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.
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Tearjerker songs for women in their 70s: From Shōwa masterpieces to Heisei hits (21–30)
The Toilet GodUemura Kana
Kana Uemura’s signature song “Toire no Kamisama” (God of the Toilet) was released in 2010 and has become a beloved track across generations.
The song recounts her life with her grandmother and the memories they shared.
Warm moments together give way, during her adolescence, to a distance where they hardly even faced each other.
The regret over precious time that can never be reclaimed—and the way she chooses to honor her grandmother’s teachings and express her gratitude—deeply moves the heart.
Many older adults may have grandchildren with similar stories.
Please take a moment to listen to this touching song.
BlueWatanabe Machiko
A signature work by Machiko Watanabe, wrapped in a melody and lyrics that gently stay close to the heart.
Released in August 1978, this song delicately depicts deep emotions toward a lost love.
The relationship with a lover has grown cold, and there’s no going back to how it was—this poignant reality is powerfully conveyed through Watanabe’s rich vocal presence and dynamic singing.
Although released the year after her debut, it became a defining piece that symbolizes her musicality and has left a lasting impression on many listeners.
It is a song that gently accompanies those who bear the pain of heartbreak or have experienced parting with someone dear.
From the northern innMiyako Harumi
This is one of Harumi Miyako’s signature songs, portraying a bittersweet woman’s love that tightens the heart in the cold of winter.
The image of the heroine, alone at an inn in the north, continuing to knit a sweater while thinking of the one she parted from, is deeply moving.
Lyricist Yū Aku is said to have depicted the act of knitting as a “ritual to bring closure to a breakup.” Even in her grief, you can feel a core strength as she tries to put her feelings in order.
Released in December 1975, it achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Cable Radio Award the following year.
Total sales reached 1.45 million copies, and it has been covered by many singers, including Sayuri Ishikawa and Yoshimi Tendo.
As the season’s cold air sinks into your bones, why not hum it together at a New Year’s gathering?
A deserted seaTo wa e mo wa
A quietly sung piece set on an autumn seashore, reflecting on a lost love and facing one’s own future.
Released in November 1970 as a single by Towa Tei et Moi, it features lyrics by poet Yoko Yamaguchi and music by Noriyoshi Naitō.
The words—resolved not to grieve anymore because promises were made to the sea, the sand, and the sky—gently resonate in the heart.
On the same day, chanson singer Fubuki Koshiji also released a version, and on the Oricon charts the Towa et Moi version reached No.
16.
Its portrayal of someone striving to look ahead despite setbacks and loneliness is something many will relate to.
It’s a song that tenderly stays by your side—one you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the autumn sea.
The Sweet LifeNoguchi Goro
Goro Noguchi is a singer who debuted in 1971 and is one of Japan’s leading artists.
His song “Amai Seikatsu” (Sweet Life), released in 1974, was a hit that portrays the emotions surrounding the breakdown of a cohabiting relationship.
Delicately expressing both the bittersweetness of youth and the harshness of reality, the song resonates across generations.
For older listeners in particular, it may bring back memories of youthful romance.
“Amai Seikatsu” stirs different feelings depending on one’s life experiences and offers a comforting, reflective time.
Please take a moment to listen to it quietly on your own.
atonementTeresa Ten
As a superb love song depicting a heartrending farewell, Teresa Teng’s voice resonates deeply with many listeners.
Vividly expressing the feelings of a woman who fears becoming a burden to the one she loves and chooses to abandon her own love for the sake of the other’s happiness, this work was released in January 1984.
It was also included on the album “Tsugunai” and used as a commercial song for YKK AP’s MADO Shop.
Coupled with Teresa Teng’s clear, crystalline vocals, it evokes profound emotion in the hearts of those who listen.
Love takes many forms, but as you recall the times when you searched for what you could do for someone precious to you, take a moment to heal your heart slowly.
I am crying.ririi
Lily made her debut as a singer in 1972 and is a Japanese singer-songwriter who also pursued an acting career alongside her music.
Her song “Watashi wa Naiteimasu” (“I Am Crying”) was released in 1974 as the last single under her own name and became a hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon chart.
The song portrays deep emotions over lost love, depicted through the image of crying in bed.
Its themes center on the pain of parting from a loved one and the difficulty of accepting an ending, particularly conveying the feelings of a woman who is affectionate and honest about her emotions.
Expressing profound sorrow and poignancy, this timeless classic continues to be cherished across generations and is especially recommended when you want to immerse yourself in rich emotion.
Room of BlocksFuse Akira
Akira Fuse, born in 1947, is a nationally beloved singer who debuted in 1965.
Released in 1974, his song “Tsumiki no Heya” (The Building-Block Room) is one of his signature works, using building blocks as a theme to symbolize love, parting, and the complexities of life.
The lyrics delicately portray the warmth of a couple’s relationship and its end, resonating with many older listeners and evoking a sense of empathy and nostalgia.
How about spending a quiet moment listening to “Tsumiki no Heya” and reflecting on memories of times shared with someone dear?
GraduationMatsuyama Chiharu
With a gentle singing voice that warmly watches over new chapters in life, this spring melody has echoed across Hokkaido.
Chiharu Matsuyama’s beautiful ballad invites us to look back on our youthful days while filling us with hope for the future.
The soulful guitar tones and clear, soaring vocals are sure to bring back many memories.
Released in 1979, the song was created as the theme for STV’s program “Graduation at Kushiro High School.” It was also included on the album Seishun (Youth) and continues to be cherished as a classic folk song.
Why not spend a heartwarming time reminiscing together with older adults, letting nostalgic stories blossom?
As I am in love…Akimoto Junko
It’s such a wonderfully moving enka/pop ballad that begins with the sound of an accordion, isn’t it? Junko Akimoto’s deep, husky voice conveys the subtleties of life and has a warmth that seems to gently stay close to the listener’s heart.
This masterpiece is filled with pure love that doesn’t compare itself to others, gratitude for the miracle of having met, and the earnest wish that such love might last forever—feelings that will surely resonate with many.
Released in January 2008 as Junko Akimoto’s third single, it won broad support over time and reached No.
1 on the Oricon overall chart about a year after its release.
It’s also included on the album “Second Story.” This song, which enriches life with its color, is perfect for immersing yourself in its world while savoring memories with someone dear or reflecting on your own journey.
How about singing it with heartfelt emotion, just like Junko Akimoto?