Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended classics and staple tracks
If you’re currently in your 50s, songs from the ’80s and ’90s are probably packed with memories of your youth, aren’t they?
And there are likely many tracks from the 2000s that feel familiar and nostalgic as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended songs for women in their 50s, focusing on music from the ’80s through the 2000s.
We’ve carefully chosen only tracks that were popular at the time, so you’re sure to reunite with some old favorites.
We hope you’ll enjoy listening closely—and that this list will also come in handy when choosing songs for karaoke.
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Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended classics and standard tracks (41–50)
I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro
This song poignantly portrays a woman’s bittersweet feelings as she changes herself for love.
Her determination and inner conflict to be reborn for her lover are depicted in contrast to the upbeat melody.
Maki Ohguro’s powerful vocals vividly express the protagonist’s pain and wavering emotions.
Released in December 1993, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.
Within about three months of its release, it became a million seller and has been included on multiple albums, such as “Toward the Eternal Dream” and “BACK BEATs #1.” It’s a song I especially recommend to those who can relate to the struggle between staying true to oneself and being in love.
Its heartrending melody and down-to-earth lyrics gently embrace the complex emotions of romance.
Stars on EarthMiyuki Nakajima
Miyuki Nakajima’s powerful vocals are perfectly matched with the majestic sound.
This work gently illuminates the presence of people who usually go unnoticed yet live earnestly, likening them to “stars.” Released in July 2000 as the theme song for NHK’s popular documentary series “Project X: Challengers,” it gradually drew attention alongside the program’s broadcast.
At the 2002 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was performed via a live relay from the Kurobe Dam and achieved the highest singer-specific viewership rating of the show.
Aim for dynamic, powerful singing like Miyuki Nakajima’s.
Second LoveAkina Nakamori
A heartrending love ballad released in November 1982 that delicately portrays the feelings of a girl inexperienced in romance.
Within its gently enveloping, warm melody, the bashfulness and bittersweet longing of a girl in love are woven.
The song earned Ms.
Nakamori her first-ever No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and is regarded as one of her signature works.
Since June 2024, it has also been used as the departure melody at Seibu Ikebukuro Line’s Kiyose Station, continuing to be cherished across generations.
With its relaxed tempo and tender melodic line, this piece is also an easy, soothing choice to sing at karaoke.
Silhouette RomanceJunko Ohashi
Junko Ohashi’s signature song, which depicts an urbane, sophisticated adult romance, captivates with an arrangement that incorporates jazz and fusion elements and lyrics that deftly express the delicate emotions of a woman dreaming of love.
Written and composed by Etsuko Kisugi and Takao Kisugi, it was released in November 1981.
With Hiroshi Suzuki’s arrangement, the piece achieves a distinctly moody atmosphere.
It won the Best Vocal Performance at the 24th Japan Record Awards and reached No.
7 on the Oricon weekly chart in 1982.
Beginning with a quiet piano, its graceful melody and pleasant rhythm underscore a sensual love story, making it a perfect song to enjoy in a relaxed setting.
contrailYumi Arai
This song was created based on the experience of losing a classmate during the artist’s school days.
Its poetic imagery likening a soul ascending to heaven to a contrail, together with a clear, translucent vocal, intertwine beautifully to form a gem of a track.
Released in 1973 as the B-side to the single “Kitto Ieru,” it was also included on the album Hikōkigumo the same year.
In 2013, it was chosen as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s The Wind Rises, touching the hearts of people across generations.
With its gently enveloping melody and relaxed tempo, it’s a warm, inviting song that makes you want to hum along together.
Pink sighMariko Takahashi
It is a masterpiece that fuses an exotic, Mediterranean-like atmosphere with an urban, sophisticated sound.
The song dreamily portrays a woman who blossoms like a flower when embraced by her lover, expressing both the beauty and the fragility of love.
Mariko Takahashi’s delicate yet powerful vocals further deepen the work’s unique world.
Released in May 1984 as the commercial song for Sanki’s “Camellia Diamond,” it was also included on the album Triad.
Highly acclaimed—including winning the Lyrics Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards—it became a long-running hit.
With a quiet mood that hints at hidden passion, this is a perfect track for spending peaceful moments with someone special.
Lingering Snowdolphin
The timeless classic “Nagori Yuki” was covered by Iruka in 1975, becoming a memorable hit.
Its gently embracing lyrics portray people changing and growing with the turning of the seasons, softly illuminating the sorrow of parting.
Iruka’s tender voice is sure to bring back nostalgic scenes of youth for women in their fifties who lived through the Showa era.
It’s not only a karaoke staple, but also a lovely choice for a heartwarming moment.