Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 70s. A collection of classic Showa-era breakup masterpieces.

Autumn Full StopYokoyama Miyuki

“Akishifu” Miyuki Yokoyama (VINYL)

Released in September 1979, this work is Miyuki Yokoyama’s debut single, which drew attention for its lyrics and composition by Shinji Tanimura and Takao Horiuchi of Alice.

It delicately portrays how a more-than-friends-but-not-quite-lovers relationship changes due to a single event, and the regret and poignancy that follow.

The lingering attachment to a lost relationship and a strong sense of loneliness are vividly expressed, symbolically conveying the melancholy of autumn and the fragility of human relationships.

It may prompt listeners to recall past romantic experiences or reflect on how they felt at the time.

Samba of PartingHasegawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hasegawa – “Samba of Parting” 2012

It’s a song that expresses the pain and loneliness of parting, released in July 1969.

After it began airing on late-night radio, it became a major hit.

Set to a rhythmic guitar accompaniment, it sings of the sorrow and regret of a broken heart.

The lyrics, which convey deep affection and understanding for the other person, are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

For older listeners, it may evoke memories of youthful romances.

It’s best enjoyed alone on a quiet night.

Kiyoshi Hasegawa’s emotionally rich vocals and the wistful melody linger in the heart.

applausechiaki naomi

applause

Naomi Chiaki is a singer who was active across a wide range of genres, focusing mainly on enka and pop.

“Kassai” (Applause), released in 1972, is one of her signature songs and won the Japan Record Award that same year.

The work portrays the glittering surface and the profound sorrow beneath it, beautifully expressing the feelings of a performer who continues to shine on stage even after losing love.

In particular, the lyrics’ worldview—deftly contrasting public and private, life and death, joy and sorrow—has continued to move many listeners.

With a melody that lingers in the heart and emotions that intersect in many ways, this piece resonates deeply.

It is a timeless masterpiece that can be recommended to anyone and continues to be loved across generations.

atonementTeresa Ten

atonement

This song beautifully captures the aching feelings of a heartbroken woman through Teresa Teng’s clear, translucent voice.

You can almost picture the scene: in a room lit by the setting sun, she drinks alone, reminiscing about a lost love.

The lyric “Please don’t forget even a woman like me” conveys a powerful lingering attachment to her former partner.

Released in January 1984, it became a massive hit, even winning the Japan Cable Award.

For older listeners with rich experiences in love, this track may bring back memories of heartbreak from their youth.

It’s a song to savor slowly, along with a sense of nostalgia.

Sky Restauranthaifaisetto

Hi-Fi Set “Sky Restaurant” 1975

Hi-Fi Set is a Japanese vocal group formed in 1974, and their 1975 single “Sky Restaurant” is a significant early work in their career.

The song features lyrics by Yumi Matsutoya—then active under the name Yumi Arai—and music by Kunihiko Murai, characterized by bittersweet lyrics of unrequited love set against the backdrop of a city nightscape.

In particular, the plea, “Just for now, forget about her and look at me,” resonates deeply with listeners.

This piece shines with its choral work and sophisticated arrangement, a classic that beautifully and delicately portrays love and parting.

Thanks to its lyrical worldview and beautiful melody, it’s especially recommended for quiet nights when you want to indulge in sentiment or reminisce about a past love.