A wonderful heartbreak song

Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits

Yoga teacherYuko S.
Nice to meet you. I’m Yuko S. I teach yoga, meditation, and Laughter Yoga Music. I offer Laughter Yoga Music because ensuring children’s psychological safety fosters the development of their brains and minds and helps them cultivate their talents. I have produced many Laughter Yoga Music recreation sessions that simply let people enjoy laughter, music, and dance—connecting India and Japan via Zoom for both children and adults. My track record includes regularly held Nerima Laughter Yoga classes, regularly held Kichijoji Laughter Yoga Music classes, and occasional Laughter Yoga Music events. I’m currently involved in various kinds of work, and as I began facing myself more deeply, I continued studying NLP—sometimes called an instruction manual for the brain and mind—as well as the deeper unconscious realms of the psyche; I now also work as a psychological therapist. I love music, too. Back in my student days, I was such a big fan of the band LÄ-PPISCH that I even joined their fan club. I was a total live-music girl, spending most of my part-time earnings on indie concert tickets, lol. I listen to music across genres, and since I’ve lived in India, I especially listen to a lot of Indian music.

By the time you’re in your 40s, most people have gone through at least one or two heartbreaks.

There were probably songs that stayed close to your feelings during those past breakups, weren’t there?

In this article, we’ll introduce breakup songs recommended for women in their 40s.

We’ve gathered Japanese breakup songs that will bring back memories from those days.

Every once in a while, try looking back on the past as you listen to the songs you used to play back then.

By revisiting those moments now, your heart from that time may soften, even just a little.

It’s not about good or bad—those experiences can all become cherished memories.

Recommended breakup songs for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)

I'm glad I met you.Kyoko Koizumi

Glad I Met You – Kyoko Koizumi (Full)

I'm glad I met you, Kyoko Koizumi

“Anata ni Aete Yokatta,” a song released by Kyoko Koizumi in 1991 that became a huge hit, is also very popular as a karaoke choice among women in their 40s and 50s.

Many people may remember it fondly as the theme song for the drama “Papa to Nacchan,” starring Masakazu Tamura and Kyoko Koizumi.

It’s a very refreshing and positive love song that brings back memories of youthful romances—those that didn’t work out because we were too young—and recalls them now as wonderful memories.

You might find yourself remembering an old love when you listen to it.

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The Refrain Is ScreamingYumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya – The Refrain Is Shouting

Yumi Matsutoya, Refrain Is Shouting

If you’re looking for a breakup song that lets you fully sink into sadness and express exactly how you feel right now, I recommend Yuming’s “Reflections Cry Out.” The song is included on the 1988 album “Delight Slight Light KISS.” It’s widely known—a hit that even non-Yuming fans often recognize—yet there’s the surprising fact that it was never released as a single.

It’s a breakup song that conveys, almost painfully, the regret after parting ways—something anyone who’s been there can relate to.

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Goodbye, my beloved.Hana*Hana

Hana*Hana “Goodbye, My Beloved”

Goodbye, my beloved person — Hana*Hana

Sayonara Daisuki na Hito (Goodbye, My Beloved), the smash hit single by Hana*Hana released in 2000.

As it turns out, this song was written by member Izumi Kojima for her late grandfather.

The lyrics are very simple, yet the lingering afterglow of sadness quietly, steadily resonates—clearly capturing the hearts of many who’ve been hurt, not just those nursing a broken heart.

You might feel like you’ve heard it many times before, but try listening closely once more.

I think it’s a song that will gently stay by your side.

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Recommended breakup songs for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (11–20)

One more time,One more chanceMasayoshi Yamazaki

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

One more time, One more chance Masayoshi Yamazaki

Masayoshi Yamazaki’s fourth single, “One more time, One more chance,” released in 1997, is widely loved across generations as both a heartbreak song and a real tearjerker.

It’s been over 20 years since its release, yet it remains cherished—almost a gold standard of breakup songs.

Written from a male perspective, it captures lingering feelings for a loved one and the longing for someone unforgettable.

Regardless of gender, anyone going through a breakup will likely be moved to tears and find it deeply relatable.

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Last LoveMiliyah Kato

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

Last Love Miliyah Kato

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.

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dearestKOH+

PV KOH Beloved 2008-10-01

Dearest KOH+

This song “Saiai” by KOH+, the unit of Masaharu Fukuyama and Kou Shibasaki.

The duo sang the theme song for the drama Galileo in which they co-starred, and this track served as the theme song for the film adaptation Suspect X.

It’s packed with sadness and heartache, conveying the desperate feeling of not wanting to be apart no matter what, wanting to stay connected even just a little—it comes through so poignantly that it hurts.

It resonates with anyone going through a breakup now, and it’s also a song that brings back memories of heartbreak from the past.

There’s also a version sung by Fukuyama, which has a different vibe and is just as moving—highly recommended.

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rainChisato Moritaka

Chisato Moritaka 'Rain' [Self-Cover]

Amemori Takachisato

This song, with its title “Rain,” enhances a gently melancholy mood, as if we could blame the sadness of a broken heart on the rain itself.

Released as a single by Chisato Moritaka in 1990, it remains very popular and has been covered by many artists across countries and genders.

For some, this song has helped heal the wounds of heartbreak or offered comfort during the pain of a breakup.

Even if you’re not heartbroken, it’s a track that somehow fills you with deep sadness and longing.

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