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 depict poignant emotions (21–30)
Melancholy NightKaori Matsu
A poignant love story woven from the beautiful lights and loneliness that color the city nightscape resonates in the heart.
The wavering feelings of a romance that was supposed to be just a fling and the strength to choose farewell are expressed with finesse, brought to life by Kaori Matsu’s sultry vocals.
Released in February 2025, this work perfectly marries lyrics spun by Tsubasa Kazu with an emotionally rich melody crafted by Hiroshi Tokuhisa.
Set in a lounge on the 55th floor of a high-rise, its striking world overlaps the star-like city lights with a fragile longing for love.
Perfect for night drives or moments when you want to sink into a mellow mood.
A recommended track for anyone who relates to the urban sense of loneliness and bittersweetness.
A Letter Waiting for SpringTakuro Yoshida
This is a gem of a melody by Takuro Yoshida, warmly depicting a heartfelt exchange through letters that gently convey the feelings and memories of a man and a woman.
The image of two people far apart, drawing close to each other through their letters, carries a nostalgic sentiment that many have felt.
Accompanied by a calm guitar tone, the feelings of a couple trying to connect while awaiting the arrival of spring leave a lingering resonance.
Released in October 1979, it reached No.
52 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was also included on the album “ONLY YOU 〜since coming For Life〜,” and has long been loved by many.
It’s a perfect song for those moments when you want to relax and enjoy music while looking back on memories with someone special.
Recommended heartbreak songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic tracks that capture bittersweet feelings (31–40)
Lingering Snowdolphin
Sung by Iruka, this song has been passed down as a classic of spring, a work that seems to seep into the listener’s heart.
Depicting a scene of parting in early spring, it beautifully portrays lingering feelings and the loneliness of growing up.
Written and composed by Shozo Ise and given a rich, weighty arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was released in March 1975 on the album “Iruka no Sekai,” then as a single in November of the same year, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a perfect song to spark conversation with older adults.
You’ll likely enjoy a wonderful time sharing nostalgic memories and evocative scenes that resonate in the heart.
Come, spring.Yumi Matsutoya
The celebrated song that gently sings of the arrival of spring was released in 1994 by Yumi Matsutoya and became a major topic as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series.
Its sweet, wistful vocals and lyrics filled with feelings for a loved one deeply resonate with many listeners.
Elegantly portraying spring scenes—such as the scent of daphne and sudden showers—it beautifully expresses nostalgic memories and the hope of reunion.
After its release, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart and became a massive hit, selling over 1.
16 million copies.
It was also used for the Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival and in commercials for the Yomiuri Shimbun, making it familiar to an even wider audience.
Its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics are perfect for sparking conversations about memories with older adults.
Please enjoy a richly satisfying moment together while feeling the arrival of spring.
Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta
Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.
It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.
The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.
Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.
How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.
In conclusion
We’ve rounded up a selection of heartbreak songs we’d love people in their 80s to hear.
It’s packed with classics from the Showa-era pop and enka genres, and each song portrays a love that’s both poignant and sincere.
If you’re reading this article, please consider recommending these songs to the 80-somethings in your life.