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)
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
It’s one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs, isn’t it? “Time goes by” is a single released in 1998, and people in their 40s and 50s are surely familiar with it.
In its lyrics and melody alike, it’s a heartbreaking love song that tightens your chest.
If you’ve broken up with someone you love and are in the midst of heartbreak, you probably find yourself thinking, “If only I’d done this then… and that then…” filled with regrets and thoughts about things that can’t be changed now.
This is a breakup song that gently soothes you while staying close to those feelings.
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.
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…
The Refrain Is ScreamingMatsutōya Yumi
If you’re looking for a breakup song that lets you fully sink into sadness and express exactly how you feel right now, I recommend Yuming’s “Reflections Cry Out.” The song is included on the 1988 album “Delight Slight Light KISS.” It’s widely known—a hit that even non-Yuming fans often recognize—yet there’s the surprising fact that it was never released as a single.
It’s a breakup song that conveys, almost painfully, the regret after parting ways—something anyone who’s been there can relate to.
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.