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

Just by you being herekome kome CLUB

Kome Kome Club – Just Having You Here

At the time of their debut, Kome Kome Club stood out with eccentric costumes, staging, and live performances that incorporated skits, and along with their labelmates Seikima-II and Bakufu Slump, they were sometimes called one of the “three major novelty bands of Sony.” Armed with high-level musicianship rooted in funk and accessible melodies, they went on to rack up hits from the 1990s onward.

Their biggest hit—and a record-breaking bestseller in Japanese music history—was Kimi ga Iru Dake de, released in 1992.

It was also used as the theme song for the hugely popular drama As It Is, and its cumulative sales reached an astonishing 2.895 million copies.

In later years, vocalist Tatsuya Ishii himself described it as “a song that sold too much,” and while it had the side effect of forcing a change in the band’s image, there’s no denying it’s an impeccably crafted “great song.” From the very moment it opens with the chorus, that ineffable, gentle feeling that fills the listener’s heart is something truly rare.

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KOH-1

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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.

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Kei Takahata

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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.

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Kei Takahata

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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.

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.

SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] SAY YES / CHAGE and ASKA

It became a massive hit as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “The 101st Proposal.” Takeda Tetsuya’s iconic line, “I won’t die!” remains one of the most memorable in Japanese TV drama history—it was just so impactful.

Atsuko Asano, who brilliantly portrayed a woman torn by her feelings, also truly shone.

With “SAY YES,” just the “jaaaan” of the intro instantly brings back memories.

From the quiet opening verse to the soaring chorus, ASUKA’s slightly nasal vocals are so pleasing, and CHAGE’s harmonies are exquisite.

It’s a song you can listen to over and over again.

As for CHAGE & ASKA, it seems they’ve been on hiatus since ASUKA left the group in 2019.

It’s disappointing, even for those who aren’t fans!

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.