Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese hits

I miss you so muchSono Mari

Mari Sono - Aitakute Aitakute (Longing to See You) | Edited: 3 videos, 24 still images

This is a song released by Mari Sono in January 1966.

The original tune is The Peanuts’ “Hand-Knitted Socks,” with new lyrics added.

A film based on the song was released the same year, starring Sono herself.

It was later covered by Akina Nakamori and Yo Hitoto.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki / High School Senior

This is Kazuo Funaki’s debut song.

It was released in May 1963 and sold over one million copies within a year.

Funaki also performed this song at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Listening to it brings back memories of distant youthful days and fills me with a bittersweet feeling.

Until the tears dryNishida Sachiko

Until the tears dry… Sachiko Nishida

This is the single released in December 1967 by Sachiko Nishida, known by the nickname “Satchin,” and it was performed at that year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.

The following year, it ranked 27th on Oricon’s annual chart.

The lyrics were written by Shigeru Tsukada, and the music was composed by Hiroshi Miyagawa, who worked on numerous hit songs.

MelodyTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki “Melody” Live at Tokyo International Forum 1997/11/22

A gem of a ballad that gently envelops nostalgia for the past and feelings for what has been lost.

Koji Tamaki’s delicate vocals resonate deeply in this piece, where straightforward lyrics and a simple melody blend beautifully.

Carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, it quietly sings of the resolve to face forward while holding cherished memories close.

Released in May 1996, the song has been covered by many artists over the years and has grown in esteem.

A heartwarming track that pairs perfectly with a leisurely night drive or a quiet moment alone in thought.

A Place in the SunHamada Shogo

A Place in the Sun

A heart-stirring ballad that portrays an illicit love affair.

Included on the album “Before the Generation of Love,” Shogo Hamada’s work gently embraces the aching feelings that slumber deep within the heart.

Since its release in March 1981, it has continued to profoundly move countless listeners.

While depicting a love in the form of an extramarital relationship, it conveys, throughout, the loneliness of hiding from prying eyes and the inner conflict of not wanting to ruin the other person’s life, giving it a depth that goes beyond a simple love song.

It is a gem of a track that quietly stands by the hearts of adults who carry the weight of family, work, and life itself.

In Search of Love and DeathAoyama Kazuko

In Search of Love and Death

“Gazing at Love and Death” was originally published as a collection of letters exchanged between Minoru Kono and Michiko Ōshima, who died young due to illness.

This song was created based on that story and was sung by Kazuko Aoyama.

It won the 6th Japan Record Award.

Goodbyeofukōsu

Sayonara

This is a pure love ballad that poignantly portrays the end of a romance, released as an Off Course single in December 1979.

With Kazumasa Oda’s warm yet translucent vocals and a heart-stirring melody, the song richly conveys the sorrow of parting.

Its gentle, relatable lyrics—about a first heartbreak or a bittersweet farewell to someone dear—have made it a beloved classic that quietly resonates with listeners.

It was also featured as an insert song in the first season of the TBS drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B” and later included on the album “SELECTION 1978-81.” As a song that stands by you through the poignant end of love that comes with winter’s chill, it’s especially recommended for those facing a farewell with someone important.