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)
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?
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?
Tear-jerking songs for women in their 70s to listen to: From Showa-era classics to Heisei-era tracks (31–40)
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.
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?
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.
Parting at 22kaguya hime
A delicately rendered farewell to a longtime lover, this is a classic song that almost everyone has hummed at least once.
Released by Kaguya-hime on their 1974 album “Sankaidate no Uta,” it is said to have been written in a single night.
In 1984, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Kinō, Kanabetsu de,” bringing it back into the spotlight.
Accompanied by a gentle melody, the lyrics look back on memories with a lover while gazing toward a new step in life—offering comfort to those who have overcome a turning point in their lives.
Lingering Snowiruka
Sung by Iruka, this song has been passed down as a classic of spring, a work that seems to seep into the listener’s heart.
Depicting a scene of parting in early spring, it beautifully portrays lingering feelings and the loneliness of growing up.
Written and composed by Shozo Ise and given a rich, weighty arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was released in March 1975 on the album “Iruka no Sekai,” then as a single in November of the same year, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a perfect song to spark conversation with older adults.
You’ll likely enjoy a wonderful time sharing nostalgic memories and evocative scenes that resonate in the heart.