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

loveOku Hanako

A heartrending, tear-jerking song: 'Koi (Love) / Hanako Oku'

Even when you like someone but things don’t work out, you end up thinking, “Why am I no good?” But this song goes a step further and asks, “Why does it have to be you for me?” That’s so true.

When people go through painful relationships, they tend to reflect and become a bit philosophical.

Thanks.DREAMS COME TRUE

Thanks.

Among women in their 40s, there are surely many who want to sing DREAMS COME TRUE! While many DCT songs feature repeated high notes, “Thank You.” stays relatively within the mid range.

The overall vocal range is E3–C#5.

It’s more rhythm-focused than high-note-focused.

With a tempo of 127, it’s neither too fast nor too slow, making it easy to sing.

When you sing it, try to keep a conversational, natural feel.

For the occasional high notes, be mindful of the accents—think of attacking each note one by one.

Clearly pronouncing the vowels will also make the high notes easier to hit! The key modulates upward in the latter half, but try not to overthink it and sing it comfortably.

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Kubota Mami

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for a long timeKiroro

Kiroro “Nagaimono” Official Music Video

Nagaira, one of Kiroro’s signature songs released in January 1998.

The overall vocal range is A3 to C5, with F4 used the most, so this calm range should be very singable for women in their 40s.

The high notes come on the syllable “na” in the chorus, which is tricky to pronounce, so you need to project more firmly than you might think.

Try pinching your nose and saying syllables in the “na” and “ma” rows.

When you try it, your voice will usually sound nasal… However, once you can produce a good tone even with that nasal quality, the nasality drops away, and the usually nasal “na” and “ma” sounds become easier to pronounce.

Give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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Thank youikimonogakari

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

A casual “Thanks!” is of course a lovely phrase, but we don’t often get the chance to convey a heartfelt “Thank you,” do we? Maybe that’s because our current relationships are made up not only of good things but the bad as well, and our gratitude embraces all of that.

It’s a moving song you hear in many situations, loved by a wide range of generations.

Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō

Unchanging Love Forever — Tetsuro Oda

A refreshing summer song that became a big hit in 1992 as the theme for a Pocari Sweat commercial.

In fact, it’s a piece that expresses Tetsurō Oda’s feelings for his late older brother.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while remembering a beloved person who set off on their journey ahead of you.

cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

It’s a number that became a huge hit in 1996, as if it had captured the afterimages of youth just as they were in song.

Its gentle, warm lyrics that make you reminisce about your younger days—and Masamune Kusano’s clear, soaring vocals—are enough to bring tears to your eyes.

The most beautiful meNakajima Mika

Mika Nakashima – The Most Beautiful Me (2011 LIVE)

A singer who showcases a distinctive charm not only through her music but also as an actor and voice actress, Mika Nakashima released this as her 32nd single.

The song was used as an insert track in the TV drama “Unubore Deka” (Conceited Detective) and became a hit, ranking No.

1 for the year on USEN’s overall J-POP request chart.

The experience of recalling memories of a precious person who drifted away, along with the changing seasons, is something many women in their 40s may find themselves identifying with.

With its heartrending vocals and melody that pierce the heart, it’s a ballad that can bring you to tears just by listening.

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Hoshino Takashi

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