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

Light Blue RainJunko Yagami

Jennifer / Light Blue Rain

The opening, with its high, beautiful, and resonant voice, is striking.

This moving heartbreak song has been covered by many artists.

The lyrics are quite realistic: the man knows about the woman’s mistake and chooses not to blame her, and precisely because of that, the two end up breaking up.

freezing rainMika Hino

Ice Rain - Mika Hino [cover]

While listening to J-POP and New Music, there used to be many popular music shows like The Best Ten and Nippon TV’s Kōhaku Uta no Best Ten.

I’d listen to my favorite songs, and it felt like I was also listening to enka.

Among them, the song that stuck with me is this one.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, when you go through a heartbreak, you want to drink and forget—and the opening line, “Please let me drink,” really conveys that sadness.

The Day the Seagull FlewMachiko Watanabe

Machiko Watanabe - The Day the Seagulls Flew

Machiko’s debut song “Mayoimichi” was a big hit, and while “Kamome .

.

.” was also a hit, it apparently didn’t quite match the success of her debut.

Nowadays, though, this song leaves a stronger impression.

Its intro doesn’t feel like a heartbreak song; it’s powerful, and in 2007 a stadium version even appeared for the Chiba Lotte Marines, a professional baseball team whose character is a seagull.

Love is overOuyang Fei

Love Is Over

A heartbreak song by Fifi Ouyang about an older woman telling her younger lover goodbye—a poignant decision.

It portrays the strength to cut off a coddling relationship and the deep love she still feels.

Released in July 1979, it was originally a B-side but later became a hit, winning the Long-Seller Award at the Japan Record Awards in 1983.

Recommended for anyone who can relate to the complex emotions of love for a partner intertwined with the resolve to part ways.

366 daysHY

HY 366 Days LIVE

When it comes to breakup songs, this one is practically unmissable—the iconic heartbreak anthem “366 Days.” Included on the 2008 album “HeartY,” it’s a track that has been covered by many artists.

The lyrics vividly capture the painful realization of someone you love gradually drifting away, with such realism that it tightens your chest—something many listeners can surely relate to.

Even knowing those feelings won’t be returned, the desire to keep loving them anyway brings tears to your eyes.

Perfume of loveglobe

globe / Perfume of love

For those in their 40s, many probably immersed themselves in the height of the TK sound during their youth—it’s etched into their memories.

globe is one of the emblematic artists from that era, with numerous hit songs and many timeless tracks that are still listened to today.

While they have many songs about love, “Perfume of love” stands out as a popular number about a sorrowful romance.

It’s a deeply moving and relatable song that captures the sense of loss after a breakup and those helpless, aimless feelings.

Last LoveMiliyah Kato

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

Miliyah Kato’s songs, which capture the feelings of a woman in love with striking realism, are especially popular among young women for being “so relatable.” Her signature track “aitai” is well-loved as a heart-wrenching love song, and this song “Last Love” is also a poignant, gut-aching breakup number.

It powerfully conveys lingering attachment to someone you’ve already broken up with and the painful contrast with the happiness you once felt.

It’s a breakup song filled with many moments people can relate to—like saying or thinking, “You said we’d always be together.” And the way she keeps posing questions to someone who’s no longer here conveys a strong, unforgettable love that refuses to fade.