Lovely senior life

A collection of moving, tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 90s—heartfelt tunes that resonate with the soul.

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

For people in their 90s, songs released in the Showa era likely left a deep and lasting impression.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of moving, tear-jerking classics from the Showa period.

From songs about heartbreak to those that celebrate family bonds, each piece conveys its own range of emotions.

When recommending songs to women in their 90s, it would be great to suggest them along with the lyric sheets.

I hope this becomes an opportunity to find songs that resonate with their own experiences and memories, moving their hearts.

Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 90s: A collection of moving, heart-touching songs (1–10)

It's Tokyo, Mom!Chiyoko Shimakura

It's Tokyo, Mom.

Tokyo da yo, Okkā-san (Shimaura Chiyoko)

Chiyoko Shimakura’s “Tokyo da yo, Okkasan” is a classic wrapped in simple warmth.

The lyrics, depicting a tour of Tokyo’s landmarks with one’s mother, are filled with nostalgia and tenderness.

Shimakura’s clear, transparent voice delivers a moving resonance that touches the heart.

Since its release in 1957, the song has continued to be loved by many.

It might be nice to listen to it with older family members and reminisce about the old days.

Its relaxed tempo makes it easy to hum along, which is another charm.

A heartwarming piece that lets you feel the bond with someone special.

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Goodbye, people of Tokyo.Chiyoko Shimakura

Goodbye, people of Tokyo.

Farewell, people of Tokyo — Chiyoko Shimakura

Chiyoko Shimakura’s “Goodbye, People of Tokyo” is a masterpiece that vividly portrays a farewell in the big city.

The delicate imagery—the sea and harbor scenes, the sound of a ship’s whistle that evokes the sorrow of parting—deeply resonates.

Released in 1957, the song became one of Shimakura’s signature works, was adapted into a film, and has been loved by many.

For older listeners, it may bring back memories of the past and farewells with loved ones.

Why not savor its unforgettable lyrics alongside the nostalgic scenery of the Showa era?

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Ringo OiwakeHibari Misora

Ringo Oiwake

Ringo Oiwake by Hibari Misora

Ringo Oiwake is a classic song known as one of Hibari Misora’s signature pieces.

Set against the scenery and everyday life of the Tsugaru region, it beautifully sings of longing for one’s hometown and family.

The scattering apple blossoms mirror the feelings for a late mother and the sorrow of parting, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in 1952, the song has been covered by many artists and continues to be loved both in Japan and abroad.

With a gentle voice that evokes nostalgia and lyrics that touch the heart, it’s a song to enjoy at an easy pace while remembering someone dear.

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Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 90s: A collection of moving tracks that touch the heart (11–20)

The Sorrowful Bamboo FluteToshiro Omi Mitsue Nara

The Sorrowful Bamboo Flute

Sad Bamboo Flute Toshiro Omi, Mitsue Nara

“Kanashiki Takebue” (The Sorrowful Bamboo Flute) is a touching classic sung by Mitsue Nara and Toshiro Oumi.

Known for soothing the hearts of people in the turmoil of the postwar period, it portrays the poignant feelings of a man playing a sorrowful flute at dusk in the city.

The lyrics, which express longing for a loved one and nostalgia for one’s hometown, combined with a delicate, wistful melody, resonate deeply with listeners.

For many older adults, the words align with their life experiences and evoke strong empathy.

It is a song best listened to while remembering someone dear.

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Though I wait for youAiko Hirano

Kimi Matedomo (1971 Re-recorded Stereo Version)

Even if I wait for you by Aiko Hirano

Aiko Hirano’s “Kimi Matedomo” is a masterpiece that beautifully sings of the loneliness and solitude of someone who keeps waiting.

Its heartrending vocals and profound lyrics will resonate deeply with older listeners.

Loved by many as a postwar Japanese hit, it has also been featured in films and TV dramas.

The delicate imagery—flowers by the window, a hazy evening, the sound of rain—leaves a strong impression.

It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who has spent part of their life waiting for someone precious.

Listening with the lyric sheet might help you immerse yourself even more deeply in the world of the song.

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The Blues I Won’t Forget YouNoriko Awaya

Noriko Awaya “The Blues I Won’t Forget You” (from “Noriko Awaya Complete Song Collection”). Please note: This is restored from an SP record, so there may be noise and distortion originating from the disc.

Kimi Wasureji no Blues, Noriko Awaya

Noriko Awaya’s “Kimi Wasureji no Blues” is a moving classic centered on the theme of lost love.

The lyrics evoke the image of a woman opening her window and singing on a lonely night.

Awaya’s powerful yet heartrending voice beautifully conveys the sorrow of a love that has passed.

The song has been used in many films and TV dramas and has been cherished by audiences across generations.

When you feel like reminiscing about old memories or thinking of someone dear, why not listen to it slowly? You’re sure to spend a wonderful time that soaks into your heart.

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Sad SakeHibari Misora

Sad Sake (with spoken lines)

Sad Sake by Hibari Misora

Hibari Misora’s “Kanashii Sake” is a touching masterpiece that entrusts the pain of heartbreak to sake.

The taste of the drink overlaps with the tears of a lost lover, and the more she drinks, the more the face she wants to forget rises to the surface—poignant lyrics that strike the heart.

Released in 1966, the song became a massive hit, selling 1.

45 million copies.

Misora’s clear, crystalline voice and profound emotional expression deeply move listeners.

It’s a song to play when you want to heal the pain of lost love or reflect on life.

It will surely resonate in your heart.

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