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.

Playlist

Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	366 daysHY		A heartfelt ballad by HY from Okinawa
2	One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki’s film theme song, a classic heartbreak ballad
3	dearestFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama passionately performed the movie’s theme song, “Saiai.”
4	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		The signature ballad from Mr.Children’s biggest hit
5	MPRINCESS PRINCESS		A classic hit by Puri Puri, a lyrical and moving song.
6	Snow BlossomNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s popular single, a song of memories and bonds
7	OH MY LITTLE GIRLOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s Heartfelt Love Songs
8	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		A famous song by Rimi Natsukawa from Okinawa, a heart-healing melody.
9	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		Makihara Noriyuki's youth hit songs
10	Tears of MagnoliaSutaadasuto Rebyuu		A masterpiece by Stardust Revue, the sound of melancholy
11	OrangeSMAP		Coupling song to SMAP’s hit “Lion Heart”
12	DearNakajima Mika		A life-changing love and unforgettable memories
13	nape (of the neck)aiko		aiko’s classic song “Eriashi” resonates with the heart.
14	FlowerORANGE RANGE		The movie’s theme song “Hana” is a moving piece of music.
15	I want to see you.sawada chikako		A song that sings of the sorrow and feelings of a sudden farewell
16	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo’s iconic peace-anthem, set against the backdrop of a terrorist incident
17	HANABIMr.Children		Mr.Children's popular single, 'The Courage to Look Forward'
18	The Sign of I Love You ~Our Future Sketch~DREAMS COME TRUE		Movie theme song, a nostalgic love story
19	Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu		An emotional summer ballad by Southern (Southern All Stars)
20	Graduation PhotoArai Yumi		Masterpieces by Yumi Matsutoya and memories of youth
21	AitaiKato Miria		The moving impact of Miliyah Kato’s love song “Aitai.”
22	First LoveUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada’s heartrending coming-of-age ballad
23	Unforgettable DaysMISIA		A secret song that reminds me of an old lover
24	Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko		Postwar scenes, at times heartwarming like old folktales
25	ENDLESS STORYREIRA starring YUNA ITO		Yuna Ito’s debut song, a Western-style ballad
26	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love
27	day by dayYoshida Yamada		A story that portrays the bond of an elderly couple and the warmth of their farewell
28	Melodies Of LifeShiratori Emiko		Emiko Shiratori sings masterpieces of video game music
29	for a long timeKiroro		Kiroro’s “Nagai Aida” is a song that women in their 40s find easy to sing.
30	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		We don't know about tomorrow. The weight of life and death.
31	Song for…HY		A song that makes you reflect on a fated encounter that doesn’t work out.
32	Thanks.DREAMS COME TRUE		DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Thank You.” is an easy song to sing.
33	Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō		A summer song filled with thoughts for my late brother
34	Happy Endingback number		Love is a continuous game of push and pull.
35	A Letter to YouKuwata Keisuke		Keisuke Kuwata’s soul-stirring songs that reflect the emotions of adults
36	Can’t Stop Fallin’ in Loveglobe		A poignant song about unrequited love for a married person
37	loveOku Hanako		The anguish of love and the inner conflict of self-questioning
38	AiutaUema Ayano		A folk singer from Okinawa, with a voice that resonates with the heart.
39	Thank youikimonogakari		Speaking about the importance of expressing heartfelt gratitude
40	cherrysupittsu		A classic that captures youthful memories in song
41	The most beautiful meNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s heartrending love song, a moving masterpiece
42	a burned-out plainCocco		A heart-stirring ballad by Cocco
43	OverMr.Children		A classic hit by Mr.Children that portrays the emotions of a broken heart.
44	Poem of SunlightLe Couple		Activities and transitions of the husband-and-wife duo Le Couple
45	Things that have formShibasaki Kou		Ko Shibasaki's moving ballad resonates with the heart.
46	A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly		A classic, moving wedding song—Superfly’s masterpiece.
47	StoryAI		A song that makes you feel the importance of supporting each other and that you’re not alone.
48	crescent moonayaka		Long-distance love, feelings that nestle close to the crescent moon
49	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		Memories of youth, a timeless song everyone can relate to
50	CatdayTaniyama Hiroko		A story about taking a day off work on a weekday due to a cold and spending a do-nothing day with my husband.
