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

Journey of the Heartchūrippu

Kokoro no Tabi / Tulip (with lyrics)

This is a classic song that richly captures the bittersweet feelings before setting off on a journey.

It beautifully expresses both the excitement and loneliness of the last night spent with a loved one before starting a new life.

Listening to it vividly brings back memories from those days.

Released by Tulip in April 1973, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ninjō Ippon Kokoro no Tabi,” as well as in commercials for the Toyota Carina and JR West.

Evoking the romance of nostalgic train travel, the song’s friendly, sing-along melody is part of its charm.

How about humming it together with seniors while clapping along?

Parting at 22kaguya hime

Parting at 22 / Kaze (with lyrics)

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.

Waltz of StarlightSen Masao

Waltz of Starlight - Masao Sen

Released in March 1966, this is a gem of a love song by Masao Sen that portrays a heartrending parting and profound affection.

With a sincere vocal delivery, it delicately conveys the feelings of a man and woman who chose to go their separate ways.

Set to a waltz rhythm, its wistful melody and emotionally rich lyrics resonate deeply with listeners.

In 1968, it gained popularity through cable broadcasting and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart for the week.

It also won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance and became a massive hit, selling a total of 2.5 million copies.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear on sleepless nights or when lost in thought, wrapping you in a voice that stays close to your heart along with nostalgic memories.

Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu & Kaguyahime

Kandagawa / Minami Kosetsu and Kaguyahime (with lyrics)

A gem of a folk song that richly captures the emotions of youthful cohabitation.

Scenes like wearing a red tenugui as a scarf on the way to the public bath, or sketching a lover’s portrait with crayons, gently depict the modest yet warm lives of young people.

Released in September 1973 as a single cut from the July 1973 album “Kaguyahime Third,” the song went on to top the Oricon weekly singles chart for seven consecutive weeks that year, selling 1.6 million copies and becoming a massive hit.

Please take your time to savor the heartfelt vocals—whether as a nostalgic tune that brings back memories of the era, or as a song that evokes the atmosphere around the Kanda River and Asakusa.

The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku

[With Large Lyrics] Sazanka no Yado [Recreation]

Allow me to introduce a masterpiece of enka that portrays a bittersweet love kept secret in the heart.

EISAKU OKAWA’s single, released in August 1982, is a moving work that overlays his feelings onto the camellia blooming in winter.

The lyrics by Osamu Yoshioka and the melody by Shosuke Ichikawa blend beautifully, delicately expressing the emotions of a man swayed by an unattainable love.

Four months after its release, the song entered the Oricon Top 10 for the first time and became one of Okawa’s signature pieces.

It sold a total of 1.8 million copies and won the Long Seller Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards in 1983, also marking his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its evocative imagery that overlaps with Japan’s beautiful winter scenery, and a voice that holds both ache and warmth, make it a perfect choice for karaoke duets or for humming along while sharing fond memories.

Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō to Uīkuei Endo

Cape Tour / Kotaro Yamamoto & The Weekend (with lyrics)

Gently enveloping the ache of heartbreak, this song features Kotaro Yamamoto’s soft vocals that sink deeply into the heart.

Released in June 1974 as his debut single, it became a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon singles chart.

Loved by many, it was even adopted as the station melody on the Keikyu Kurihama Line.

The scenes woven from the loneliness of traveling alone, the courage to look ahead, and thoughts of a cherished person soothe the soul alongside the calm melody.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to rest your heart and linger in warm nostalgia.

a red handkerchiefIshihara Yūjirō

Red Handkerchief: Yujiro Ishihara

Set against the backdrop of a northern spring, this song tells the story of a bittersweet farewell in love.

Carried by a gentle, lyrical melody, Yujiro Ishihara’s rich vocals vividly portray the lingering feelings of heartbreak.

Released by Teichiku Records in October 1962, the track is also included on the album “Yujiro Ishihara Original 6.” In January 1964, it was used as the theme song for a film of the same name starring Ishihara, captivating the hearts of many alongside the movie.

Even today, it remains a beloved classic that everyone can hum along to and is very popular at karaoke.

With its heartfelt lyrics and approachable melody, it’s the perfect song for singing together and having fun.