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

Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki

Farewell, my lover

Masaaki Sakai began his music career in 1962 when he joined The Spiders, and made his solo debut in 1971 with “Saraba Koibito” (“Goodbye, My Love”).

Released as his first single after the band’s breakup, the song has since been covered by many artists and is beloved across generations.

“Saraba Koibito” portrays the feelings of a protagonist who, while sensing a poignant loneliness in choosing to part ways, blames himself for the breakup.

Although Sakai is often associated with a cheerful and lively image, this song touches on deeper emotions in life through the experience of parting.

For older listeners, it may evoke memories of their youth and moments of farewell.

Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko

This Wide, Open Field – Ryoko Moriyama

The classic song that celebrates love and freedom spreading across the great outdoors is a folk tune released by Ryoko Moriyama in January 1967.

Her clear, pleasant voice and gentle melody deliver a refreshing sense of liberation, like clouds floating in the sky or wind sweeping through.

The piece is said to have been completed in just 30 minutes, based on a poem found in a Ginza art gallery.

After it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1974, it became a children’s song passed down throughout Japan.

Singing it with older adults can blossom into warm conversations filled with nostalgia and create a wonderful time naturally full of smiles.

Azusa No. 2karyūdō

Azusa Nigo (2015 Remaster)

Azusa No.

2 was released in 1977 by the twin-vocal duo Kariudo, made up of Kunihiko Kato and Takamichi Kato.

The song portrays the feelings of a woman rocking in a train from the city to Shinshu, delicately expressing the conflict between lingering attachment and a new departure.

Because her need to keep some distance and her hopes for a new life are intricately intertwined, it’s a theme many can relate to.

In particular, for those at a turning point in life, it may offer a chance to reconsider one’s choices and the courage to move forward.

It’s recommended to listen carefully while imagining a moment from someone’s life, accompanied by the voices of Kariudo.

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

Mata Au Himade

Kiyohiko Ozaki’s signature song “Mata Au Hi Made” (Until the Day We Meet Again) was released in 1971 and is a work that fuses the delicate lyrics of Yū Aku with the memorable composition of Kyōhei Tsutsumi.

While the song centers on parting, it is characterized by its expression of a forward-looking spirit.

It won numerous awards and has continued to be loved across generations.

Even though it deals with separation, it conveys a sense of mutual compassion.

Its message may especially resonate with older adults who have experienced various changes in life.

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari

Like the flow of a river

Let me introduce a masterpiece that represents the world of Japanese popular ballads.

This song is captivating for its metaphor that likens life to the flow of a river.

It sings, over a beautiful melody, of calmly accepting the many events that life brings.

Another hallmark is that many of the lyrics resonate with older adults in their daily lives.

Released in January 1989, it became a major hit.

It is also known as the final work of Hibari Misora and has come to symbolize her life.

It’s a perfect song to sing together with seniors and to share nostalgic memories.