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

Marigoldaimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyong’s songs have a timeless appeal that’s independent of trends, making them popular across generations.

“Marigold,” released in 2018, marked her major breakthrough.

Its somewhat nostalgic melody evokes the early Heisei era, making it very pleasant to listen to and a classic that resonates with people of all ages.

For women in their 40s who say, “I mostly listen to the J-pop from my youth, but I want to try singing something more recent…,” I highly recommend Aimyong’s songs.

“Marigold” sits on the lower side pitch-wise and doesn’t have an extreme vocal range, so even those with lower voices or who feel insecure about singing should give it a try!

Unrequited lovemiwa

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

Once I fall for someone, the more I think about it, the stronger those feelings grow, and I can’t help wondering how I look in your eyes… You find yourself thinking about nothing else, right? The arrangement is heartrending too—it’s a song that could make you cry if you listen to it alone.

But it’s also a song that makes you feel you should never blame yourself for falling in love.

YOU ARE EVERYTHINGNakamori Akina

YOU ARE EVERYTHING Akina Nakamori (Akina Nakamori)

Akina Nakamori’s love songs resonate deeply with people in their forties.

Among them, “YOU ARE EVERYTHING” is a mature love song about reuniting with a former lover and deciding to start over from the beginning.

Many people in their forties have likely experienced meeting an ex or someone they once cared about and feeling something special again.

I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi

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

For a woman in her late forties, the folk-tinged song “Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru” might feel just right.

Billy BanBan released it as their 31st single in 2007, and two years later, in 2009, enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto covered it.

Nevertheless, I want to do it.Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Soredemo Shitai MUSIC VIDEO (YouTube ver.)'

When you reach your forties, mutual love can take many forms.

Ken Hirai’s “Soredemo Shitai” sings about a romance with a man who has a home to return to.

It beautifully captures a woman’s feelings—the desire to love and to be loved all the same.

Thanks to the bright, India-inspired music video and the pop sound, it avoids turning gloomy and even conveys a sense of bold acceptance.

I want to protect youMatsutōya Yumi

I Want to Protect You – Yumi Matsutoya (Full)

Once a woman is past forty, being delicate alone is not enough to be attractive.

It’s only by gaining the compassion that can embrace all those she loves and the strength to protect them that she can truly be called a mature, captivating woman.

The lyrics that say “Don’t worry” are lovely.

A gentle feelingChara

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A single by singer-songwriter Chara released in 1997.

With her distinctively whispery, cute vocals, it conveys the “tender feelings” promised by the title.

Anyone who sings it will likely find themselves filled with gentle feelings along with the song.