Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
By the time you’re in your 40s, most people have gone through at least one or two heartbreaks.
There were probably songs that stayed close to your feelings during those past breakups, weren’t there?
In this article, we’ll introduce breakup songs recommended for women in their 40s.
We’ve gathered Japanese breakup songs that will bring back memories from those days.
Every once in a while, try looking back on the past as you listen to the songs you used to play back then.
By revisiting those moments now, your heart from that time may soften, even just a little.
It’s not about good or bad—those experiences can all become cherished memories.
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Recommended breakup songs for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)
First LoveUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada is loved by a wide range of people regardless of gender or age.
Many were captivated by her voice and have been fans ever since her sensational debut.
Her 1999 release “First Love,” which drew attention because she was just 16 at the time, likely remains vivid in many people’s memories.
The lyrics are mature, yet no matter your age, they can leave you feeling wistful and heartache; for many, the song is remembered hand in hand with their own romances from that time.
Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana
Sayonara Daisuki na Hito (Goodbye, My Beloved), the smash hit single by Hana*Hana released in 2000.
As it turns out, this song was written by member Izumi Kojima for her late grandfather.
The lyrics are very simple, yet the lingering afterglow of sadness quietly, steadily resonates—clearly capturing the hearts of many who’ve been hurt, not just those nursing a broken heart.
You might feel like you’ve heard it many times before, but try listening closely once more.
I think it’s a song that will gently stay by your side.
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
Masayoshi Yamazaki’s fourth single, “One more time, One more chance,” released in 1997, is widely loved across generations as both a heartbreak song and a real tearjerker.
It’s been over 20 years since its release, yet it remains cherished—almost a gold standard of breakup songs.
Written from a male perspective, it captures lingering feelings for a loved one and the longing for someone unforgettable.
Regardless of gender, anyone going through a breakup will likely be moved to tears and find it deeply relatable.
Recommended breakup songs for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (11–20)
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko
“Anata ni Aete Yokatta,” a song released by Kyoko Koizumi in 1991 that became a huge hit, is also very popular as a karaoke choice among women in their 40s and 50s.
Many people may remember it fondly as the theme song for the drama “Papa to Nacchan,” starring Masakazu Tamura and Kyoko Koizumi.
It’s a very refreshing and positive love song that brings back memories of youthful romances—those that didn’t work out because we were too young—and recalls them now as wonderful memories.
You might find yourself remembering an old love when you listen to it…
Last LoveKato Miria
Miliyah Kato’s songs, which capture the feelings of a woman in love with striking realism, are especially popular among young women for being “so relatable.” Her signature track “aitai” is well-loved as a heart-wrenching love song, and this song “Last Love” is also a poignant, gut-aching breakup number.
It powerfully conveys lingering attachment to someone you’ve already broken up with and the painful contrast with the happiness you once felt.
It’s a breakup song filled with many moments people can relate to—like saying or thinking, “You said we’d always be together.” And the way she keeps posing questions to someone who’s no longer here conveys a strong, unforgettable love that refuses to fade.
ShipwreckNakamori Akina
Akina Nakamori has many fans in their 40s and 50s, and there are probably plenty of people who always sing her songs at karaoke.
She has a long list of hits, and many of them are richly colored by her unique style, showcasing a charm you won’t find elsewhere.
The song “Nanpasen” (Wrecked Ship) is one of those, isn’t it? It was released in 1987, but it’s actually a cover—Tokiko Kato originally released it in 1984.
Even so, it’s firmly recognized as one of Akina Nakamori’s signature tracks.
It’s a number I recommend for those times when you want to fully sink in, get absorbed, and have a good cry.
dearestKOH+
This song “Saiai” by KOH+, the unit of Masaharu Fukuyama and Kou Shibasaki.
The duo sang the theme song for the drama Galileo in which they co-starred, and this track served as the theme song for the film adaptation Suspect X.
It’s packed with sadness and heartache, conveying the desperate feeling of not wanting to be apart no matter what, wanting to stay connected even just a little—it comes through so poignantly that it hurts.
It resonates with anyone going through a breakup now, and it’s also a song that brings back memories of heartbreak from the past.
There’s also a version sung by Fukuyama, which has a different vibe and is just as moving—highly recommended.