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

Aoba Castle Love Songsatou muneyuki

Aoba Castle Love Song by Muneyuki Sato

It was released in 1978 as Muneyuki Sato’s debut single.

It’s a highly popular song known as a local anthem representing not only Sendai City and Miyagi Prefecture, but the Tohoku region as a whole.

Although the lyrics are about heartbreak, it has become a classic that brings tears to listeners’ eyes, with a gentle, heartfelt vocal that evokes the scenery of Sendai, the “City of Trees.”

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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

River of Ten Thousand MilesCHAGE and ASKA

River of Ten Thousand Miles

It was released in 1980 as Chage & Aska’s third single.

It became their first hit to enter the top 10 on the Oricon weekly chart, and the title is said to be taken from the Great Wall of China.

Inspired by China’s Yangtze River, the song is a story-like piece depicting a woman who continues to think of her lover who has gone far beyond the river.

From Yamato with lovesawada kenji

With Love from Yamato / Kenji Sawada

This was Kenji Sawada’s 24th single, released on August 1, 1978.

It served as the theme song for the hugely popular anime of the time, Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato: Warriors of Love.

As of 2022, when this article is being written, I imagine many people in their 50s were captivated by this anime.

It featured an unforgettable ending in which the Yamato, battered and barely holding together after enemy attacks, makes a kamikaze run at the enemy’s super-dreadnought to save Earth.

I think I saw this film in theaters when I was in the fourth grade, and that scene still remains vividly in my memory.

Because this song plays as the Yamato self-destructs, it has become a deeply nostalgic piece for me.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

A song I made for youMatsuyama Chiharu

A Song I Wrote for You Chiharu Matsuyama

It’s the title track from Chiharu Matsuyama’s 1977 album.

Known for his “glass-like” voice, his gentle and clear vocals beautifully bring the down-to-earth lyrics to life.

The folk guitar tone is gorgeous, and it’s a song that would look very cool performed as a solo with guitar, whether you’re picking it up again after a while or showcasing seasoned skills.

It’s a piece that will revive the youth of that era.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Shadows of Youthchūrippu

TULIP - A Shadow of Youth (Single Version)

Released in 1974 as Tulip’s sixth single, it’s a pure love song that preaches that ordinary happiness is the best.

The lyrics can be taken as both a breakup song and a song of beginnings.

Covered by many artists, it is loved as one of Tulip’s signature songs.

Azure NocturneOzaki Ami

Ami Ozaki — Blue Serenade

Aozekyoku ~ Serenade is characterized by its romantic yet razor-sharp sound.

It’s a song released by singer-songwriter Ami Ozaki.

To discuss this work, it’s essential to understand the “serenade” mentioned in the title: a serenade is a piece performed beneath a lover’s window to express one’s love.

In this song, the wish is sung for one’s beloved to sing a serenade to them.

There are actually both single and album versions, so be sure to check out each.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem