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 (21–30)
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This is the third single by singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada, who made her major debut in her teens and swiftly sparked a revolution in Japan’s R&B scene.
It’s a single cut from her first album, “First Love,” and was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Majo no Jōken” (Forbidden Love).
Lyrics penned from a teenage perspective and vocals with a maturity beyond her years shocked many listeners at the time.
With heartrending storytelling that stirs the soul, it’s a ballad especially recommended for women in their 40s.
Unforgettable DaysMISIA
For MISIA, the song Everything—famous as the theme for the drama Yamato Nadeshiko—is the mainstream choice, but I’ll deliberately go with this song, Wasurenai Hibi (Unforgettable Days).
It’s a song that brings back memories of an old lover, though now you’re just friends… but let’s keep that a secret, since your current boyfriend or husband might get jealous!
Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko
It’s the theme song from the film Porco Rosso.
The story is set after World War I, and it wasn’t made for children.
Still, after I turned 40, the theme song ‘Once in a While, Let’s Talk About the Old Days’ moved me to tears.
It fills you with a gentle feeling.
How about sharing some old stories with your partner or an old friend once in a while?
ENDLESS STORYREIRA starring YUNA ITO
Yuna Ito’s debut single “ENDLESS STORY.” It’s nostalgic that she was still credited as REIRA starring YUNA ITO.
This work is crafted as a ballad with a strong infusion of Western pop elements.
Since it’s a song by an overseas songwriter, some ad-libs inevitably appear, but they aren’t the quick, repeatedly rising-and-falling R&B-style riffs, so it’s relatively easy to sing for this kind of song.
If falsetto is difficult for you, try centering your approach on mixed voice.
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU
It was released in 2009 as the ninth single.
Her delicate singing voice fits the song perfectly, beautifully expressing the bittersweet feelings of a girl with an unrequited crush.
More recently, it drew attention when Flower covered it.
day by dayYoshida Yamada
The song “Hibi” weaves together the memories of an elderly couple like a story.
No matter how many years they live together, they argue and sometimes storm out of the house.
Their child grows up and leaves, and it becomes just the two of them—until, in the end, one of them is left alone.
When the time comes to part, may the tears be warm, and may we be able to express our gratitude.
Melodies Of LifeShiratori Emiko
Emiko Shiratori is well known for the male-female duo Towa Tei Moi and for the theme song of Fun Moomin Family, but this Melodies of Life is the ending theme song of the game Final Fantasy IX from 17 years ago.
It’s a song from a video game that can move you to tears.