Lovely senior life

Breakup songs recommended for people in their 90s: a collection of timeless tracks that comfort the heart

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.

In this article, I’ll introduce recommended breakup songs from around the 1950s to 1960s—music that should feel familiar to people in their 90s.

Even among the songs of that era, there are many that depict bittersweet feelings of love, resonating with the hearts of young people at the time.

If you’re reading this, please consider recommending the songs below to a 90-something loved one.

I’d be delighted if they spark memories of the past and encourage stories from their youthful days.

Now, let’s dive right into the recommended tracks!

Recommended heartbreak songs for people in their 90s: A collection of comforting classics (21–30)

Journey of the HeartTulip

Kokoro no Tabi / Tulip (with lyrics)

Kokoro no Tabi (Heart’s Journey) - Tulip

This is a classic song that richly captures the bittersweet feelings before setting off on a journey.

It beautifully expresses both the excitement and loneliness of the last night spent with a loved one before starting a new life.

Listening to it vividly brings back memories from those days.

Released by Tulip in April 1973, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ninjō Ippon Kokoro no Tabi,” as well as in commercials for the Toyota Carina and JR West.

Evoking the romance of nostalgic train travel, the song’s friendly, sing-along melody is part of its charm.

How about humming it together with seniors while clapping along?

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The Camellia Sasanqua InnEisaku Okawa

[With Large Lyrics] Sazanka no Yado [Recreation]

Sazanka no Yado EISAKU OKAWA

Allow me to introduce a masterpiece of enka that portrays a bittersweet love kept secret in the heart.

EISAKU OKAWA’s single, released in August 1982, is a moving work that overlays his feelings onto the camellia blooming in winter.

The lyrics by Osamu Yoshioka and the melody by Shosuke Ichikawa blend beautifully, delicately expressing the emotions of a man swayed by an unattainable love.

Four months after its release, the song entered the Oricon Top 10 for the first time and became one of Okawa’s signature pieces.

It sold a total of 1.

8 million copies and won the Long Seller Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards in 1983, also marking his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its evocative imagery that overlaps with Japan’s beautiful winter scenery, and a voice that holds both ache and warmth, make it a perfect choice for karaoke duets or for humming along while sharing fond memories.

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a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara

Red Handkerchief: Yujiro Ishihara

Akai Hankachi Ishihara Yujiro

Set against the backdrop of a northern spring, this song tells the story of a bittersweet farewell in love.

Carried by a gentle, lyrical melody, Yujiro Ishihara’s rich vocals vividly portray the lingering feelings of heartbreak.

Released by Teichiku Records in October 1962, the track is also included on the album “Yujiro Ishihara Original 6.” In January 1964, it was used as the theme song for a film of the same name starring Ishihara, captivating the hearts of many alongside the movie.

Even today, it remains a beloved classic that everyone can hum along to and is very popular at karaoke.

With its heartfelt lyrics and approachable melody, it’s the perfect song for singing together and having fun.

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I won't fall in love anymore.Noriyuki Makihara

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

I Won’t Fall in Love Anymore – Noriyuki Makihara

A gem-like ballad that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak and the hope of taking a new step forward.

Noriyuki Makihara’s gentle vocals tenderly envelop the protagonist’s complex feelings as they struggle to accept a breakup with their lover.

While carefully depicting the loneliness and confusion felt in everyday life, it also resonates with the positive resolve hidden behind the words “I won’t fall in love anymore.” Released in May 1992, the song was used as the theme for the drama “After the Children Are Asleep,” reaching No.

2 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.

7 for the year.

It’s a song that stands as emotional support, accompanying you through the healing process of a broken heart.

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Lingering Snowdolphin

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

Lingering Snow Dolphin

Sung by Iruka, this song has been passed down as a classic of spring, a work that seems to seep into the listener’s heart.

Depicting a scene of parting in early spring, it beautifully portrays lingering feelings and the loneliness of growing up.

Written and composed by Shozo Ise and given a rich, weighty arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was released in March 1975 on the album “Iruka no Sekai,” then as a single in November of the same year, reaching No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a perfect song to spark conversation with older adults.

You’ll likely enjoy a wonderful time sharing nostalgic memories and evocative scenes that resonate in the heart.

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In conclusion

We’ve rounded up a selection of breakup songs, focusing mainly on tracks from around the 1950s to 1960s that are likely familiar to people in their 90s.

I’m sure you found some tunes that ring a bell.

Please listen to the songs introduced in this article together with the 90-somethings around you and use them as a chance to look back on those days.