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

YES MY LOVEYazawa Eikichi

YES MY LOVE / Eikichi Yazawa

This is Eikichi Yazawa’s 11th single, released in February 1982.

It was used as the image song for the ’82 Coca-Cola commercial, in which Yazawa also appeared; for the ad, a take with part of the lyrics replaced by the product name was used.

Yazawa is a singer known for his distinctly masculine, rugged voice, and that appeal is fully on display even in this slow-tempo track, resulting in a song where you can thoroughly enjoy his rich, deeply resonant vocals.

I bet many men in their 50s admired Yazawa in their youth.

Be sure to experience that soul-stirring voice for yourself.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Itoshi no Ellie [Live at Southern All Stars Kickoff Live 2018 “A Slightly Naughty La-La Old Man”, 2018]

This was Southern All Stars’ third single, released on March 25, 1979.

I remember it becoming a hot topic at the time because, in contrast to their somewhat comical debut song “Katte ni Shindobaddo” (“Katteni Shindobad”) and the following single “Kibun Shidai de Semenaide,” this one was a ballad.

I imagine many people have memories of singing this song at school parties and class events back then.

In fact, I’m one of them.

For those who are in their 50s as of 2021, this track was released during a very sensitive and formative period, so I think each person has their own deep memories connected to it.

Please enjoy.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

My RevolutionWatanabe Misato

My Revolution

Misato Watanabe’s fourth single, released in January 1986.

Tetsuya Komuro, who composed the song, had already debuted with TM NETWORK but was still relatively unknown at the time, and this track boosted his recognition as a composer.

It was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Sailor-fuku Dori,” becoming a major hit.

The lyrics, which focus on reexamining oneself and sparking an inner revolution, paired with a catchy melody, are especially appealing.

The song speaks to the strength of pursuing one’s dreams and the importance of finding one’s own way of life.

It’s a track that gives you energy and courage when you’re going through tough times or feel like you might give up.

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.

Forget-me-notOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Forget-me-not (Official Music Video)

This is one of Yutaka Ozaki’s signature ballads and a hugely popular song among fans! I imagine many people sing it at karaoke.

The overall vocal range is B2–A4, and while the chorus features Ozaki’s distinctive, impassioned, pleading delivery, you should hold back your emotions and focus on accurate pitch when doing scoring.

The melody line is simple and easy for anyone to remember.

However, because the contrast in pitch between the verses (A–B sections) and the chorus can feel pronounced, be mindful to keep your facial muscles lifted and project from the same placement throughout so you can sing without straining your throat.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Words of FarewellKaientai

Kaientai was an organization founded by Ryoma Sakamoto that handled tasks like transporting goods and brokering trade—essentially what we’d now call a general trading company.

Given that Takeda Tetsuya admired Sakamoto so much that he named his band Kaientai, his love for Ryoma is truly profound.

Speaking of Kaientai, “Okuru Kotoba” was the go-to song for graduation ceremonies when it was released.

Even after many years, we still remember the lyrics; the song’s quality combined with graduation memories has made it an unforgettable track in many people’s lives.

Whenever you sing it at karaoke, it always brings back memories of graduation—a song brimming with nostalgia.

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka

I LOVE YOU – Yutaka Ozaki (Full)

It was released in 1991 as Yutaka Ozaki’s 11th single.

He performed it at nearly every concert during his lifetime, and after his death it has been used across various media and covered by many musicians, making it one of his signature songs.

With a wistful, sweet voice that sinks into the heart, it stands as one of Ozaki’s finest ballads.