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

High School LullabyImo Kin Trio

Imo-Kin Trio – High School Lullaby

A super idol born from Kin-chan’s TV show.

It’s a smash hit created by the ultimate duo of Takashi Matsumoto and Haruomi Hosono of YMO.

The song is so poppy—perhaps because the character’s image is so strong—that you almost forget it’s actually a heartbreak song.

It’s irresistibly cute and catchy.

The one I still love even after we’ve broken upLos Indios & Sylvia

Los Indios & Silvia - Even If We Break Up, I Still Love You / LOS INDIOS & Silvia Wakaretemo Sukina Hito

When it comes to male-female duet breakup songs, this one is a must.

Or rather, it’s more like a “want to get back together even after the breakup” song—the lyrics keep hammering home the phrase ‘my ex [so-and-so],’ overflowing with a very straightforward sense of lingering attachment that really sticks in your head.

It's a sad color, isn't it?Masaki Ueda

Masaki Ueda - Kanashii Iro Yane ~ Osaka Bay Blues.mp4

It’s a woman’s heartbreak song with a wonderfully gritty blues feel that deepens the sadness.

When a male singer voices a woman’s feelings, it can be surprisingly moving—perhaps many people have admired that, haven’t they? And the Kansai dialect adds a down-to-earth familiarity to the track.

She and TIP ON DUOMiki Imai

Miki Imai “She and TIP ON DUO” (30th Anniversary Concert Tour 2015 “Colour”)

Miki Imai has grown into one of the most wonderful adult vocalists, but back then she had a strong image of being very energetic with a lovely smile.

Even though this song is about heartbreak, its pop style gives it a fresh, positive take on a breakup.

Sorrow like snowShogo Hamada

Sadness Like Snow (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

This is one of Shogo Hamada’s greatest masterpieces, which also served as the theme song for a coming-of-age drama starring Toshiaki Karasawa.

Since the drama’s youthful story had somewhat cruel elements, there are probably quite a few people who feel very sad when they hear this song.

The chorus is such a heartbreak anthem that you’ll want to sing it out loud together.

Heartbreak RestaurantKentaro Shimizu

Heartbreak Restaurant by Kentaro Shimizu

It’s a heartbreak song that blends a rock vibe with an acoustic feel, hinting at a new genre.

Both the vocals and looks captured fans’ hearts, and it even sparked a brief boom.

It’s a real shame we hardly see them anymore.

BlueMachiko Watanabe

Machiko Watanabe - Blue

My third single.

The previous two were also breakup songs, but I chose this one because it’s more minor-key and a medium ballad, and the title really says it all.

As the lyrics say, it’s a very tragic song about two people who are forever parallel.