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

Time goes byEvery Little Thing

Time goes by – Every Little Thing (Full)

It’s one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs, isn’t it? “Time goes by” is a single released in 1998, and people in their 40s and 50s are surely familiar with it.

In its lyrics and melody alike, it’s a heartbreaking love song that tightens your chest.

If you’ve broken up with someone you love and are in the midst of heartbreak, you probably find yourself thinking, “If only I’d done this then… and that then…” filled with regrets and thoughts about things that can’t be changed now.

This is a breakup song that gently soothes you while staying close to those feelings.

AloneMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto — alone

When it comes to Mayo Okamoto, many people name “TOMORROW” as her signature song, but in fact, there are many who say this masterpiece, “Alone,” is their favorite.

It’s also well-known because Kumi Koda covered it.

You’re madly in love with someone you can’t forget, but they already love someone else; you know your feelings won’t reach them and that it won’t come true, yet you still can’t help loving them.

Maybe everyone has at least one person like that in their life.

There aren’t many songs that embody and let you truly feel the word “heartbreaking” as perfectly as this one.

ShipwreckAkina Nakamori

Wrecked Ship - Akina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori has many fans in their 40s and 50s, and there are probably plenty of people who always sing her songs at karaoke.

She has a long list of hits, and many of them are richly colored by her unique style, showcasing a charm you won’t find elsewhere.

The song “Nanpasen” (Wrecked Ship) is one of those, isn’t it? It was released in 1987, but it’s actually a cover—Tokiko Kato originally released it in 1984.

Even so, it’s firmly recognized as one of Akina Nakamori’s signature tracks.

It’s a number I recommend for those times when you want to fully sink in, get absorbed, and have a good cry.

romantic feelingsNanae Aikawa

Nanase Aikawa / Koigokoro (Love Sentiments)

Nanase Aikawa’s “Koigokoro,” released in 1996.

When you think of Nanase Aikawa, the strong impression is her partnership with Tetsuro Oda, and he also produced this track.

While Aikawa shines with a rock-infused style, this song is a breakup ballad that’s a little different from the typical tender, sorrowful kind—distinctively Nanase Aikawa.

Even if today’s breakup songs don’t quite resonate with you, many people still find themselves moved by the breakup songs they listened to when they were young in the ’90s and 2000s.

It’ll likely bring back memories from that time as well.

Ice RainShizuka Kudo

Shizuka Kudo / Ice Rain [Official Video]

A heartbreak song you want to listen to in the cold season as the snow falls: Shizuka Kudo’s “Ice Rain.” Heartbreak alone already feels cold and chilling, but with this song set against a winter backdrop, the white snow seems to make an already frozen heart even colder, as if driving the chill deeper.

It’s a breakup song about knowing in your head that you’re parting from someone you love, but your heart can’t catch up to that reality.

For anyone who feels the same—unable to manage the emotions of heartbreak—this is a song you won’t be able to listen to without tears.

Unforgettable DaysMISIA

MISIA – Days We Won’t Forget (Official HD Music Video)

MISIA’s “Wasurenaide” depicts, with striking realism, a pair who are on the verge of breaking up right now.

It’s a number that moves you with its clean yet deeply realistic portrayal of the moment they will no longer be lovers after today, and from tomorrow will relate to each other as friends.

That feeling of being able to accept even the times you were irritated by the other person’s attitude, angry, or felt awful as somehow beautiful memories now—you can relate, can’t you? And yet it’s the chorus—and the very title, “Don’t Forget”—that pierces through as the true heart of the song.

366 daysHY

HY 366 Days LIVE

When it comes to breakup songs, this one is practically unmissable—the iconic heartbreak anthem “366 Days.” Included on the 2008 album “HeartY,” it’s a track that has been covered by many artists.

The lyrics vividly capture the painful realization of someone you love gradually drifting away, with such realism that it tightens your chest—something many listeners can surely relate to.

Even knowing those feelings won’t be returned, the desire to keep loving them anyway brings tears to your eyes.