51	See you tomorrow…JUJU		Gratitude for everyday life learned from sad experiences
52	makeupShimizu Shota		The Appeal of Miyuki Nakajima’s Breakup Song “Kesho”
53	As long as we can laugh, it’s okay.Urufuruzu		The tear-jerking Ulfuls classic, “If I Can Smile”
54	A gentle feelingChara		A classic that captivates with a powerful singing voice, weaving love.
55	destinyKato Miria		A heartrending fated love that will never be returned
56	planetariumOtsuka Ai		The Appeal of Ai Otsuka’s Signature Song “Planetarium”
57	Family dining tablesaitou yuki		Yuki Saito’s diverse roles and emotionally resonant songs
58	Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie		The warmth of songs that let you cry when you need to
59	Song of LoveKōda Kumi		Koda Kumi’s classic love song, with lyrics that resonate with the heart
60	PreciousItō Yuna		The theme song of Umizaru, a timeless love classic that resonates with the heart.
61	Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi		Kazuyoshi Saito’s moving love song “Utautai no Ballad”
62	VoyageHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s classic song singing a resolve for love, “Voyage”
63	Forever YoungTakehara Pisutoru		Takahara Pistol’s songs resonate with my heart.
64	Unrequited lovemiwa		A poignant musical tale overflowing with love
65	Instead of goodbyeYuki Saori, Yasuda Shoko		A heartwarming song by sisters that sings of love and friendship
66	Moon DropsRUI		A bittersweet love ballad likened to the moonlight, a smash hit
67	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's famous song, a movie theme song
68	ElegyHirai Ken		Movie theme song: Ken Hirai’s heartrending (poignant) singing voice
69	Always togetherHana＊Hana		Hana*Hana Resume Activities and a Popular Song in the Kansai Region
70	Dear…Nishino Kana		Empathizing with Kana Nishino’s cheering song and love lyrics
71	Wine Red Heartanzenchitai		A love song portraying mature romance that revives forbidden memories
72	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		A heart-touching masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya that evokes the feeling of spring
73	SAKURAikimonogakari		A moving song depicting spring farewells and new beginnings
74	Don’t give upZARD		A powerful classic that conveys encouragement and love
75	threadNakajima Miyuki		The charm and influence of Miyuki Nakajima’s classic song “Ito”
76	wailing in griefKudō Shizuka		Shizuka Kudo’s classic song “Dōkoku” is easy to sing.
77	Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi		Yuming’s classic song “Hello, my friend”
78	Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki		A musical piece of respect and inspiration for the unnamed people
79	PRIDEImai Miki		A cheerleading love song that turns a secret love into pride
80	romantic feelingsAikawa Nanase		Nanase Aikawa’s signature song, a heartrending love ballad
81	Pink sighTakahashi Mariko		A classic by Mariko Takahashi that portrays love with a lover in a fantastical way
82	ORIONNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s masterpiece depicting loneliness and hope
83	In a new cityImai Miki		A signature ballad by Miki Imai that gently portrays a turning point in life
84	Wherever you areONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK's heartrending melodies that resonate with the heart
85	User ManualNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s movie theme song sings of a maiden’s heart.
86	tear-coloredNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s “Namidairo” is a masterpiece where emotions intersect.
87	Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana		A ballad that portrays parting and moving forward
88	Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi		A powerful message song by Elekashi
89	wedgeOku Hanako		Promises are wounds of the heart; memories are pain.
90	Love is a flower, and you are its seed.Miyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako’s “Jinsei” — a classic of hope and healing
91	Ti AmoEXILE		A bittersweet memory of a forbidden love
92	Best FriendKiroro		The existence of someone precious is my emotional support and happiness.
93	Beyond the Night SkySuga Shikao		Suga Shikao’s melancholy and life message
94	SquallFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama self-covers Eiko Matsumoto’s song.
95	The Day of Departure — Complete VersionJULEPS		A soothing four-member chorus group, produced by Yasushi Akimoto.
96	Before memories turn sadsayonara poniiteeru		A classic Sayoponi song that sings of the pain of heartbreak
97	Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		A heart-touching song that conveys the meaning of living in the present