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)
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.
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.
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.