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

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya [Graduation Photo] 2000 Tokyo International Forum

A singer-songwriter with countless hit numbers, known for her distinctive voice you never forget once you hear it and her catchy songs—Yumi Matsutoya.

Did you know that this track, included on her third album COBALT HOUR released in 1975 under the name Yumi Arai, is actually a self-cover of the debut single she originally wrote for Hi-Fi Set? The way we look back on memories of our youth changes with time—what we feel and the scenes we recall can differ at each age.

It’s a tear-jerking masterpiece that resets your heart when you’re tired, especially recommended for women in their 40s.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu

Midsummer Fruit / Southern All Stars (Cover)

It’s a classic summer song by Southern All Stars.

You could say it’s a quintessential tear-jerking medium-tempo ballad.

Every word scattered throughout the lyrics lingers in your ears, and the music, melody, and words perfectly match the scenes that come to mind.

I’m sure it’s an unforgettable track for those in their 40s as well!

Unforgettable DaysMISIA

MISIA – Days We Won’t Forget (Official HD Music Video)

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!

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko

Tokiko Kato – Sometimes Tales of the Past @ Itadaki 2014

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?

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

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

Hibi / Yoshida Yamada [MUSIC VIDEO]

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.