Unrequited love songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks

threadNakajima Miyuki

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

Miyuki Nakajima, who has now become one of Japan’s leading female singer-songwriters.

She has many hit songs, and this work was released in 1998 as a double A-side with the song “Another Name for Life.” It has been covered numerous times and gradually grew in fame starting around 2013.

I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – I'm Falling in Love with You Again

The original version of this song is by Billy BanBan, released in 2007.

Their version was also a hit, but enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto picked it up and released her rendition in 2009.

After it first came out as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku” (Pirate of Asia), the song’s reputation grew and it ended up being treated as a double A-side.

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo (Short Ver.)

Singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka’s second single.

It was released at the end of 2003, and thanks to the song’s success she performed at the 2004 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

In karaoke, the call-and-response “Mou ikkai!” (“One more time!”) in the middle has become firmly established.

It’s a fresh track that fully expresses the feeling of being in love.

My Room, My Dress Shirt, and MeHiramatsu Eri

The Room, the Dress Shirt, and Me (PV)

A song released in 1992 by singer-songwriter Eri Hiramatsu.

It is her biggest hit and signature song.

The lyrics, which tell a story, left a strong impression.

With this work, she won the Lyrics Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Its slow tempo makes it easy to sing.

loveHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

This is the ending theme from the 2016 smash-hit TV drama “We Married as a Job.” The song, praised for portraying a new form and values of romance, also featured the ‘Koi Dance,’ a choreography beloved by people of all ages.

It’s a song everyone can enjoy singing together.

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

Red Sweet Pea – Seiko Matsuda

This is the first song Yumi Matsutoya wrote for Seiko Matsuda under the pen name “Kureta Keiko.” Seiko Matsuda herself has publicly said she likes this song.

It’s a mutual-love song that feels soft and early-spring-like, with a fresh innocence, and its relaxed tempo makes it comfortable to sing.

Even when I become an old ladyMoritaka Chisato

Chisato Moritaka “Even If I Become an Old Lady” (Live)

Even though she sings a song with a title like this, Chisato Moritaka herself shows no signs of turning into an “auntie.” This work was a single she released in 1992.

It’s a mutual-love song, but it has the kind of slightly ironic, witty content characteristic of Moritaka’s work.

It’s also exceptionally easy to sing.