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

Ruby RingAkira Terao

Ruby Ring by Akira Terao

Terao’s agency was Ishihara Promotion, whose president at the time was the legendary actor Yujiro Ishihara.

When the staff shared their thoughts on the song, the hard-charging managing director—Yujiro’s right-hand man back then—savaged it, saying, “There’s no way a song that sounds like a Buddhist chant will sell.” But with one magnanimous word from Yujiro—“Why not?”—the record was greenlit.

It went on to sell 1.

6 million copies and became a massive hit.

I personally felt closer to the managing director’s assessment, but I’m deeply impressed by Yujiro’s foresight—as an executive as well.

MPRINCESS PRINCESS

[Tonight, Birth! Music Champ] “M” (PRINCESS PRINCESS) / Sumina Maruyama (Maruyama Sumina)

Speaking of Puri Puri, it was the bubble-era peak when their song Diamond sold like crazy.

Karaoke spots—fun places to relax—were popping up, and at drinking parties everyone would always sing at karaoke; the song that really got things going was this one.

But M is a breakup song written by member Kyoko Tomita, because the other person’s initial was M.

The line “I always wanted to be together” really tugs at the heart.

What was striking about Princess Princess is that they all had beautiful faces—they were truly a visual girls’ band.

ShipwreckAkina Nakamori

Wrecked Ship - Akina Nakamori

This is the famous song that Tokiko Kato told Akina Nakamori she wanted her to sing, saying, “I’m going to stop singing for a while, so I want you to sing it.” She said this because she was captivated by the song’s atmosphere and Akina’s vocal prowess.

In subsequent interviews, she praised Akina while also commenting that she hoped Akina would devote herself even more to voice training.

It’s a sorrowful breakup song that fills you with sadness the more you listen.

Alone in the twilightYumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya - Alone in the Twilight (Recording for Speaker Evaluation)

Yumi Matsutoya is a leading Japanese singer-songwriter who has been active for many years.

For women in their 50s, she might be the perfect artist.

She has many classic songs, but the one I especially recommend is “Hitori in the Twilight.” It features a vocal line that showcases her signature Yuming style, yet the melody doesn’t jump drastically up and down, so it’s relatively easy to keep pitch.

The chorus raises the voltage all at once, but the overall range isn’t that wide, so if you choose the right key, even those with lower voices should be able to sing it without difficulty.

Even though it's springYoshie Kashiwabara

Harunanoni

A classic by Yoshie Kashiwabara that portrays a farewell with a loved one on graduation day, set to a gentle melody and wistful lyrics.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima, it won the Gold Prize at the 25th Japan Record Awards in 1983, the year it was released.

The memorable phrase repeated in the chorus beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling of parting during a season of new beginnings, resonating with many listeners.

The piano- and strings-centered arrangement further enhances its emotive world.

For many, it remains etched in the heart alongside memories of graduation season.

A gem of a ballad with timeless appeal that lingers in the heart, together with cherished memories of youth.

rainChisato Moritaka

Ame

A heart-stirring ballad by Chisato Moritaka, where the poignancy of heartbreak overlaps beautifully with rainy scenery.

Since its release in September 1990, this song has marked a turning point as she evolved toward a more artist-driven direction.

The delicate vocals weave a story of unrequited love, vividly portraying the complex emotions of a woman parting with her lover in the rain.

Released by Warner-Pioneer, the track reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It’s the perfect accompaniment for quiet moments—when you want to empathize with the ache of love, on a gently rainy afternoon, or during a nighttime drive to sort out your thoughts.

Love is overOuyang Feifei

JUJU “Love Is Over” Music Video (Short Ver.)

Fei Fei Ouyang, a Taiwan-born singer who became an overnight star in the early 1970s with hits like “Ame no Midosuji” and “Ame no Airport,” released this song after marrying a former race car driver in 1978, and it became a major hit.

Showcasing her outstanding vocal ability, the song portrays a mature love in which an older woman steps back out of consideration for her partner, and it remains a popular choice for karaoke.