Recommended heartbreak songs for men in their 70s: A collection of poignant, nostalgic classics

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

Mata Au Himade

Kiyohiko Ozaki’s “Mata Au Hi Made” is a masterpiece that portrays parting with aching sadness, lingering regret, and yet a certain freshness.

The image of two people caring for each other and facing forward is striking.

Choosing to part ways while wishing happiness for one another—that mature form of love is warmly embraced by Ozaki’s rich, velvety voice.

Since its 1971 release, the song has garnered numerous awards and been featured in many films and TV dramas, remaining beloved across generations.

Listening to it will likely bring back memories from those days and leave you with a sense of your heart being cleansed.

Love is overŌyō Fifi

Love Is Over

Sung by Fifi Ouyang, this heartrending breakup song portrays the feelings of a woman who is saying goodbye to her lover.

The lyrics, which strongly convey her affection for the other person, embody selfless love—she suppresses her own emotions while wishing for his happiness.

Initially released in 1979 as a B-side, the song did not make a notable splash, but as Ouyang continued to perform it in Japan, word of mouth spread, leading to its re-release as an A-side in July 1980.

Anyone who has experienced the pain of parting will surely relate to this song.

It’s a piece that gives you the courage to keep moving forward while cherishing the memories that remain in your heart.

To say goodbyebiriibanban

To say goodbye

This is a song by the folk duo Billy BanBan, notable for its warm, heartfelt melody and poignant lyrics.

Singing of parting from a past love and taking a step toward a new one, the piece carries a universal theme that resonates with many people.

Released in February 1972 and used as the theme song for a TV drama, it became a huge hit.

It has continued to be loved for many years, and in 1993 a new version was featured in a shochu commercial.

Its lyrics, which empathize with the experiences of love and farewell—especially among older listeners—are sure to spark fond reminiscences.

Unrequited loveHamada Shogo

Unrequited Love (ON THE ROAD “FILMS”)

This is a song by Shogo Hamada that sings of bittersweet feelings.

The lyrics, which depict the pain of an unattainable love, will likely resonate with many people.

First released in 1979 as the B-side to the single “Ai o Nemurasete,” it has continued to be loved by fans ever since.

If you’ve experienced heartbreak, you may find yourself empathizing with it.

The song conveys both the happiness of feeling the other person’s kindness and, at the same time, the sadness of knowing it’s out of reach.

Why not listen to it slowly while recalling a memorable love that lingers in your heart?

A café in a student districtGARO

GARO – Gakuseigai no Kissaten (Official Audio)

GARO’s 1973 release “Gakuseigai no Kissaten” is a masterpiece among masterpieces, composed by Koichi Sugiyama.

In the lyrics, the narrator returns to a nostalgic café where he spent time with his lover during his student days, reflecting on those memories and letting his thoughts drift to that former love.

Though they seem to have parted rather simply back then, the lover still lingers in his heart, and perhaps everyone has someone they can’t forget like that.

Even today, its unfading beautiful melody and lyrics awaken unforgettable memories tucked away in the depths of one’s heart.

Heartbreak RestaurantShimizu Kentarō

Heartbreak Restaurant 1976 11/21 Kentaro Shimizu Debut Single

An imaginary restaurant portrayed as a place to heal the pain of heartbreak.

There are handkerchiefs to wipe away tears and chairs that gently embrace wounded hearts, where heartbroken people gather to console one another.

Kentaro Shimizu’s sweet vocals tenderly wrap the heartrending lyrics.

Released in November 1976, the song topped the Oricon singles chart the following year.

Anyone who has experienced heartbreak will find their heart stirred by lyrics they can relate to.

It might be nice to look back on a past love while gazing at keepsakes of those memories.

I miss youBEGIN

BEGIN / Longing for you

This work, released in March 1990 as the debut single by BEGIN, a three-piece acoustic band from Okinawa, became one of their signature songs.

It portrays scenes where lost dreams and memories of the past intertwine with feelings of longing and sadness, resonating deeply with listeners.

Chosen as a song for a Nissan commercial and reaching No.

4 on the Oricon chart, it has been loved by many.

It may be a perfect song for older adults who have experienced a breakup and wish to immerse themselves in those memories.