Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
Here are some tear-jerking J-Pop songs I’d recommend for women in their 40s!
Your 40s can be a busy time, with lots of changes both at work and in your personal life.
In the midst of an overly hectic routine, you might feel worn out or suddenly feel like crying when you finally get a moment to breathe.
At times like that, why not listen to some songs that let you cry and reset your feelings?
I’ve gathered a variety of moving tracks—songs you might have listened to in your youth, as well as ones that resonate precisely because of the age you are now.
When your body and mind both feel unsettled, please give them a listen.
- Love songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Recommended tear-jerking songs for women: classic and popular J‑pop tracks
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 30s: timeless Japanese hits that touch the heart
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Calling all low-voiced women in their 40s!] Songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- Uplifting songs recommended for women in their 40s
- Attractive songs recommended for women in their 40s: Karaoke tracks that are popular with men
Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese hits (71–80)
Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki
This song is imbued with a warm gaze and deep respect for people who usually remain out of the spotlight.
Miyuki Nakajima portrays those who strive to live in places where no one looks, using beautiful metaphors.
It is an ode to unsung heroes who keep making efforts in various places, shining like stars in everyday life.
Released in July 2000, the piece was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s documentary program Project X: Challengers, and together with the program’s moving content, it deeply resonated with many viewers.
It set a record by staying on Oricon’s Weekly Singles Chart for 174 consecutive weeks.
It is a song that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments when the pressures of daily life make you want to stop.
PRIDEImai Miki
A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.
Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.
It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.
Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.
For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.
romantic feelingsAikawa Nanase
Nanase Aikawa’s powerful vocals brilliantly capture this classic song woven with bittersweet longing and anxious emotion.
While looking back on happy memories of the past, the protagonist’s confusion about their current relationship is beautifully depicted through evocative imagery like the sound of waves and the darkness of night.
Released in October 1996, the song was featured in a Camelia Diamond commercial and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon chart and selling a total of 1.129 million copies.
Its innovative sound—bringing elements of folklore into J-pop—also drew attention, and it continues to be cherished by many as one of Nanase Aikawa’s signature tracks.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you can’t move on from heartbreak or when you’re struggling with a relationship with someone important to you.
Tearjerker songs recommended for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (81–90)
Pink sighTakahashi Mariko
It is a masterpiece that fuses an exotic, Mediterranean-like atmosphere with an urban, sophisticated sound.
The song dreamily portrays a woman who blossoms like a flower when embraced by her lover, expressing both the beauty and the fragility of love.
Mariko Takahashi’s delicate yet powerful vocals further deepen the work’s unique world.
Released in May 1984 as the commercial song for Sanki’s “Camellia Diamond,” it was also included on the album Triad.
Highly acclaimed—including winning the Lyrics Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards—it became a long-running hit.
With a quiet mood that hints at hidden passion, this is a perfect track for spending peaceful moments with someone special.
ORIONNakajima Mika
A gem of a ballad that delicately portrays emotions where loneliness and hope intersect.
Mika Nakashima’s clear, translucent voice lends profound conviction to the story.
Released in November 2008 as an insert song for the TBS drama “Ryusei no Kizuna,” the piece also coincided with Nakashima’s long-awaited return to acting in the same series, drawing attention for both her music and performance.
Cherishing the precious memories shared, this song gives the courage to take a new step forward.
As a timeless classic that continues to warm many hearts, it is sure to resonate with men in their 40s as well.
In a new cityImai Miki
A signature song by Miki Imai, woven with warm words and a gentle melody that stays close during life’s turning points.
It’s a gem-like ballad that closes her August 1990 album “retour.” The calmly flowing melody and Imai’s clear, transparent vocals softly depict the resolve and hope needed to live in a new environment.
When facing major milestones such as moving or changing jobs, this piece will sit close to the listener’s heart and gently give them a push forward.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
Is there any song that expresses the feelings I have for you so powerfully, so poignantly, and so straightforwardly? It’s not just because the vocal expression is phenomenal—the lyrics, melody, arrangement, and performance all come together as one force that reaches the heart.
It’s a number whose bittersweet ONE OK ROCK melody resonates in the chest and is loved by a wide range of generations.