A collection of moving, tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 90s—heartfelt tunes that resonate with the soul.

Ringo OiwakeMisora Hibari

Ringo Oiwake

Ringo Oiwake is a classic song known as one of Hibari Misora’s signature pieces.

Set against the scenery and everyday life of the Tsugaru region, it beautifully sings of longing for one’s hometown and family.

The scattering apple blossoms mirror the feelings for a late mother and the sorrow of parting, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in 1952, the song has been covered by many artists and continues to be loved both in Japan and abroad.

With a gentle voice that evokes nostalgia and lyrics that touch the heart, it’s a song to enjoy at an easy pace while remembering someone dear.

Sad WhistleMisora Hibari

Sad Whistle

Hibari Misora’s “Kanashiki Kuchibue” (The Sad Whistle) is a classic that poignantly sings of a breakup and the loneliness that follows.

Set against the backdrop of Gion’s summer festival, it portrays the feelings of someone harboring an unfulfilled love while trying to remain stoic, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released on September 10, 1949, it was also used as the theme song for Hibari Misora’s first starring film when she was just 12 years old.

Selling an astonishing 450,000 copies, it became a major milestone in her singing career.

For many older listeners, it may overlap with memories of their youth.

Why not let a sense of nostalgia wash over you and take your time immersing yourself in the world of its lyrics?

In the flow of the starsKikuchi Akiko

Hoshi no Nagari ni

“Hoshi no Nagare ni” is a classic in which Akiko Kikuchi’s soulful voice resounds.

Set amid the turmoil of the postwar era, it beautifully depicts a woman’s feelings as she tries to look forward despite sorrow and loneliness.

Its graceful melody and deeply emotional lyrics sink into the heart and offer solace to listeners.

Since its release in 1947, the song has continued to be loved by many.

One of its charms is that it has been covered by numerous singers, including Mina Aoe and Sayuri Ishikawa.

Give it a listen when you want to reflect on nostalgic memories or need a song that stays close to your heart.

The Sorrowful Bamboo FluteToshiro Omi Mitsue Nara

The Sorrowful Bamboo Flute

“Kanashiki Takebue” (The Sorrowful Bamboo Flute) is a touching classic sung by Mitsue Nara and Toshiro Oumi.

Known for soothing the hearts of people in the turmoil of the postwar period, it portrays the poignant feelings of a man playing a sorrowful flute at dusk in the city.

The lyrics, which express longing for a loved one and nostalgia for one’s hometown, combined with a delicate, wistful melody, resonate deeply with listeners.

For many older adults, the words align with their life experiences and evoke strong empathy.

It is a song best listened to while remembering someone dear.

threadNakajima Miyuki

thread

It’s a classic song that likens the ties between people to a woven textile, portraying the warmth of living while supporting one another.

Its profound message—that the mystery of encounters and even painful experiences will someday transform into the power to embrace someone—gently resonates in the listener’s heart.

This song by Miyuki Nakajima is included on the celebrated album “EAST ASIA,” released in October 1992.

It later became widely known when it was used as the theme song for the 1998 TV drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).

It has enjoyed enduring support, including a film released in 2020 that was inspired by the piece.

It’s especially recommended for Mother’s Day, when feelings of gratitude toward parents abound, to listen to together with older adults and savor its content.

pure-heartedTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki 'Innocence'

A love that wells up for one’s mother precisely because we’ve grown into adults.

It’s a love song filled with feelings for that one irreplaceable person in the world.

Written and produced by singer-songwriter Koji Tamaki, it was released as a single in April 2013, and was later included on the best-of album “ALL TIME BEST.” The unadorned vocals and gentle melody are crafted so that tears come naturally as you listen.

Truly, just as it is—without any twist—it’s a song imbued with gratitude to one’s mother.

It expresses thanks while looking back on memories from childhood.

It’s also recommended as a message song to hum together with older adults as you go through a long life, conveying everyday gratitude.

The Ferry of TearsMiyako Harumi

The Ferry of Tears

Harumi Miyako’s signature song “Namida no Renkakusen” (The Ferry of Tears) is a classic that sings of a heartrending love.

The sound of the ship’s whistle echoing through a lonely night is used as a symbol that brings back memories of a lost love.

Combined with Miyako’s powerful vocals, it’s a song that resonates deeply with listeners.

Since its release in 1964, it has continued to be loved by many.

Through the universal theme of a relationship’s end, its relatable lyrics may overlap with the life experiences of older listeners.

I hope you’ll take your time enjoying the song while reminiscing about fond memories.