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
Tearjerker songs recommended for women in their 40s: Japanese classics and popular hits (1–10)
366 daysHY
A four-member hybrid band, HY, based in Okinawa, who are active in music while also producing the natural brand “HeartY.” This song was used as the theme for Akai Ito, which started as a mobile-phone novel and was later adapted into a TV drama and a film.
Its poignant lyrics—drawn from the real-life experiences of keyboardist-vocalist Izumi Nakasone—have resonated especially with women, making it a standout ballad.
The vivid, scene-evoking words may prompt many women in their 40s to see their own experiences reflected.
It’s a breakup song from a woman’s perspective—one to listen to when you want to have a good cry.
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
Released in 1997, this song was also the theme for the film “The Moon and the Cabbage,” in which Masayoshi Yamazaki himself starred.
It’s one of his signature tracks.
With a gently soothing intro, it’s a heartbreak song that poignantly voices a painfully lingering attachment.
A quintessential Japanese tear-jerking ballad that has been beloved for many years.
dearestFukuyama Masaharu
This song, “Saiai” (Beloved), was written by Masaharu Fukuyama as the theme for the film Galileo: The Devotion of Suspect X, in which he also appears.
Although it was released by the duo KOH+—Ko Shibasaki and Masaharu Fukuyama—this is the version sung by Fukuyama himself.
It presents a different expression from Shibasaki’s rendition, becoming an even more heartrending number.
It’s a love song that conveys feelings of love for someone dear—someone you will likely never meet again—and the regret of wishing you had done things differently back then.
Tomorrow never knowsNEW!Mr.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.
MPRINCESS PRINCESS
A song by Princess Princess, the five-member rock band affectionately known as Puri-Puri, who were an iconic presence in the 1980s girls’ rock scene.
It was included as the B-side to their seventh single, “Diamonds,” which was a massive hit, and both are well known as signature songs of Puri-Puri.
Although it had no tie-in and was a B-side track, it later became known for being covered by numerous artists.
Its lyrical melody set to a relaxed shuffle beat really tugs at the heartstrings—a masterpiece that many women in their 40s, the generation that grew up with it, can hardly listen to without tears.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
This is the 10th single by singer Mika Nakashima, who made her simultaneous debut as a singer and actress in the TV drama “Kizudarake no Love Song,” winning fans with her exotic charm.
Since its release, the song has been covered for many years by a variety of artists both in Japan and abroad, and its fleeting, delicate melody perfectly evokes the title.
The message—that the ordinary moments spent with someone important are precious—will likely resonate with many women in their 40s.
With its clear, translucent vocals that soothe the heart, this track has become synonymous with Mika Nakashima herself.
OH MY LITTLE GIRLOzaki Yutaka
This is the 14th single by singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, who commanded immense popularity with powerful messages that spoke for the youth and overwhelming charisma, yet tragically passed away at the young age of 26.
A ballad that secured numerous tie-ins with dramas and films and became a million seller.
Its lyrics, which make you feel you are loved wholeheartedly and sincerely, are likely to resonate deeply with women in their 40s.
Influenced by many cover versions by various musicians, this gem of a love song is cherished by a wide range of listeners.