Recommended breakup songs for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese tracks

I'll wait.Amin

Matsu wa (1982) - Aming

This song, I think, really conveys a sense of tragic resolve and lingering attachment.

The two of them sing it in a calm, matter-of-fact harmony that works wonderfully; because they don’t sing it emotionally, it somehow feels even more heartrending.

It’s also a song that women in their 40s and 50s often sing at karaoke.

atonementTeresa Teng

Teresa Teng - Tsugunai

Teresa Teng, the legendary songstress of the Showa era.

Though she passed away young, her beauty, voice, and songs still vividly captivate fans.

This track is one of her signature hits—a heartbreak song that resonated with adult women.

It drew passionate requests on cable radio and became a massive hit, a national-treasure-level song that remains in the history of Japanese music.

Longing for RainAki Yashiro

Aki Yashiro / Love in the Rain

Rain is a situation that easily evokes the image of heartbreak, but when it comes to rain, isn’t this the song that immediately comes to mind? The chorus phrase and the hand gestures drew attention, and whenever it aired on music shows, we’d all sing it when we wanted it to rain.

Ruby RingAkira Terao

Akira Terao – Ruby Ring (1981)

When it comes to sophisticated city pop, Akira Terao is the name that comes to mind.

After this massive hit, every song and album he released went on to score successes, and at the time he became very popular with women as a truly mature, refined man.

The sight of him playing the guitar with a cigarette between his lips was just irresistible.

This song captures exactly that vibe.

Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki

Kiyohiko Ozaki Until the Day We Meet Again 1971

He was so powerful in both his vocal ability and personality that you could call him the original wild singer.

Looking at the lyrics, it’s a heartbreak song, so I picked it out.

It’s also famous as a song often performed on impression/impersonation singing shows, and although it’s a breakup song, its melody isn’t in a minor key, making it a refreshing track.

In the Middle of a DreamTakao Kisugi

In the Middle of a Dream by Takao Kisugi

It was an unusual song by Takao Kisugi, with a mature, world-weary vibe that’s irresistible: the same tune as “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun” but with a different title and lyrics.

When Kisugi sings songs he originally wrote for other artists, the whole image of the piece changes dramatically, which I find a very intriguing quality.

Eyes Are Like DiamondsSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda / Eyes Are Diamond.

A slightly mature breakup song with the sparkling, candy-like voice of Seiko Matsuda—her “candy voice” nickname says it all.

The combination of lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Yumi Matsutoya (under the pen name Kureta Keiko) wonderfully conjures vivid scenes, making this one of Seiko’s hidden masterpieces.