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

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.

Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.

Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.

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.

somedaySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.

Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.

Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.

Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.

Tears of Magnolia ~acoustic~Sutādasuto☆Rebyū

“Tears of Magnolia ~acoustic~” Stardust☆Review [LIVE]

Let me introduce a timeless ballad in music history, “Mokuren no Namida.” It’s a signature song by the rock band Stardust Revue and is also known as a commercial song for Nikka Whisky.

The piece portrays a woman overwhelmed by grief, mourning a man who has passed away.

Those who have experienced something similar will likely find deep resonance in it.

Coupled with vocalist Kaname Nemoto’s husky voice, it’s enough to bring tears to your eyes.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

MissingKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video Short ver.]

Toshinobu Kubota delivers the bittersweet ache of an unattainable love with a sweet yet powerful voice.

The portrait of a love that cannot be fulfilled is drawn alongside a beautiful melody that seeps deep into the heart.

Included on his debut album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986, the song was used as the ending theme for the TV programs “Uwasa-teki Tatsujin” and “World Pro Wrestling.” It’s a recommended track for times when you want to immerse yourself in memories of past love or revisit precious recollections you keep tucked away in your heart.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

A signature song by Noriyuki Makihara, distinguished by its heartwarming melody that embraces both the ache of heartbreak and a brave front.

It gently portrays memories of a former lover and the nostalgia of everyday life, while the protagonist’s resolve to move forward resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in May 1992, it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “After the Children Are Asleep.” Included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” it became a major hit, ranking 7th on Oricon’s year-end chart.

This piece is a companion for those standing at life’s crossroads.

When you gather with friends for karaoke, its universally relatable lyrics and melody are sure to warm the heart.

Another SaturdayHamada Shogo

Another Saturday (single / 1985)

Shogo Hamada’s classic “Another Saturday.” Although this song is renowned for being easy to sing, that doesn’t mean it has a narrow vocal range.

In fact, it spans a fairly typical range of mid1 C to mid2 F.

So why is it considered easy? Because the average pitch centers around mid2 A#, the so-called “A,” which sits in the middle area where humans find it easiest to produce sound.

The vocal line also has few dramatic rises and falls, so as long as you adjust the key properly, it’s a song with which anyone can aim for a high score.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem