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

Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe

Beyond Goodbye [Momoe Yamaguchi]

It was released in 1980 as Momoe Yamaguchi’s 31st single.

This song effectively served as her final song as a singer and is a message to her fans from Momoe.

At her final concert at the Nippon Budokan, it was performed last, with her singing through tears.

The image of Momoe placing the microphone on the stage and walking off backstage afterward is still talked about to this day.

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!

It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki

Masaki Ueda - Kanashii Iro Yane ~ Osaka Bay Blues.mp4

This is a song released by Masaki Ueda in 1982.

It gradually gained popularity through cable broadcasting and went on to become a major hit into 1983.

It was used as the theme song for the 1988 film “Kanashii Iro Yanen,” in which Ueda himself also appeared.

It is the biggest hit of his career.

His husky, sultry voice conveys the pain and loneliness of heartbreak.

Under the Big Onion ~ Distant Feelingsbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump: Under the Big Onion at Budokan

It was released in 1989 as Bakufu Slump’s 15th single.

It is a remake of “Under the Big Onion,” which was included on their second album, Shiawase, released in 1985.

The “big onion” in the title refers to the gibōshi ornament atop the roof of the Nippon Budokan, and the song—known for its poignant lyrics—is one of Bakufu Slump’s signature tracks.

loveMatsuyama Chiharu

Love Chiharu Matsuyama 1979

Released in 1980 as Chiharu Matsuyama’s eighth single.

The lyrics and music were written by Chiharu Matsuyama, and it reached No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It has been covered by many artists regardless of gender, and Matsuyama’s straightforward, soaring vocals make it a song that soothes the sadness of heartbreak.

Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi

The Clown’s Sonnet / Masashi Sada (3333 at Budokan)

This is singer-songwriter Masashi Sada’s 17th single, released in February 1980.

It served as the theme song for the film “Tobe! Icarus no Tsubasa” (“Fly! Wings of Icarus”), in which Sada himself starred and acted as music director.

The contrast between the quiet piano intro and the expansive grandeur of the chorus that follows is irresistible! It’s a classic of Japan’s New Music era that lets you fully enjoy Sada’s clear, pure vocals.

The lyrics are also profoundly deep, so I hope you’ll appreciate that aspect as well.

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Kei Takahata

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I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN

DEEN - I want to steal you away just like this

DEEN’s debut single, released on March 10, 1993.

It’s one of those huge J-pop hits from the ’90s—a true classic.

Despite being their first single, it sold over a million copies at the time.

Composed by Tetsuro Oda, the song features a poignantly beautiful melody that leaves a deep impression, and even listening to it again now, it’s easy to see why it became a million seller.

Many listeners have likely felt the emotions expressed in these lyrics.

I hope you enjoy it along with your own bittersweet memories!

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Kei Takahata

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