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)
cosmos (flower)Momoe Yamaguchi
Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic song “Akizakura (Cosmos),” released in 1977, is a heartwarming piece that delicately portrays family love and the complex emotions of a woman on the verge of marriage.
Named “Akizakura” at producer Masanori Sakai’s suggestion, the song was written and composed by Masashi Sada.
Inspired by his older sister, Sada penned lyrics that intertwine the pale cosmos flowers with the image of a woman stepping into a new life and the deep affection of the mother who sees her off.
The protagonist’s resolve to embark on her journey—while holding both anxiety about tomorrow and deep gratitude—resonates with many listeners.
The song is also widely covered, with various artists bringing their own interpretations.
Sada’s performances on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen are particularly memorable, especially the staging in 2023.
For women in their 50s, the song continues to evolve like a baton passed from mother to child, from woman to woman.
Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: Recommended masterpieces and classics (51–60)
Purple TownJunko Yagami
This was Junko Yagami’s ninth single, released in July 1980.
It was selected as the commercial song for that year’s Japan Airlines/JALPAK “I LOVE NEW YORK Campaign,” becoming a major hit that reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and sold a total of 600,000 copies.
Incidentally, the title “Purple Town” is said to have been written with the skyline of New York at dawn as its motif.
While the song powerfully conveys that lively, daybreak scene, the vocal melody is very easy to sing and remember, so please try performing it as powerfully as she does!
Tomorrow, when spring comesTakako Matsu
This was Takako Matsu’s major-label debut single, released in March 1997.
It was used in NTT’s “Exciting New Life Campaign” TV commercial and, as the debut song of Takako Matsu—who at the time was a top actress active in TV dramas, films, and stage productions—it became a hot topic.
It entered the Top 10 in its third week, reached its peak position of No.
8 in its fifth week, and ultimately sold around 500,000 copies, becoming a major hit.
As of August 2023, many people in their 50s probably still remember at least the chorus melody.
True to the image suggested by its title, it’s a very heartwarming, gentle song, so it’s easy and fun to sing at karaoke.
Please enjoy it—and try to sing it in as bright a voice as you can.
A woman born in OsakaBORO
A song by BORO set in the city of Osaka that depicts the end of youth and a new beginning.
The image of an Osaka-born woman reflecting on her life on her way home, exhausted from dancing at a disco, is particularly striking.
Released in August 1979, this track was BORO’s debut single and sold a total of 179,000 copies on the Oricon charts.
It also won multiple awards, including the Best New Artist Award at the 12th Japan Cable Awards that same year.
The lyrics, imbued with a determination to take a new step for the sake of a loved one while holding a deep affection for Osaka, are sure to resonate with many.
Why not savor the mingling of homesickness and romance through BORO’s warm, heartfelt voice?
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
KinKi Kids’ debut single, released in July 1997, is a gem where Tatsuro Yamashita’s melody and Takashi Matsumoto’s lyrics blend beautifully.
The lyrics, which express a bittersweet love, and the duo’s clear, soaring vocals resonate deeply.
Used as the entrance march for the 70th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, the song has continued to be loved across generations.
How about indulging in a nostalgic mood while listening to this track filled with memories of youth? It’s also lovely to hum along with friends or family.
Beyond the Night SkySMAP
With its gently resonant melody and lyrics that stay close to the heart, this masterpiece helps you forget the bustle of everyday life.
It portrays the feelings of looking back on the past while trying to find hope for the future, resonating with many people.
Released in 1998, it became a record-breaking hit, selling 459,000 copies in its first week.
As one of SMAP’s signature songs, it’s also very popular at karaoke.
Listen to it while gazing up at the quiet night sky, and you’ll surely feel a new sense of emotion.
Along with a sense of nostalgia, this work evokes the complex feelings we experience at various moments in life.
As music for a moment of relaxation, why not give it a listen?
STAY TUNESuchmos
A signature work by Suchmos that drew attention as a mesmerizing track coloring the urban night.
Its sleek rhythm and striking melody linger in your ears, vividly portraying scenes of Tokyo after dark.
Released in January 2016, the song’s popularity surged after it was featured in a high-profile commercial, reaching No.
10 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and winning the hearts of many listeners.
Its refined, metropolitan vibe blends perfectly with vocals that carry a touch of nostalgia.
It’s a track you’ll want to play while driving with someone special or during a calm moment at a café.