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

Sly womanSharam Q

Sharan Q – Sly Woman @TJJ

At first, when I saw Tsunku, my only impression was something like, “Wow, flashy.” But when I heard this song, I felt his sense of style.

The intro has such an unforgettable impact, and I was oddly impressed by how a heartbreak song could be sung like this.

Later, Golden Bomber’s “Memeshikute” became a hit, and from a male perspective, its lingering attachment to the woman might be somewhat similar.

While Listening to OliviaAnri

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

It was Anri’s debut single in 1978, and although it didn’t sell very well at the time, over the years many artists have covered it, and it’s been sung as a long‑loved heartbreak song.

For people in their 50s or early 60s, when you think of breakup songs, this one is sure to come to mind.

It’s also a song where each word strangely rings true, and the woman’s clear, rather strong line, “Don’t ever call me again,” sounded like a message about not clinging to a love that’s over.

SWEET MEMORIESSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda / SWEET MEMORIES

Once you’re in your fifties, there are a lot of parts of a song like this that strangely resonate.

In the Suntory CAN Beer commercial, the scene where a female penguin singer performs a jazz-style number at a club and a penguin in the audience is moved to tears became a hot topic.

They initially kept the singer’s identity secret, but when it was later revealed to be Seiko Matsuda, it drew even more attention and the song became a hit.

Seiko’s English pronunciation is superb as well.

Darkening RoomYumi Arai

The Paled Room / Kageriyuku Heya (2022 Ｍix)

A masterpiece by Yumi Arai that poignantly portrays lovers facing a breakup, depicted through the shifting scene of a room from dusk to nightfall.

The solemn arrangement featuring a pipe organ and the gospel-style chorus by an all-star lineup—including Hi-Fi Set and Tatsuro Yamashita—further accentuate the pain of parting.

Released in March 1976, the song reached No.

10 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.

43 on the year-end chart.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has experienced the farewell of a loved one.

Rainy BlueHidemasa Tokunaga

HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA – Rainy Blue

The debut song by Hideaki Tokunaga, a poignant love story that begins in a late-night phone booth.

Its lyrics—quintessentially Showa—paint cinematic scenes of urban stillness and rain, perfectly intertwined with delicate, emotionally rich vocals to create a gem of a track.

Released in January 1986, it reached No.

90 on the Oricon charts.

A rearranged version released in November 1997 rose to No.

31, capturing the hearts of many.

By portraying heartbreak and loneliness as universal themes, it remains a beloved classic that resonates even today.

It’s the kind of bittersweet love song you’ll want to play on a rainy day—why not give it a listen?

Farewell SongJunko Ohashi

Wakare Uta / Miyuki Nakajima

We couldn’t find a recording by the original singer, so this will be Junko Ohashi’s performance.

For people in their 50s, it was the era that shifted from folk songs to New Music, and when it comes to heartbreak songs, Miyuki Nakajima’s songs are second to none.

A notable feature this time as well is that, although the performers may differ, many of the songs were written by Miyuki Nakajima.

Personally, for breakup songs, I like “Akujo” and “Hitori Jouzu.” The sharpness of her depictions—how she can express cruelty to the point of utter despair—is truly the mark of a genius.

JunkoTsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Junko High Quality

The song “Junko,” included on the album Gyakuryū (Countercurrent), gained popularity through cable broadcasting, and many people requested it be released as a single.

However, the artist strongly felt it should remain just one track among the album’s songs, so the single release was delayed by half a year.

At the time, he was dating the popular idol Mako Ishino, and there were occasions at live shows where he changed “Junko” to “Mako” when singing.

That said, it’s very much a heartbreak song, so I don’t think it suits the lovey-dovey period…