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 (11–20)
rainMoritaka Chisato
This song, with its title “Rain,” enhances a gently melancholy mood, as if we could blame the sadness of a broken heart on the rain itself.
Released as a single by Chisato Moritaka in 1990, it remains very popular and has been covered by many artists across countries and genders.
For some, this song has helped heal the wounds of heartbreak or offered comfort during the pain of a breakup.
Even if you’re not heartbroken, it’s a track that somehow fills you with deep sadness and longing.
AloneMayo Okamoto
When it comes to Mayo Okamoto, many people name “TOMORROW” as her signature song, but in fact, there are many who say this masterpiece, “Alone,” is their favorite.
It’s also well-known because Kumi Koda covered it.
You’re madly in love with someone you can’t forget, but they already love someone else; you know your feelings won’t reach them and that it won’t come true, yet you still can’t help loving them.
Maybe everyone has at least one person like that in their life.
There aren’t many songs that embody and let you truly feel the word “heartbreaking” as perfectly as this one.
romantic feelingsAikawa Nanase
Nanase Aikawa’s “Koigokoro,” released in 1996.
When you think of Nanase Aikawa, the strong impression is her partnership with Tetsuro Oda, and he also produced this track.
While Aikawa shines with a rock-infused style, this song is a breakup ballad that’s a little different from the typical tender, sorrowful kind—distinctively Nanase Aikawa.
Even if today’s breakup songs don’t quite resonate with you, many people still find themselves moved by the breakup songs they listened to when they were young in the ’90s and 2000s.
It’ll likely bring back memories from that time as well.
Ice RainKudō Shizuka
A heartbreak song you want to listen to in the cold season as the snow falls: Shizuka Kudo’s “Ice Rain.” Heartbreak alone already feels cold and chilling, but with this song set against a winter backdrop, the white snow seems to make an already frozen heart even colder, as if driving the chill deeper.
It’s a breakup song about knowing in your head that you’re parting from someone you love, but your heart can’t catch up to that reality.
For anyone who feels the same—unable to manage the emotions of heartbreak—this is a song you won’t be able to listen to without tears.
Unforgettable DaysMISIA
MISIA’s “Wasurenaide” depicts, with striking realism, a pair who are on the verge of breaking up right now.
It’s a number that moves you with its clean yet deeply realistic portrayal of the moment they will no longer be lovers after today, and from tomorrow will relate to each other as friends.
That feeling of being able to accept even the times you were irritated by the other person’s attitude, angry, or felt awful as somehow beautiful memories now—you can relate, can’t you? And yet it’s the chorus—and the very title, “Don’t Forget”—that pierces through as the true heart of the song.
366 daysHY
When it comes to breakup songs, this one is practically unmissable—the iconic heartbreak anthem “366 Days.” Included on the 2008 album “HeartY,” it’s a track that has been covered by many artists.
The lyrics vividly capture the painful realization of someone you love gradually drifting away, with such realism that it tightens your chest—something many listeners can surely relate to.
Even knowing those feelings won’t be returned, the desire to keep loving them anyway brings tears to your eyes.
Recommended breakup songs for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (21–30)
Counting YouBoA & Tohoshinki
A song released exclusively for digital distribution on October 20, 2025, it’s a grand ballad that portrays a bittersweet, mature love.
It’s a memorable piece that will resonate with empathy and depth when sung by women in their 40s at karaoke.
BoA’s transparent vocals intertwine exquisitely with TVXQ’s warm, embracing voices, and the three-part harmony matches beautifully.
With a relatively narrow vocal range and a relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing without pressure—highly recommended.
Focus on using steady breath support and singing each phrase carefully and deliberately.
