Classic songs about women. Recommended popular tracks.
Although J-pop and rock are commonplace in Japan’s music scene today, there was a time when enka and kayōkyoku were at the center.
Here is a list of masterpieces from that era in Japan, all themed around “women.” Some sing of tragic love, others of adultery—different situations, yet the abundance of love songs reminds us that, in every era, love is essential for women.
- Masterpieces that sing about women. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces about girls: recommended popular songs
- A number I’d recommend to the yutori generation—one I’d like women to sing
- Women’s Enka: A collection of classic enka songs expressing women’s emotions
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended classics and staple tracks
- Songs women like. Famous and popular Japanese songs.
- Nostalgic Showa-era heartbreak songs. Soothe your heart with timeless classics that can move women in their 60s to tears.
- Recommended breakup songs for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
Masterpieces Celebrating Women: Recommended Popular Songs (41–50)
Osaka ShigureMiyako Harumi
It beautifully expresses the feelings of a delicate woman who, including in physical matters, can’t do anything without a man’s strength and has no choice but to rely on him.
It’s the kind of song that makes you think a man would naturally feel the urge to protect such a woman when faced with her.
I tried falling in love with you.chay
This song captures the feeling of a mysterious power welling up from somewhere when you fall in love.
Its poppy, cute sound conveys a buoyant, bubbly excitement.
The retro vibe of the arrangement is particularly distinctive, and the beautiful vocals are wonderful, too.
The Room, the Dress Shirt, and MeHiramatsu Eri
It’s a song with a somewhat old-fashioned vibe, but the lyrics make you realize that a woman’s feelings in love don’t change no matter the era.
Some parts don’t quite fit today’s sensibilities, but that’s precisely why it lets you sink into a nostalgic mood—one of the song’s charms, I think.
StoryAI
A captivating ballad by AI that gently embraces a bittersweet woman’s heart.
Rather than dwelling on heartbreak or the regret of parting, it leaves a strong impression with its forward-looking message of cherishing the present.
Released in May 2005, it reached No.
8 on the Oricon charts.
Loved by listeners across generations, it was also used as the ending theme for the Japanese-dubbed version of the film Big Hero 6.
This song stands by people in all kinds of circumstances and offers encouragement.
Give it a listen when you feel the urge to treasure the time you have with someone important.
Someone Like YouAdele
It’s a song with a simple arrangement of just piano accompaniment and her vocals, which further highlights her appeal.
The lyrics poignantly depict a complex maiden’s heart: sincerely wishing happiness for a former lover after a breakup, yet unable to let go of the desire to not be forgotten.
On nights when I’m too lonely to sleepAimer
Aimer is an artist captivating music fans with her distinctive husky voice and exceptional performances, and this is her smash hit unrequited-love song.
It’s a classic ballad that expresses a love so strong she can’t sleep at night thinking about the man she adores.
Love SpiritsChatmonchy
This song is written from a woman’s perspective.
She knows the person she loves already has someone to love, yet she pleads for him not to remember her—lyrics filled with bittersweet longing.
It captures a woman’s heart so well that it’s a track I especially want women to hear.