Songs to listen to when your heart is tired: exquisite masterpieces that gently soothe the hearts of people in their 40s

BoyhoodNEW!Inoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

An eternal classic that represents Japanese summer songs.

From the classical piano intro, the melody evokes nostalgic scenes of summer and resonates with the heart.

Inoue Yosui’s gentle, airy vocals and distinctive phrasing softly and kindly soothe hearts weary from everyday life.

Released in September 1990, this song shipped 1.36 million copies.

In addition to serving as the theme song for a film of the same name, it has graced numerous media, including commercials for Sony’s Handycam and Kirin Beer.

We especially recommend it to adults who feel stifled by the daily grind of work or housework.

Picture your childhood summer vacations and enjoy a relaxed moment with your favorite drink.

One more time, One more chanceNEW!Yamazaki Masayoshi

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

When it comes to bittersweet love songs, many people probably think of Masayoshi Yamazaki’s voice.

This song, which portrays the feelings of searching endlessly for someone you can never forget while carrying a sense of loss and loneliness, is a classic whose acoustic guitar tones and husky vocals truly move the heart.

Released as a single in January 1997, it became a hit as the theme song for the film The Moon and a Cabbage, in which Yamazaki himself starred, and was also included on the album HOME.

It later returned to the spotlight in March 2007 as the theme song for the animated film 5 Centimeters per Second.

It’s a track I hope you’ll listen to quietly with your favorite drink when daily life starts to feel stifling and you want to gently loosen those taut strings.

TRUE LOVENEW!Fujii Fumiya

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

Singer-songwriter Fumiya Fujii, who also took the nation by storm as the lead vocalist of The Checkers.

Written, composed, and produced by him, this ballad gently sings of memories with a lover who has gone.

The acoustic guitar tones and Fujii’s tender, comforting voice slowly seep into a taut heart.

Released as a single in November 1993, it became a major hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Asunaro Hakusho,” and was later included on the album “Angel.” It’s a track you’ll want to listen to leisurely with a warm cup of tea when the daily grind leaves you feeling breathless.

It’s sure to become a talisman-like song that quietly loosens your heart.

PIECE OF MY WISHNEW!Imai Miki

Miki Imai – “PIECE OF MY WISH” (from the 30th Anniversary Concert Tour 2015 “Colour”)

With a gentle, translucent singing voice that seems to loosen taut strings, this is a sublime ballad.

This song conveys the importance of facing forward and living on even in difficult circumstances, and it overflows with a warmth that tenderly stays close to the listener’s heart.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Ashita ga Aru Kara,” starring Miki Imai, it was released in November 1991.

It has long been beloved, topping the Oricon charts and achieving million-seller status.

This work is a masterpiece you’ll want to listen to in those moments when the rush of everyday life leaves you feeling stifled.

When your heart feels utterly exhausted, spend some unhurried time and lend it your ear.

My Room, My Dress Shirt, and MeNEW!Hiramatsu Eri

My Room, My Dress Shirt, and Me

It’s the perfect song for taking a breather while reflecting on everyday life.

Performed by Airi Hiramatsu, this track was included on the album “MY DEAR” and released in December 1990.

It was later issued as a single in March 1992 and also chosen as the theme song for a film released in 1993.

Blending humor and affection, it expresses down-to-earth wishes for a partner to share life with, using familiar, everyday language.

It has long been cherished as a staple that brightens life’s milestones.

For anyone constantly on the go, this piece is like a talisman that warms the heart when you pause to look inward.

Why not relax and listen with your favorite drink in hand?

Broken RadioNEW!Tokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

Hidetaka Tokunaga is a singer-songwriter with a clear, husky voice who continues to be loved across generations.

Released in July 1990, “Kowarekake no Radio” remains a brilliant, timeless ballad that represents his career.

It was also used as the theme song for a drama in which he appeared, leaving a deep impression on many listeners.

The song delicately portrays the inner conflict felt in the transition from boyhood to adulthood and the earnest search for true happiness, using the motif of an old radio.

The lyrics—akin to Tokunaga’s own return to his roots—quietly move the heart, carried by a beautiful melody.

It’s a track you’ll want to pause and listen to when daily pressures make you feel stifled.

It gently eases a taut heart and reminds you of the precious things you were close to forgetting.

Come, spring.NEW!Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

Alongside the scenes of spring in Japan comes Yumi Matsutoya’s deeply moving classic “Haru yo, Koi.” Released as a single in October 1994, it became widely cherished as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series of the same name.

Its beautiful melody, imbued with traditional Japanese sensibilities, and its profoundly nuanced, almost classical choice of words gently accompany us in the moments when life makes us pause.

Also included on the album “THE DANCING SUN,” the song has long been beloved, achieving million-seller status.

It is a wonderful piece that tenderly envelops the heart—perfect for those busy days when you want to stop for a moment and take a breath.