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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Tear-jerking songs for women in their 70s to listen to: From Showa-era classics to Heisei-era tracks (31–40)
Isn’t it fine as long as you’re happy?Sara Naomi
Her signature song “Iijanai no Shiawase Naraba” was released in 1969 and won the Japan Record Award.
The song is about infidelity, but I feel it conveys the importance of prioritizing your own happiness over others’ eyes and judgments.
Even if people around you have things to say, the figure who reaches honestly for the love right in front of them—while at the same time accepting that they will likely be cast aside someday—is remarkably strong and resilient.
It feels like it’s telling us: live for your own happiness.
If you want to reclaim your true self, why not listen to this song by Naomi Sagara?
applausechiaki naomi
It’s a highly narrative song, as if you were watching a drama unfold.
With overwhelming expressive power, Naomi Chiaki sings of a protagonist who hides deep sorrow in their heart yet continues to stand on stage.
As you listen, can’t you just see the scenes come to life before your eyes? Released in September 1972, the song won the 14th Japan Record Award and was also featured in a Suntory “BOSS” commercial.
It’s a profound piece that quietly stays close to the hearts of those who have weathered many of life’s ups and downs.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
This song, which sings of departure and hope, is a classic that resonates with many older listeners.
Momoe Yamaguchi’s gentle yet powerful voice gives listeners a push forward.
Released in November 1978, it was also used as a campaign song for Japan National Railways.
It is often performed at life’s milestones, such as graduation and weddings, and is loved across generations.
March brings the feeling of spring’s arrival.
In this season of new beginnings, why not listen to this song, bask in nostalgic memories, and feel hope for tomorrow?
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Teresa Teng, the Asian diva who conveyed life’s deepest emotions through moving melodies.
This song tells of how meeting a beloved person dramatically changed her life, and of her resolve to devote herself completely.
Set to a gentle, warm major-key arrangement, her clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart.
Released as a single in February 1986 and included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase,” it won the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.
With its beautiful, easy-to-remember melody, it’s perfect for everyone to hum along to while sharing fond memories.
Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi
A classic song that poignantly and expressively sings of a bittersweet love against the backdrop of rain-soaked Osaka streets.
The feelings conveyed by Ouyang Fei Fei are imbued with the sorrow of a woman searching for her lover as she walks south along Midosuji.
The vivid depictions of ginkgo-lined avenues and sidewalks are memorable, unfolding scenes anyone can picture in their mind.
Released in September 1971, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart for nine consecutive weeks.
It won the New Artist Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards and quickly became a massive hit.
It’s best enjoyed alone on a quiet night.
As you listen, reflecting on memories with someone dear, your heart will gently warm with a sense of nostalgia.
a red handkerchiefIshihara Yūjirō
Set against the backdrop of a northern spring, this song tells the story of a bittersweet farewell in love.
Carried by a gentle, lyrical melody, Yujiro Ishihara’s rich vocals vividly portray the lingering feelings of heartbreak.
Released by Teichiku Records in October 1962, the track is also included on the album “Yujiro Ishihara Original 6.” In January 1964, it was used as the theme song for a film of the same name starring Ishihara, captivating the hearts of many alongside the movie.
Even today, it remains a beloved classic that everyone can hum along to and is very popular at karaoke.
With its heartfelt lyrics and approachable melody, it’s the perfect song for singing together and having fun.
Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi
As a masterpiece of beautiful Japanese ballads, Masafumi Akikawa’s singing voice has left a deep impression on many hearts.
With the powerful, soaring tone characteristic of a tenor, this gem of a song gently conveys the preciousness of life and feelings for loved ones.
Released in May 2006, it became an extraordinary hit for a classical singer, creating a major buzz that included Akikawa serving as the closing performer for the White Team at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.
In 2007, it was also selected as the theme song for a Fuji TV documentary drama.
Singing about the feelings one has for someone dear, this work continues to be cherished across generations as a song that resonates in many moments of life.
school daysPegī Hayama
A song filled with youthful memories comes back to life in the voice of Peggy Hayama.
Released in 1964, this piece richly portrays student life at a mission school.
Prayers in the chapel, memories with friends, studying in the library, and fleeting first love—nostalgic scenes come vividly to mind.
It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1965 and went on to become a million-seller.
Beloved as a standard song for graduations and reunions, it may prompt older listeners to reflect on their own school days.
Why not hum along, together with your cherished memories?
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
March brings the feeling that spring has arrived.
Among Miyuki Nakajima’s songs, there is one that fits this season perfectly.
This piece sings of life’s joys and sorrows, of meetings and partings.
Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at the Popular Song Contest.
Its gentle melody and profound lyrics speak to the listener’s heart.
It has been featured at graduation ceremonies and in music textbooks, and is loved across generations.
It is also a familiar song for older adults.
Why not hum it together with your family and friends, along with nostalgic memories? It will surely warm your heart.
Please go ahead as you are.Maruyama Keiko
A bossa nova-style masterpiece by Keiko Maruyama that sings of everlasting, unchanging love.
Its delicately drawn emotional expression, woven with metaphors, is deeply moving.
Included on the album “Tasogare Memory,” released in July 1976, the song reached No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart and became a major hit, selling over 800,000 copies.
With its relaxed tempo and easy-to-remember melody, it’s a joy to sing while savoring a romantic atmosphere.