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	Tears of MagnoliaStardust Revue		STARDUST REVUE’s signature song “Mokuren no Namida”
2	Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato		A love song by Chisato Moritaka adopted as a station melody
3	366 daysHY		A heartfelt ballad by HY from Okinawa
4	One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki’s film theme song, a classic heartbreak ballad
5	dearestFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama passionately performed the movie’s theme song, “Saiai.”
6	OH MY LITTLE GIRLOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s Heartfelt Love Songs
7	Snow BlossomNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s popular single, a song of memories and bonds
8	MPRINCESS PRINCESS		A classic hit by Puri Puri, a lyrical and moving song.
9	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		Makihara Noriyuki's youth hit songs
10	OrangeSMAP		Coupling song to SMAP’s hit “Lion Heart”
11	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		A famous song by Rimi Natsukawa from Okinawa, a heart-healing melody.
12	Tears of MagnoliaSutaadasuto Rebyuu		A masterpiece by Stardust Revue, the sound of melancholy
13	DearNakajima Mika		A life-changing love and unforgettable memories
14	nape (of the neck)aiko		aiko’s classic song “Eriashi” resonates with the heart.
15	I want to see you.sawada chikako		A song that sings of the sorrow and feelings of a sudden farewell
16	FlowerORANGE RANGE		The movie’s theme song “Hana” is a moving piece of music.
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	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo’s iconic peace-anthem, set against the backdrop of a terrorist incident
20	AitaiKato Miria		The moving impact of Miliyah Kato’s love song “Aitai.”
21	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		The signature ballad from Mr.Children’s biggest hit
22	Graduation PhotoArai Yumi		Masterpieces by Yumi Matsutoya and memories of youth
23	Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu		An emotional summer ballad by Southern (Southern All Stars)
24	Unforgettable DaysMISIA		A secret song that reminds me of an old lover
25	First LoveUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada’s heartrending coming-of-age ballad
26	Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko		Postwar scenes, at times heartwarming like old folktales
27	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love
28	day by dayYoshida Yamada		A story that portrays the bond of an elderly couple and the warmth of their farewell
29	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		We don't know about tomorrow. The weight of life and death.
30	Song for…HY		A song that makes you reflect on a fated encounter that doesn’t work out.
31	Happy Endingback number		Love is a continuous game of push and pull.
32	A Letter to YouKuwata Keisuke		Keisuke Kuwata’s soul-stirring songs that reflect the emotions of adults
33	Melodies Of LifeShiratori Emiko		Emiko Shiratori sings masterpieces of video game music
34	ENDLESS STORYREIRA starring YUNA ITO		Yuna Ito’s debut song, a Western-style ballad
35	Can’t Stop Fallin’ in Loveglobe		A poignant song about unrequited love for a married person
36	loveOku Hanako		The anguish of love and the inner conflict of self-questioning
37	Thanks.DREAMS COME TRUE		DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Thank You.” is an easy song to sing.
38	for a long timeKiroro		Kiroro’s “Nagai Aida” is a song that women in their 40s find easy to sing.
39	Thank youikimonogakari		Speaking about the importance of expressing heartfelt gratitude
40	Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō		A summer song filled with thoughts for my late brother
41	cherrysupittsu		A classic that captures youthful memories in song
42	The most beautiful meNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s heartrending love song, a moving masterpiece
43	OverMr.Children		A classic hit by Mr.Children that portrays the emotions of a broken heart.
44	AiutaUema Ayano		A folk singer from Okinawa, with a voice that resonates with the heart.
45	StoryAI		A song that makes you feel the importance of supporting each other and that you’re not alone.
46	crescent moonayaka		Long-distance love, feelings that nestle close to the crescent moon
47	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		Memories of youth, a timeless song everyone can relate to
48	a burned-out plainCocco		A heart-stirring ballad by Cocco
49	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.
50	Poem of SunlightLe Couple		Activities and transitions of the husband-and-wife duo Le Couple
51	makeupShimizu Shota		The Appeal of Miyuki Nakajima’s Breakup Song “Kesho”
52	A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly		A classic, moving wedding song—Superfly’s masterpiece.
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	See you tomorrow…JUJU		Gratitude for everyday life learned from sad experiences
59	Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie		The warmth of songs that let you cry when you need to
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	User ManualNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s movie theme song sings of a maiden’s heart.
65	Song of LoveKōda Kumi		Koda Kumi’s classic love song, with lyrics that resonate with the heart
66	Things that have formShibasaki Kou		Ko Shibasaki's moving ballad resonates with the heart.
67	Moon DropsRUI		A bittersweet love ballad likened to the moonlight, a smash hit
68	Don’t give upZARD		A powerful classic that conveys encouragement and love
69	SAKURAikimonogakari		A moving song depicting spring farewells and new beginnings
70	Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki		A musical piece of respect and inspiration for the unnamed people
71	threadNakajima Miyuki		The charm and influence of Miyuki Nakajima’s classic song “Ito”
72	ORIONNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s masterpiece depicting loneliness and hope
73	PRIDEImai Miki		A cheerleading love song that turns a secret love into pride
74	In a new cityImai Miki		A signature ballad by Miki Imai that gently portrays a turning point in life
75	Wine Red Heartanzenchitai		A love song portraying mature romance that revives forbidden memories
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	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		A heart-touching masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya that evokes the feeling of spring
79	romantic feelingsAikawa Nanase		Nanase Aikawa’s signature song, a heartrending love ballad
80	Pink sighTakahashi Mariko		A classic by Mariko Takahashi that portrays love with a lover in a fantastical way
81	Wherever you areONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK's heartrending melodies that resonate with the heart
82	Unrequited lovemiwa		A poignant musical tale overflowing with love
83	ElegyHirai Ken		Movie theme song: Ken Hirai’s heartrending (poignant) singing voice
84	Instead of goodbyeYuki Saori, Yasuda Shoko		A heartwarming song by sisters that sings of love and friendship
85	Always togetherHana＊Hana		Hana*Hana Resume Activities and a Popular Song in the Kansai Region
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	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's famous song, a movie theme song
91	Dear…Nishino Kana		Empathizing with Kana Nishino’s cheering song and love lyrics
92	Love is a flower, and you are its seed.Miyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako’s “Jinsei” — a classic of hope and healing
93	Ti AmoEXILE		A bittersweet memory of a forbidden love
94	Best FriendKiroro		The existence of someone precious is my emotional support and happiness.
95	Beyond the Night SkySuga Shikao		Suga Shikao’s melancholy and life message
96	SquallFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama self-covers Eiko Matsumoto’s song.
97	The Day of Departure — Complete VersionJULEPS		A soothing four-member chorus group, produced by Yasushi Akimoto.
98	Before memories turn sadsayonara poniiteeru		A classic Sayoponi song that sings of the pain of heartbreak
99	Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		A heart-touching song that conveys the meaning of living in the present