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

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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Kubota Mami

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Breath of DawnChekkāzu

The Checkers “Breath of Dawn” MV

It was released in 1990 as The Checkers’ 22nd single.

While it’s a straightforward love song, it was created for all the people who reached out to support them.

It was used as the campaign song for the film “Tasmania Story.” With this song, they made their seventh consecutive appearance—seventh overall—at the 41st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

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.