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

ForeverGosuperāzu

The Gospellers “To Eternity” at International Forum 2017/7/9 Short Ver.

This celebrated song, which sings of an eternal bond with a loved one, gently conveys the unbreakable feelings that exist precisely because love is formless.

Transcending physical distance, the unwavering longing for the other person resonates in the heart alongside beautiful harmonies.

Released in August 2000, the track stayed on the Oricon chart for an impressive 44 weeks and was selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s JAPAN COUNTDOWN.

Its diverse arrangements—hallmarks of The Gospellers—are part of its appeal, including the Album Version on the album “Soul Serenade” and the “unplugged live version” included on the single “Hitori.” It remains a beloved song that makes you want to sing while thinking of someone special, especially after time spent talking with friends.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI

Known as a masterpiece that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this work is a moving love song celebrated as one of Southern All Stars’ signature pieces.

It’s a gem of a ballad that expresses the sorrow of losing someone dear through a grand melody, fully showcasing Keisuke Kuwata’s exceptional songwriting and composing talent.

Released in January 2000, it topped the Oricon weekly charts and won the Japan Record Award the same year.

It was also selected as the theme song for the popular segment “Mirai Nikki III” on the TV program “U-nan no Hontoko!,” becoming a classic beloved across generations.

As a heartwarming song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of losing someone special, it’s also highly recommended for karaoke.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A gem of a ballad, richly expressing the bittersweet feelings of winter love, has been delivered by Keisuke Kuwata.

It’s a moving piece that looks back on warm memories of love, as if wrapped in snow, with a sense of blessing.

Rather than lamenting a past romance as a mere failure, it impressively celebrates the moments of that love from the heart.

Accompanied by a beautiful, resonant melody, it conveys a gentle warmth within the chill of winter.

Released in October 2001, the song was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and sold 520,000 copies on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a perfect choice for winter karaoke with family and close friends when you want to share heartwarming memories.

countrysideTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

This is a gem of a masterpiece by Koji Tamaki, depicting people who, while facing the weaknesses and conflicts hidden within, live with strength.

The song richly portrays life as it is: a solitary soul kicking a stone, eyes gazing at the night sky in prayer, and an oil-stained back fallen silent.

Its melody gently teaches the importance of not overreaching, but simply taking one step at a time and steadily doing what you can.

Released in July 1996, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Coach” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels lost or anxious in daily life, or who is searching for a way of living that is true to themselves.

Goodbye DayKisugi Takao

Goodbye Day

Takao Kisugi is one of the composers who defined the 1980s.

He wrote numerous classic songs such as “Silhouette Romance” and “Slow Motion,” and for a time he was also active as a singer-songwriter.

Among Kisugi’s many works, the one I especially recommend is “Goodbye Day.” It’s a piece where his signature ‘Kisugi style’ is in full bloom, but on top of that, it has a smooth finish and a very singable vocal line with a narrow range.

There are plenty of long tones, but the melodic contours are very gentle, so a man in his 50s should be able to sing it without any trouble.

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I knew it—I love you.yashiki takajin

I knew it—I love you.

It was released in 1986 as Takajin Yashiki’s 13th single.

Composed by composer Shika Montaro, it was the first song he wrote for Yashiki.

Because Shika, who was born in Tokyo and admired Kansai culture, wrote it, the lyrics are not in perfectly accurate Osaka dialect.

However, he wished to sing about a woman’s heart, so it was released as is—an anecdote that has made it one of Takajin Yashiki’s signature songs.

MelodyTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki “Melody” Live at Tokyo International Forum 1997/11/22

A gem of a ballad that gently envelops nostalgia for the past and feelings for what has been lost.

Koji Tamaki’s delicate vocals resonate deeply in this piece, where straightforward lyrics and a simple melody blend beautifully.

Carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, it quietly sings of the resolve to face forward while holding cherished memories close.

Released in May 1996, the song has been covered by many artists over the years and has grown in esteem.

A heartwarming track that pairs perfectly with a leisurely night drive or a quiet moment alone in thought.