Favorite Songs for Women in Their 50s: A Curated Selection of Sweet and Bittersweet Love Ballads!

Snow BlossomMika Nakashima

Mika Nakashima “Yuki no Hana” MUSIC VIDEO

A masterpiece by Mika Nakashima that warms the heart enough to make you forget the winter chill.

Its delicate emotional expression pierces the listener’s soul.

When you want to savor both the sweetness and sorrow of love at the same time, this song feels as if it was made just for that.

Released in 2003, it played a crucial role in Nakashima’s career, cementing her image as a singer who beautifully conveys melancholy and wistfulness.

It was also used in a Meiji Seika commercial and became a huge hit.

A timeless ballad to dedicate to anyone in love—listen to it side by side, and there’s no doubt it will bring two hearts closer together.

AutomaticHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – Automatic

Hikaru Utada’s sweet and bittersweet songs richly express the thrill and ache of romance.

Symbolic elements in the lyrics—such as a computer screen and a ring—vividly capture shifting emotions and a sense of inner fulfillment.

This work is her debut single, released in December 1998, and it created a major buzz, including topping the Oricon Karaoke Chart for 13 consecutive weeks.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to empathize with the complexities of love or rekindle the sweet-and-sour memories of youth.

I BELIEVETomomi Kahala

Tomomi Kahara – I BELIEVE (from “DREAM -Self Cover Best-”)

With a melody that gently cradles aching love, Tomomi Kahara’s clear, translucent voice goes straight to the heart.

The way she sings of trust and hope for the one she loves is utterly enchanting.

Released in October 1995, the song became a massive hit, ranking in Oricon’s year-end charts for two consecutive years.

It’s said that part of the proceeds was donated to relief funds for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

When you’re troubled by love or want to believe in someone, this is a song that stays close to your feelings.

It’s also a great choice for karaoke.

younger boyCandies

A Younger Boy / Candies (Cover)

It was released in 1975 as Candies’ fifth single.

This became Candies’ first hit and their first song to enter the top 10 of the Oricon chart.

Thanks to its success, they made their official debut as a Red Team act at the end of 1975 in the 26th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The song is memorable for its cute lyrics and dance about falling in love with a younger boy.

My Room, My Dress Shirt, and MeEri Hiramatsu

The Room, the Dress Shirt, and Me (PV)

Released in 1992 as Eri Hiramatsu’s eighth single.

It was a single cut from her third album, “MY DEAR,” and sold over one million copies, making it her best-selling single.

Often seen as a symbol of a devoted woman—with a slightly unsettling vibe—it still conveys the deep feelings of caring for a beloved partner.

My lover is Santa ClausYumi Matsutoya

My lover is Santa Claus

It’s a song included on Yumi Matsutoya’s 10th original album, SURF & SNOW, released in 1980.

It was used as an insert song in the film “Take Me Out to the Snowland.” Having become a classic Christmas tune, it features the kind of romantic, girlish lyrics characteristic of Yuming.

It remains a masterpiece that many artists continue to cover today.

Valentine KissSayuri Kokusho

Sayuri Kokusho (Kokusho Sayuri) – Valentine Kiss

This is the solo debut single released by Sayuri Kokusho in 1986 after her time with Onyanko Club.

It was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Monday Drama Land,” and as a classic Valentine’s Day song, it’s frequently played during February.

Covered by many artists, it is one of Sayuri Kokusho’s signature songs.