Breakup songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of classic tracks that capture heartbreaking feelings
When it comes to breakup songs familiar to people in their 80s, it’s probably the tunes released during the Showa era, isn’t it?
Back then, there were so many masterpieces in pop and enka that portrayed bittersweet emotions.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of breakup songs we hope people in their 80s will enjoy listening to.
If you’re from a younger generation and reading this, please recommend the songs we’re about to introduce to the 80-somethings around you.
They’ll surely be reminded of their youthful days.
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Recommended heartbreak songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic tracks that capture bittersweet feelings (1–10)
Yanagase BluesKenichi Mikawa
Kenichi Mikawa’s “Yanagase Blues” is a classic that poignantly portrays the ache of lost love.
The image of crying at night in the rain symbolizes the heartbreak almost everyone has experienced.
Against the backdrop of the Yanagase district, the longing for a love one wants to forget but cannot surges back to the heart.
Released in 1966, the song remains one of Mikawa’s signature works, cherished by many.
Its influence extended beyond music, even inspiring a film of the same name.
For older listeners, it may overlap with memories of their youth.
Why not spend a quiet moment reflecting on an unforgettable love, letting nostalgic memories gently resurface?
Angel's TemptationJun Mayuzumi
Jun Mayuzumi’s “Tenshi no Yuuwaku” (Angel’s Temptation) is a masterpiece that poignantly sings of the pain of heartbreak.
The image of happiness, likened to orange-colored clouds, fades away, leaving only tears—an evocative scene that resonates deeply.
The bittersweet feelings of recalling a former lover are beautifully expressed through Jun Mayuzumi’s captivating vocals.
Released in 1968, the song was also used as the theme for a film of the same name and won the 10th Japan Record Award.
It became a massive hit etched in many people’s hearts.
It’s highly recommended when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart or when you feel like reminiscing about a past romance.
You’ll surely find yourself moved by the voice that gently stays by your side.
Sad SakeHibari Misora
Hibari Misora’s “Kanashii Sake” is a classic that pours the pain of heartbreak into a song through the metaphor of alcohol.
She drinks to forget a former lover, only for the memories to flood back instead—those bittersweet feelings seep into the heart through her voice.
Since its 1966 release, the song has continued to comfort many listeners.
It’s said that Hibari herself sang it with tears in her eyes, and the depth of that emotion is truly moving.
For anyone quietly trying to accept the end of a romance, this is a song that will gently stay by your side.
Recommended heartbreak songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic, poignant tracks (11–20)
The person I fell in love withHarumi Miyako
Harumi Miyako’s “Suki ni Natta Hito” is a classic that beautifully portrays the ache of love.
The repeated use of the word “goodbye” in the lyrics conveys the sorrow of parting.
Many older listeners may be reminded of their youth when they hear this song.
Released in 1968, it became a million-seller with over a million copies sold.
It was performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and remains a song that lingers in many people’s hearts.
It’s wonderful to listen to alone on a quiet night, or to enjoy while reminiscing with someone special.
Why not spend some time fondly recalling a past romance?
Room of BlocksAkira Fuse
Akira Fuse’s “Tsumiki no Heya” (The Building Blocks Room) is a moving classic themed around love and farewell.
It likens the days spent together to building blocks, delicately portraying both their fragility and warmth.
Fuse’s soaring vocals beautifully express the bittersweet longing for a lost love.
Released in 1974, the song made a significant impact on the music scene at the time, earning the Vocal Performance Award at the Japan Record Awards.
It’s a track I recommend to those standing at a crossroads in life or experiencing a parting from someone dear.
Its empathetic lyrics and beautiful melody will surely become a source of comfort for the heart.
atonementTeresa Teng
Teresa Teng’s “Tsunai (Atonement)” is a classic that portrays a heartrending farewell.
The emotions of a woman looking back on a past love while drinking by the window are powerfully conveyed.
Many listeners may relate to the lyrics that reveal lingering feelings for her former lover.
Released in 1984, the song became a massive hit, selling over 1.
5 million copies and winning the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
It also marked the beginning of Teresa Teng’s activities after her return to Japan.
It’s a perfect song for older adults who want to reminisce about past romances, gently accompanying their feelings of nostalgia.
Farewell, my loverMasaaki Sakai
Masakazu Sakai’s “Saraba Koibito” (“Farewell, My Love”) is a breakup song that beautifully captures the sorrow of parting.
The lyrics depict the regret of overlooking everyday happiness and realizing it only afterward.
Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s beautiful melody and Osamu Kitayama’s delicate lyrics blend perfectly, while Masakazu Sakai’s expressive vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in 1971, this song has remained beloved as a classic covered by many artists.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to reminisce about past romances or when you’re trying to overcome a farewell with someone important.
Older listeners, too, are sure to enjoy it along with memories of their youth.