song

Jun Harada, known as a singer and actor.

When it comes to his signature songs, isn’t “My Teacher Is Fever” the one that comes to mind? It also left a strong impression as the theme song for the drama “Netchu Jidai” and the variety show “The Most Useful School in the World.” With that unforgettable, catchy chorus, the song remains beloved by many even today.

Incidentally, in recent years, versions with newly updated backtracks and remix editions have also been released.

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yamamoto

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FOREVER LOVEX JAPAN

FOREVER LOVE

This song, known as one of X JAPAN’s signature works, carries a grand scale and profound emotional depth.

Released in July 1996, it was inspired by the storyboards for the animated film “X.” It expresses an earnest longing for eternal and true love, portraying a belief in unchanging love amid changing times.

Beginning with YOSHIKI’s piano performance and featuring ToshI’s delicate yet powerful vocals, it leaves a strong impression.

A masterpiece that brings new emotion with every listen, it evokes the nostalgia and bittersweetness of days gone by.

Its soul-stirring melody and lyrics are sure to resonate with your heart.