Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks

Wine Red Heartanzenchitai

Wine Red No Kokoro

A gem of a love song that portrays an adult romance where reason and instinct intersect.

Its melody, passionate yet tinged with a certain fragility, and Koji Tamaki’s sweet, aching vocals resonate deeply.

When we look back on the loves of our past, perhaps the memories of forbidden romances we all may have experienced will vividly return.

Released in November 1983, this track became Anzen Chitai’s first number-one hit on the Oricon charts.

It also drew major attention as the image song for Suntory Akadama Punch’s commercial and as the theme song for the drama “Machigai Darake no Otto Erabi” (“Choosing the Wrong Husband”).

I recommend this piece to those who have experienced profound love that touches on the subtleties of life, or to anyone who wishes to convey long-slumbering feelings in their heart to someone special.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad by Yumi Matsutoya, whose lyrical melody heralds the arrival of spring.

The lyrics, evoking feelings for a cherished person who has been lost, quietly seep into the listener’s heart.

Released in October 1994 as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, the song topped the Oricon charts and became a million-seller.

It was also featured in commercials for Suntory’s BOSS Rainbow Mountain Blend and All Nippon Airways, winning love across a wide audience.

Brimming with hope, it’s a song that stays close to your heart during life’s milestones—graduations, new beginnings, and other seasonal turning points.

SAKURAikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “SAKURA” Music Video

Ikimono-gakari’s major-label debut is marked by a warm melody and delicate arrangement that gently envelop the themes of spring’s arrival and parting.

Weaving in local scenery such as the Sagami River and the Odakyu Line, it brilliantly conveys the pounding hearts of young people embarking on new beginnings, as well as their bittersweet farewells to cherished memories.

Exceptional in its polish for a debut track, it captured the hearts of many listeners.

Released in March 2006, the song was featured in NTT East’s “DENPO115” TV commercial.

Now a staple often heard during graduation season, it’s a recommended track not only for those setting off on a new path, but also for anyone wishing to bask in nostalgic memories.

Don’t give upZARD

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

A signature ZARD song known for its powerful, heart-touching message and warm vocals.

Released in January 1993 as the theme song for the drama “Reiko Shiratori desu!” this piece beautifully sings of feelings for a cherished person working hard far away.

Izumi Sakai’s gentle voice conveys encouragement and deep love for a beloved, resulting in a song that feels close to the listener’s heart.

It has been used as the entrance march for the Spring High School Baseball Tournament and in the 24-Hour TV charity marathon, becoming established as a cheering anthem.

It’s a reliable companion when you want to support someone striving toward their dreams—or to rouse your own spirits.

threadNakajima Miyuki

thread

Since her debut in 1975, Miyuki Nakajima has produced numerous hit songs as a genius singer-songwriter, all the while maintaining a mysterious, solitary presence that continues to shine even in the Reiwa era.

Among her many masterpieces, Ito is one of her most famous songs, first appearing on the 1992 album EAST ASIA.

From the 2010s onward, it was used as background music on television programs, boosting its household recognition, and in 2020 a film inspired by the song was released—testament to its immeasurable influence.

Of course, it’s challenging to capture the expressive nuance that someone like Nakajima brings, but the melody line is easy to sing, so in terms of karaoke difficulty it’s relatively low—making it a great choice for those aiming for a high score.

wailing in griefKudō Shizuka

Shizuka Kudo / Doukoku [Official Video]

Among Shizuka Kudo’s discography, which has produced numerous hit songs since her solo debut in the late 1980s, the best-selling is Dokoku, released in 1993.

It’s a masterpiece with lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima and music by Tsugutoshi Goto, and many women in their 40s today likely have this song in their karaoke repertoire.

The song is set in a relatively low key for a female vocal, making it a great choice for women with lower voices who struggle with high notes.

Kudo’s characteristic, sultry vibrato is applied naturally, yet the difficulty level is modest, with a very memorable and easy-to-sing melody line.

It’s also recommended for those aiming for high scores at karaoke.

Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Hello, my friend

As one of the most important artists in Japanese music history, Yuming—Yumi Matsutoya—is a name that invariably comes up.

Each generation has songs by Yuming that hold special meaning, but many women in their 40s today will likely think of her hits from the 1990s.

From the standpoint of being easy to sing at karaoke, I recommend Hello, my friend.

Released in 1994 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Kimi to Ita Natsu (A Summer with You), it was a massive hit that sold over a million copies.

While it’s packed with that quintessential Yuming flavor, the melody unfolds very straightforwardly and is easy to sing.

There are no particularly challenging high notes or sustained long notes, so with a bit of practice, you can probably expect a high score at karaoke.