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

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.

It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.

The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.

Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.

How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.

mamaHirahara Ayaka

mama

A gem-like ballad that sings of a mother’s deep love for her child.

Set to a gentle, resonant melody, it portrays a mother warmly watching over her child’s growth.

Her concern from afar and her heartfelt support for her child’s dreams are conveyed through Ayaka Hirahara’s clear, crystalline voice.

This piece was included on the album “ODYSSEY,” released in February 2004, and was also used as the theme song for TV Asahi’s “Great Mother Story.” In honor of Mother’s Day, why not hum along with older family members? You might also enjoy spending a moment immersed in cherished memories while looking through family photos.

It’s a heartwarming song that naturally stirs feelings of gratitude toward mothers.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

The celebrated song that gently sings of the arrival of spring was released in 1994 by Yumi Matsutoya and became a major topic as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series.

Its sweet, wistful vocals and lyrics filled with feelings for a loved one deeply resonate with many listeners.

Elegantly portraying spring scenes—such as the scent of daphne and sudden showers—it beautifully expresses nostalgic memories and the hope of reunion.

After its release, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart and became a massive hit, selling over 1.16 million copies.

It was also used for the Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival and in commercials for the Yomiuri Shimbun, making it familiar to an even wider audience.

Its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics are perfect for sparking conversations about memories with older adults.

Please enjoy a richly satisfying moment together while feeling the arrival of spring.

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda - Red Sweet Pea [With Lyrics]

This work weaves a beautiful melody that brings the light of spring and a tender, bittersweet love story.

Released by Seiko Matsuda in January 1982, it is a classic that delicately portrays the fresh emotions of a young girl in love.

The lyrics vividly depict the arrival of spring, brimming with a maiden’s heart stepping into an adult romance.

Under the pen name Kureta Karuho, Yumi Matsutoya composed the music, with Takashi Matsumoto providing the lyrics.

The song and lyrics harmonize beautifully, creating a warm and gentle atmosphere.

The piece was also used as the CM song for Fujifilm’s Astalift cosmetics.

Why not revisit fond memories with older listeners as you feel the beginning of spring together? It’s a song whose calm vocals envelop you in kindness and gently warm the heart.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Speaking of cherry blossoms, they are beautiful flowers that herald the arrival of spring.

This song is a masterpiece that overlays the fleeting nature of sakura with the transience of life.

Naotaro Moriyama’s gentle voice vividly depicts a farewell beneath rows of cherry trees.

Released in March 2003, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

Many may know it as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki.” It’s a song that resonates at life’s milestones and moments of parting.

How about listening to it with older adults and basking in nostalgic memories? Wrapped in the warmth of spring, you can spend a heartwarming moment together.

wintering swallowMori Masako

wintering swallow

This gem of a ballad, which eloquently sings of the aching melancholy of painful love, is a masterpiece that showcases Masako Mori’s outstanding vocal prowess.

Its poetic world is striking: the feelings of a woman who has thrown herself into a forbidden romance are overlaid with the image of a lone swallow that defies the seasons and makes its home out of place.

Mori’s limpid voice intertwines with the heartrending melody, where sorrow and passion cross, creating a deeply moving song.

After its 1983 release, her tearful performance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen drew widespread attention, and the song earned her the Best Vocal Performance award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.

Even among enka songs that give voice to bittersweet longing, this work stands out for its richly expressive phrasing.

It’s the perfect piece for those moments when you want to pour your emotions into the song and sing your heart out, as if setting your soul free.

Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi

Rainy Midosuji by Fifi Ouyang

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.