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Lovely senior life

Tear-jerking songs for women in their 70s: from Showa-era classics to Heisei hits

If you’re in your 70s now, chances are you’ve been listening to many timeless Showa-era classics since your youth.

Among those songs, there are likely tracks tied to cherished memories and melodies that capture the unique nostalgia of Showa-era pop, with many pieces that can still move listeners in their 70s today.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of tear-jerking songs especially recommended for women in their 70s.

Alongside Showa masterpieces, we’ve also chosen some Heisei-era releases that have been loved across generations, so please take this opportunity to listen closely and enjoy.

Tear-jerking songs for women in their 70s: From Showa-era classics to Heisei hits (1–10)

threadNakajima Miyuki

Since her debut in 1975, Miyuki Nakajima has carved out a unique place in the Japanese music scene.

Her song “Ito” was released in 1992 and has continued to be loved by many.

Centered on the themes of human connections and the wonder of encounters, the song resonates across time.

It remains popular as a wedding song, too.

Its gentle melody and heartwarming message make it a timeless classic that speaks to the heart, especially when listening with a special person in mind.

Love RadiantMisora Hibari

Ai Sansan, a signature song by Hibari Misora, the songstress who defined the Showa era.

Released on Hibari’s 49th birthday in 1986, it initially saw modest sales but later became a long-running hit and a true gem.

Its lyrics celebrate the joys and sorrows of life and the preciousness of love, intertwined with Hibari’s ever-deepening, mature voice that resonates deeply with listeners.

Evoking nostalgia for the past, hope for the future, and the preciousness of the present moment, this piece is perfect for reflecting on the journey of life.

Why not listen to it with someone special and share a heartwarming moment together?

A seagull is a seagull.Naoko Ken

A song in which the lyrics woven by Miyuki Nakajima and Naoko Ken’s uniquely languid, ennui-tinged vocals are beautifully in harmony.

Though it takes heartbreak as its theme, it conveys a powerful sense of looking inward and moving forward with resilience.

Released in March 1978, this work has long been cherished as one of Naoko Ken’s signature songs.

It drew renewed attention in 2021 when it was featured in the NHK morning drama series “Okaeri Mone.” The image of a seagull freely flying captures the process of finding the courage to move ahead, even alone.

It’s a piece we hope older listeners will enjoy at a leisurely pace as they reminisce about their younger days.

Tear-jerking songs for women in their 70s: From classic Showa-era masterpieces to Heisei-era hits (11–20)

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU’s songs, with their kindness-filled lyrics and clear, transparent vocals, resonate deeply in the heart.

The lyrics, imbued with profound gratitude and prayers for a loved one, remind us of the precious things we tend to lose sight of in everyday life.

Released in March 2009 and featured in an MTV Japan commercial, this track is a piece that fully encapsulates JUJU’s appeal.

The rock ballad sound produced by Seiji Kameda blends perfectly with JUJU’s powerful vocals.

If you listen while thinking of someone important to you, it will resonate even more deeply.

Please take your time and savor it at a relaxed pace.

Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi

The Clown’s Sonnet / Masashi Sada (3333 at Budokan)
Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi

Masashi Sada’s “The Clown’s Sonnet” is a song that portrays the feeling of trying to make others smile while carrying sorrow.

Released in 1980 and used as the theme song for the film “Fly, Icarus’s Wings,” it reflects Sada’s deep outlook on life and philosophy.

Though he shares the same burdens, he wishes for the other person to smile.

Perhaps because he himself could not, he wants the other to be saved.

The song lingers in the heart because it gently speaks to the pain and strength behind a smile.

For that reason, those who have walked a long road in life will likely find much to empathize with.

Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Cheer Up (Official Music Video)
Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya

A song by Mariya Takeuchi known for its warm melody and lyrics that gently touch the heart.

Released in August 1987 and later used in a SEIKO commercial, this piece gives you the courage to overcome heartbreak and hardship.

Wrapped in Takeuchi’s gentle vocals, it’s a track that helps you look forward.

It has continued to be loved across generations, even being featured as an “energizing song” on Music Station Ultra FES in 2017.

Highly recommended for those who’ve gone through tough times or are seeking music that offers comfort.

Please understand.Inaba Akira

Akira Inaba is a musician born in 1954 who made his name in the music world in 1975 with “Wakatte Kudasai.” The song sold over 600,000 copies and captured the hearts of many.

Its appeal lies in lyrics that depict deep sorrow and lingering attachment to a love that has ended, paired with a poignant melody that resonates deeply.

Inaba’s works, delivered with a clear, transparent voice, express a lyrical and distinctive worldview and are loved by a wide audience.

For older listeners who feel nostalgia for the past, this song may evoke memories and emotions from earlier days.

Its memorable melody and moving lyrics make it a piece to savor quietly and reflectively.