A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
The word mibōjin originally referred to a woman who had lost her husband.
It’s a term that isn’t used much these days, but it was originally used to refer to oneself, and it has appeared in various contexts—such as drama and movie titles, as well as song lyrics.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs we hope will be heard by those who have lost a beloved partner: women who have lost their husbands, men who have lost their wives, or anyone who has lost someone dear to them.
We’ve gathered love songs that express feelings for a loved one who has departed for heaven, as well as songs that convey messages from those who have passed on.
Please listen while thinking of your special someone.
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Songs I Want People Who Have Lost a Beloved Partner to Listen To (71–80)
Rock ‘n’ Roll WidowYamaguchi Momoe
The song was released in May 1980, and Momoe had already announced her retirement that March.
While Momoe has both gentle ballads and harder songs, this is her first in a rock style.
Although the title is “Widow,” the lyrics are a satirical take on a husband possessed by rock.
Hokkai Meoto-bushiTendō Yoshimi
Those who make their living from the bounty of the sea pray for their husbands’ safe return.
Constantly battling the perils of nature, they live their lives prepared for the worst.
Though she is not a widow, this is a song about a woman’s resolve to live her life without ever remarrying.
I’ll be in love until I’m 100.Taira Koji
It might be the ideal life for a widow.
Many people can’t accept the reality and say there isn’t a single day they don’t shed tears over their husband’s death, and there are plenty of songs that express those feelings.
But saying, “I can’t keep sobbing forever! I’ll keep falling in love until I’m 100,” is wonderful!
Homebound boat from the Minato JangaraMatsunaga Hitomi
In Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, people pray for the souls of the departed during the first Obon by performing the Jangara dance accompanied by gongs and drums.
This lyric, by Satsuki Nagai from Iwaki City, won the Best New Artist Award in 2014.
It was written about the sorrowful events of March 11, when the great tsunami struck, and the line “When will your boat come home?” is heartbreaking.
Thank youKOKIA
“Arigatou” is KOKIA’s third single, released in 1999, and it was also included on her album “songbird,” which came out the same year.
The album was released in Hong Kong as well, and Hong Kong singer Sammi Cheng’s Cantonese cover of “Arigatou,” titled “ARIGATOU,” reached number one on the charts.
You can really feel the strength of the desire to express gratitude seeping through the lyrics.
If there’s something you wish you could have said but couldn’t—and it still weighs on your mind—please give “Arigatou” a listen!
SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A moving masterpiece from ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, this gem of a love song depicts the loss and renewal of youth.
Carried by an understated vocal delivery and melody, it sings of the strength to face forward while accepting the heartbreak of farewell.
Released in March 2010, it was written as the main theme for the film Solanin, based on the original work by Inio Asano.
Also included on the album Magic Disk, it remains a hugely popular track among fans.
It’s a song for those who have parted from someone dear or for young people standing at a crossroads in life—one that will surely stay close to your heart and offer hope for tomorrow.
The Love of MuhōmatsuNakamura Mitsuko
Muhomatsu no Issho is a masterpiece that was a hit not only as a song but also in films and TV dramas.
While he’s seen as a rough-and-tumble man, when it comes to “Muhomatsu’s Love,” you can feel the aching sadness of a man who keeps his secret feelings locked in his heart.
The person he fell in love with was a widow.
Matsugorō, who appears in the lyrics, is Muhomatsu’s real name: Tomishima Matsugorō.