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

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita "Christmas Eve" Music Video

This is a Christmas song by Tatsuro Yamashita, released in 1983.

It’s become such a standard that you still hear it somewhere in town every December.

It was originally written around 1981 for an album by his wife, Mariya Takeuchi, but he reworked it into his own song.

The canon section in the instrumental break is famous, and he reportedly spent eight hours recording those eight bars.

You can really feel his meticulous musician’s spirit.

I hope everyone will hum along to this classic.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

SUPER BEAVER’s in-show song for NHK’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” delivers a powerful rendition of aching, unrequited love that truly stirs the heart.

It’s a gem of a ballad where a melody that gently cradles a faint yearning blends beautifully with subtly warm lyrics.

First released digitally on March 7, 2025, and included on the single “Kataomoi / Namida no Shoutai,” out March 12, the track enriches the drama’s world alongside its main theme, “Namida no Shoutai.” With tender, emotional soundscapes and the band’s signature straightforward message, this heartwarming song keeps you company in those quiet moments when you secretly think of someone you love.

Sakura, flutterSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Sakura, Hirari [Official Visualizer]

A heartwarming message song by Southern All Stars that portrays a gentle light of hope, themed around cherry blossoms shining in the spring sunshine.

Through the fleeting yet beautiful cherry blossoms, it tenderly sings of loss, rebirth, and wishes for the future.

The melody is as light as a spring breeze, filled with a warmth that seems to stay close to the listener’s heart.

Released digitally on January 1, 2025, this work was unveiled as the lead single from the album “THANK YOU SO MUCH.” The gently flowing acoustic guitar and soft synthesizer tones create a pleasant atmosphere that evokes the arrival of spring.

Whether you need a moment to breathe in the midst of busy days or are about to take a new step forward, it will surely become a source of comfort for your heart.

In the Middle of a DreamKisugi Takao

Yumeno Tochu

A lyrical love song that delicately portrays the themes of parting and reunion, distinguished by its gentle, melodious tone.

Takao Kisugi’s distinctive vocal style and his sister Etsuko Kisugi’s poetic lyrics blend beautifully, making it renowned as a masterpiece that deeply resonates with listeners.

Released in November 1981, it was included on the album “Yume no Tochū,” which came out in December of the same year.

The album was a major hit, reaching No.

2 on LP and No.

1 on cassette, and ranking 11th in annual sales for 1982.

The song is also famous for being covered by Hiroko Yakushimaru as the theme song for the film Sailor Suit and Machine Gun.

It’s a piece you’ll want to sing slowly at a gathering with friends or coworkers, reminiscing about memories with someone dear.

Wine Red Heartanzenchitai

A Wine-Red Heart (Wine Red no Kokoro) — Anzen Chitai

Released in 1983 as Anzen Chitai’s fourth single.

The song was used as the image song for Suntory’s “Akadama Punch” commercial and as the ending theme for the Fuji TV/National Thursday Theater drama “Machigai Darake no Otto Erabi” (“Choosing the Wrong Husband”).

It was a major hit, winning the Gold Prize at the 26th Japan Record Awards and the Best Vocal Performance at the 13th FNS Music Festival.

As one of Anzen Chitai’s signature songs, its heartrending vocals leave a deep impression.

Your heart is marine blue.Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe

Your heart is marine blue.

This song gently and poignantly portrays a man’s aching desire to tenderly catch the tears of a woman, weary after a farewell, as they drive along the coast.

Overflowing with melancholy and kindness, the lyrics strikingly capture the feelings of a man trying to restore a relationship with someone irreplaceable.

It’s a bittersweet yet warm tale that resonates deeply, with a yearning to return to the summer memories of August.

Released in January 1984 by Kiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe, the song was used as the theme for the drama “Toshigoro Kazoku” and reached as high as No.

9 on the music program “The Best Ten.” It was also included on the album “River’s Island,” winning the hearts of many.

This is a song to listen to by your side when you want to heal the wounds of heartbreak or reflect on your relationship with someone special.

Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

This rock tune celebrating the joy of pure love is a fan favorite that showcases Ulfuls’ musicality to the fullest.

Its lyrics, which candidly express gratitude to a loved one, resonate deeply, and together with its bright, catchy melody, the song lifts listeners’ spirits.

Released in February 1996, it was included on the album “Banzai” and also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” Moreover, it won the Excellence Award at the 38th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect track for getting pumped up at karaoke with friends or for reminiscing about special memories with someone important.