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.
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Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (11–20)
I want to see you.sawada chikako
It’s one of those truly tear-jerking songs—“THE tearjerker”—that could make you cry just by reading the lyrics without even listening to the music.
The theme of wanting to see you again after your sudden passing moved many people when it was released, and it still does today.
Maybe there’s no such thing as forever…
FlowerORANGE RANGE
Orange Range, known for their high-energy summer anthems, also has a tear-jerking ballad with a strong image: Hana.
The song was a hit as the theme for the film Be With You, promoted with the tagline “The Range That Makes You Cry.” It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it one of ORANGE RANGE’s signature tracks.
The lyrics are filled with gentle, beautiful phrases, and the yearning to convey that tenderness to someone you love makes it a moving number that brings tears.
Even if it’s not about romance, listening to it while thinking of someone important to you will likely bring not tears of sadness, but tears of deep emotion.
HANABIMr.Children
This is the 33rd single by Mr.Children, a four-piece rock band that has consistently led the J-pop scene since the long-running success of their 4th single “CROSS ROAD.” Chosen for many years as the theme song for the TV drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving,” it’s a track cherished by a wide range of listeners.
With lyrics that encourage facing forward in pursuit of happiness despite struggles and pain, the song delivers a message that is deeply moving for women in their 40s.
Its fresh yet wistful, catchy melody offers a liberating escape from everyday stress.
The Sign of I Love You ~Our Future Sketch~DREAMS COME TRUE
This song is the theme for the film “Future Prediction: The Sign of I Love You.” It isn’t a continuation of “Future Prediction” or “Future Prediction II”; rather, its nostalgic lyrics wonder where that couple is now…
It might be nice for married couples to listen to it and reminisce about those days.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
This is the fifth single by Yo Hitoto, a Taiwanese-born female singer who has attracted attention since her debut and has earned high acclaim as both a lyricist and an actress.
The song was created in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States—an event that likely left a real-time shock on women now in their 40s.
Its gentle melody and lyrics evoking unconditional love take on a powerful message wishing for lasting peace when you understand the background behind its creation.
It’s a beloved number across generations, also known in karaoke as the “most sung song of the Heisei era.”
AitaiKato Miria
This signature song by Miliyah Kato, “Aitai,” is included on her 2009 album Ring.
If you’re in your 40s, many of you probably listened to it back then—and even cried to it.
It’s a love song that sings of the anguish of an unrequited love.
It portrays a woman who can’t let go, even though she knows the person she likes has a girlfriend—someone important to him—and she can’t stop her feelings of love.
If you’ve been through a similar kind of love, this is a song you can’t help but relate to.
Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (21–30)
Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children
A moving ballad whose lyrics portray the will to follow one’s heart despite the inner conflict of not knowing what tomorrow holds.
Released in November 1994 as Mr.Children’s sixth single, it’s known as the band’s biggest hit, with total sales exceeding 2.76 million copies.
Many may remember it as the theme song for the drama “All About Young Men,” starring Masato Hagiwara and Takuya Kimura.
It was later included on the album “BOLERO” and has continued to be loved by many fans to this day.
Its message of finding hope amid struggle gently supports a generation shouldering responsibilities at work and at home.
A masterpiece in J-pop history that you’ll want to revisit on a quiet, solitary night.