Songs to listen to when your heart is tired. Delivering timeless tracks to light the way for people in their 50s tomorrow.

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenNEW!Kawashima Eigo

Eigo Kawashima – Sake, Tears, Men and Women

The poignant lyrics that evoke the sorrow and vulnerability of men make “Sake, Tears, Men and Women” a song that truly resonates.

Included on the 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) by Eigo Kawashima and Homo Sapiens, it was released the following year as a single under Kawashima’s solo name and has since become a classic.

It’s also widely known for being featured in a commercial for the sake brand Kizakura.

Kawashima’s deep, husky voice gently enfolds a sense of aimless loneliness and the bitterness of life.

On nights when you feel weighed down after taking on many responsibilities and pushing yourself too hard every day, why not avoid forcing yourself to get back up, and instead spend a leisurely moment with your favorite drink in hand while listening to this song?

A seagull is a seagull.NEW!Naoko Ken

Naoko Ken “A Seagull Is a Seagull” Live at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA 2023

Contrary to the bright smile she shows on TV, this is a classic by Naoko Ken that sings of bittersweet emotions.

Released as a single in March 1978, it was cut from her 1977 album “Like a Seagull.” The song was written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima, and it’s well known for winning the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards that same year.

It’s a heartbreak song that portrays the sorrow of not being able to become the person your loved one wants, and the resignation of being only your true, unadorned self.

Ken’s husky, wistful voice gently nestles into the hole left in your heart.

When you’ve been pushing yourself too hard every day and feel the urge to pause, give it a listen.

It will tenderly wrap your tired heart and remind you that you don’t have to force yourself to look ahead.

If I Could Play the PianoNEW!Nishida Toshiyuki

If I Could Play the Piano / Toshiyuki Nishida

Toshiyuki Nishida, long beloved as a distinguished actor and known for his warm personality.

His signature song, “Moshimo Piano ga Hiketara” (“If I Could Play the Piano”), was released as a single in April 1981.

It became widely known as an insert song for the TV drama Ikeshima Genta 80 Kilos, in which he starred, and there’s a well-known story that, due to its tremendous reception, it was later promoted to the theme song.

The poignant lyrics, which give voice to feelings that can’t be put into words, and Nishida’s gentle, conversational singing blend exquisitely, quietly permeating the listener’s heart.

When you feel like pausing amid daily life, or on nights when you’re a bit tired of your own clumsiness, please give it a listen.

mermaidNEW!NOKKO

NOKKO – Mermaid / THE FIRST TAKE

It’s a ballad with a deep allure, where a dreamlike atmosphere coexists with raw emotional tremors.

Its beautiful melody and delicate vocals gently unravel the hidden ache and loneliness at the bottom of the heart.

Released as a single in March 1994, it’s a signature masterpiece from NOKKO’s solo era—she is also known as the vocalist of REBECCA.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” it’s likely etched in many people’s memories.

It was later included on albums such as “colored.” When you’ve been running hard every day and suddenly feel the weight of pressure or fatigue, try listening quietly.

Holding both stillness and intensity, this work will gently catch your taut emotions and offer a quiet strength to move toward tomorrow.

Kanda RiverNEW!kaguya hime

Kaguya-hime – Kandagawa

Kaguyahime, a trio centered around Kousetsu Minami, released “Kandagawa” as a single in September 1973.

Along with the earlier album released the same year, Kaguyahime Third, it became a massive hit that symbolized the youth culture of the time.

The lyrics, which carefully capture modest everyday scenes, and the melody, filled with acoustic warmth, gently resonate in listeners’ hearts.

In later years, this classic has often been featured as an insert song in anime and as the subject of special programs.

It is filled with tenderness and bittersweetness that seem to stay by your side when, while living earnestly day by day, you feel the urge to pause for a moment.

Let’s get married.NEW!yoshida takurou

Takuro Yoshida – Let’s Get Married

When you’ve been sprinting through each day and want to let your shoulders relax for a moment, I recommend one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature songs.

Its charm lies in a world that, without flashy embellishment, warmly portrays modest, down-to-earth everyday happiness.

The refined, country-tinged sound gently loosens the listener’s heart.

This work was included on the album “Ningen Nante,” released in November 1971, and came out as a single in January 1972.

Thanks to its timeless warmth, it later became known for being used as a motif in films by director Kiyoshi Sasabe and in a Netflix drama series.

It’s sure to be there for adults who want to cherish the ordinary moments spent with loved ones or to rest a slightly tired heart.

Strawberry Statement, Once AgainNEW!banban

Strawberry Statement Once Again ~ Ban Ban

This work is captivating for its lyrical quality, quietly reflecting on days spent with a student-era sweetheart and the end of youth.

It’s the signature song of Banban, the folk group led by Hirofumi Banba, with lyrics and music by Yumi Arai.

The melody, shining with an urban sensibility, is sure to gently unwind the hearts of mature listeners.

Released as a single in August 1975, it became a massive hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon chart, and was later used as an insert song for the TV drama “To Wives on Friday II: Men, How Are You?” It has been included on albums such as Kisetsufū and has long been cherished.

For those whose hearts feel a little tired from trying too hard every day, it’s a number I recommend when you want to cradle a warm cup of tea and quietly let your thoughts drift back to those days.