Tear-jerking songs for women in their 70s: from Showa-era classics to Heisei hits
If you’re in your 70s now, chances are you’ve been listening to many timeless Showa-era classics since your youth.
Among those songs, there are likely tracks tied to cherished memories and melodies that capture the unique nostalgia of Showa-era pop, with many pieces that can still move listeners in their 70s today.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of tear-jerking songs especially recommended for women in their 70s.
Alongside Showa masterpieces, we’ve also chosen some Heisei-era releases that have been loved across generations, so please take this opportunity to listen closely and enjoy.
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Tear-jerking songs for women in their 70s: from classic Shōwa masterpieces to Heisei-era tracks (41–50)
Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta
Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.
It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.
The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.
Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.
How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.
Tear-jerking songs for women in their 70s: From Showa-era classics to Heisei hits (51–60)
cherry blossomNaotaro Moriyama
Speaking of cherry blossoms, they are beautiful flowers that herald the arrival of spring.
This song is a masterpiece that overlays the fleeting nature of sakura with the transience of life.
Naotaro Moriyama’s gentle voice vividly depicts a farewell beneath rows of cherry trees.
Released in March 2003, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
Many may know it as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki.” It’s a song that resonates at life’s milestones and moments of parting.
How about listening to it with older adults and basking in nostalgic memories? Wrapped in the warmth of spring, you can spend a heartwarming moment together.
Words of FarewellKaientai
Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.
Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.
Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.
Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi
This song, which sings of departure and hope, is a classic that resonates with many older listeners.
Momoe Yamaguchi’s gentle yet powerful voice gives listeners a push forward.
Released in November 1978, it was also used as a campaign song for Japan National Railways.
It is often performed at life’s milestones, such as graduation and weddings, and is loved across generations.
March brings the feeling of spring’s arrival.
In this season of new beginnings, why not listen to this song, bask in nostalgic memories, and feel hope for tomorrow?
school daysPeggy Hayama
A song filled with youthful memories comes back to life in the voice of Peggy Hayama.
Released in 1964, this piece richly portrays student life at a mission school.
Prayers in the chapel, memories with friends, studying in the library, and fleeting first love—nostalgic scenes come vividly to mind.
It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1965 and went on to become a million-seller.
Beloved as a standard song for graduations and reunions, it may prompt older listeners to reflect on their own school days.
Why not hum along, together with your cherished memories?
Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora
Let me introduce a masterpiece that represents the world of Japanese popular ballads.
This song is captivating for its metaphor that likens life to the flow of a river.
It sings, over a beautiful melody, of calmly accepting the many events that life brings.
Another hallmark is that many of the lyrics resonate with older adults in their daily lives.
Released in January 1989, it became a major hit.
It is also known as the final work of Hibari Misora and has come to symbolize her life.
It’s a perfect song to sing together with seniors and to share nostalgic memories.
Farewell, my loverMasaaki Sakai
Masaaki Sakai began his music career in 1962 when he joined The Spiders, and made his solo debut in 1971 with “Saraba Koibito” (“Goodbye, My Love”).
Released as his first single after the band’s breakup, the song has since been covered by many artists and is beloved across generations.
“Saraba Koibito” portrays the feelings of a protagonist who, while sensing a poignant loneliness in choosing to part ways, blames himself for the breakup.
Although Sakai is often associated with a cheerful and lively image, this song touches on deeper emotions in life through the experience of parting.
For older listeners, it may evoke memories of their youth and moments of farewell.