[Remembering the Pain of Love…] Breakup Songs Recommended for People in Their 60s

Darkening RoomArai Yumi

The Paled Room / Kageriyuku Heya (2022 Ｍix)

A masterpiece by Yumi Arai that poignantly portrays lovers facing a breakup, depicted through the shifting scene of a room from dusk to nightfall.

The solemn arrangement featuring a pipe organ and the gospel-style chorus by an all-star lineup—including Hi-Fi Set and Tatsuro Yamashita—further accentuate the pain of parting.

Released in March 1976, the song reached No.

10 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.

43 on the year-end chart.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has experienced the farewell of a loved one.

Time goes byEvery Little Thing

「Time goes by」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

This is a song by Every Little Thing that captures the bittersweet emotions after a heartbreak.

It reflects on a past relationship, expressing self-reflection while conveying that feelings for the other person still remain.

The relatable imagery resonates deeply.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), it touched many hearts.

Released in February 1998, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart.

It has since been included on best-of albums and anniversary live recordings, and continues to be loved over time.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or look back on memories with someone special.

Lingering Snowkaguya hime

Kaguyahime – Nagori Yuki (Official Audio)

It’s a classic song that beautifully portrays springtime in Japan.

The scene of parting on a snowy station platform resonated with many people.

It was included on Kaguya-hime’s album “Sankaidate no Uta” and released in March 1974.

Iruka’s cover version was also a major hit, reportedly selling a total of 800,000 copies.

Loved for many years as a song people want to hear in the season of farewells, it continues to endure.

The model for the setting is Tsukumi City in Oita Prefecture, hometown of Shozo Ise, and at Tsukumi Station the melody is used when trains arrive and depart.

It’s surely a song that will touch the hearts of those who have experienced parting in a place full of memories.

MPurinsesu Purinsesu

Princess Princess “M”

This is a touching song by PRINCESS PRINCESS that sings of the bittersweet feelings after breaking up with a lover.

The lingering attachment of the protagonist is expressed through lyrics that tighten the chest.

After being included on the 1988 album “LET’S GET CRAZY,” it was released as a single the following year.

It was also used in the NHK morning drama series “Dandan,” moving the hearts of many.

For those suffering from heartbreak, and even for anyone who has lost someone dear, this song may awaken emotions deep within.

ShipwreckNakamori Akina

Nanpasen (2014 Remaster)

This is a poignant song by Akina Nakamori that sings of the pain of heartbreak and loneliness.

The lyrics convey lingering feelings for a former lover and the inner conflict of ending a relationship.

With a voice that resonates deeply with listeners, it speaks for those trying to overcome the anguish of a broken heart.

Released in September 1987, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and won numerous awards, including the Japan Record Award Gold Prize.

When you want to soothe a heart wounded by lost love, listening to this song might make you feel a little lighter, knowing you’re not alone.

Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki

HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA – Rainy Blue

This is a heartbreak song released in January 1986 as Hideaki Tokunaga’s debut single.

Set in a city soaked by midnight rain, it portrays the poignant feelings of being unable to let go of a love that should have ended.

Tokunaga’s husky yet clear voice beautifully creates an atmosphere that evokes the lingering aftertaste of a love veiled in rain.

As a work that fully showcases his talent as a vocalist, the song has been cherished by many for years.

If you’re carrying the pain of a breakup or the melancholy of love, you may find it deeply resonant.

It’s one of those memorable ballads you’ll want to listen to on a rainy day.

First loveMurashita Kōzō

Kozo Murashita “Hatsukoi” Music Video

A song by Kozo Murashita that delicately portrays the faint stirrings of youthful love.

With its lively melody and heartfelt lyrics, it beautifully captures the transience and poignancy of first love.

Released in February 1983, it became a major hit, peaking at No.

3 on the Oricon singles chart.

Cherished as a staple finale at Murashita’s concerts and covered by more than 60 artists, it remains a timeless classic that resonates with many.

It’s recommended when you want to look back on memories of your first love or revisit the bittersweet feelings of your youth.