Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 70s. A collection of classic Showa-era breakup masterpieces.
If you’re a woman in your 70s, chances are you listened to a lot of love songs from around the 1970s.
Japanese pop songs released in that era truly include many masterpieces—timeless tracks that still haven’t lost their charm.
In this article, we’ll focus specifically on heartbreak songs and introduce tracks recommended for women in their 70s.
They may help you recall past romantic experiences or bring back the feelings you had back then.
You’ll likely recognize many of these songs, so take this opportunity to listen to them again with fresh ears.
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Recommended breakup songs for women in their 70s. A collection of classic Showa-era breakup masterpieces (21–30)
Tangled HairHibari Misora
As her comeback release, Hibari Misora brought out this celebrated song of profound love and sorrow in December 1987.
Set against the backdrop of the Shioyasaki Lighthouse, it sings of unwavering feelings and prayers for someone who has gone away.
Carried by an elegant melody, it masterfully conveys the complex emotions of a woman heartbroken in love.
Recorded in a single take with a full orchestra, the session showcased Hibari Misora’s unparalleled vocal prowess.
It remains a treasured piece, long beloved by many as a song to be heard alongside cherished memories and landscapes.
Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara
He sings a melancholic song about lost love set in the northern country with Yujiro Ishihara’s distinctive low voice.
As it follows a man searching for his beloved while traveling through Hokkaido cities like Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru, it conveys his heartbreaking emotions.
It was also used as an insert song in the drama “Seibu Keisatsu” and was released in August 1987.
For Yujiro Ishihara, it became his first and only single to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart as well.
As you recall days gone by, try singing it gently and with feeling.
Breakup songs recommended for women in their 70s. A collection of classic Showa-era breakup masterpieces (31–40)
A Doll's HouseMieko Hirota
A quintessential love song that symbolizes the Showa era, this is Mieko Hirota’s signature track, released in July 1969.
While harboring deep affection for her partner, the song portrays a woman who has lost sight of herself.
The protagonist likens herself to a doll and expresses her resolve to overcome lost love and rediscover who she is.
It topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks and earned the Vocal Performance Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards.
Her powerful yet delicate voice beautifully conveys the song’s melodic and lyrical world.
Many artists across genres, including Megumi Asaoka and Hideaki Tokunaga, have covered it.
It’s a song that resonates when facing a farewell with someone dear or taking a step into a new chapter of life.
Come, spring.Yumi Matsutoya
The celebrated song that gently sings of the arrival of spring was released in 1994 by Yumi Matsutoya and became a major topic as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series.
Its sweet, wistful vocals and lyrics filled with feelings for a loved one deeply resonate with many listeners.
Elegantly portraying spring scenes—such as the scent of daphne and sudden showers—it beautifully expresses nostalgic memories and the hope of reunion.
After its release, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart and became a massive hit, selling over 1.
16 million copies.
It was also used for the Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival and in commercials for the Yomiuri Shimbun, making it familiar to an even wider audience.
Its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics are perfect for sparking conversations about memories with older adults.
Please enjoy a richly satisfying moment together while feeling the arrival of spring.
When the rain stopsYukiji Asaka
Yukiji Asaoka, born in 1935, is an entertainer known for her wide-ranging career after coming from the Takarazuka Revue.
“Ame ga Yandara” (When the Rain Stops) is her signature song, released in 1970, and it became a major hit.
Composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi, it delicately expresses the pain of heartbreak.
The piece portrays, with subtlety, the quiet acceptance of an ending and the lingering attachment that resurfaces in loneliness after a separation, leaving a lasting impression.
The serene post-rain scenery is woven into a bittersweet yet beautiful melody, and the song has continued to be loved by many across time since its release.
For that reason, it’s recommended for moments when you want to heal the pain of a broken heart or reflect on the past.
A seagull is a seagull.Naoko Ken
Naoko Ken is a multi-talented artist from Shizuoka Prefecture who was active from the 1970s through the 1980s.
Released on March 25, 1978, “Kamome wa Kamome” captured the hearts of many as a breakup song.
The piece, written with Miyuki Nakajima’s delicate touch, conveys the strength to reflect on oneself through heartbreak and move toward independence.
In 2021, it was featured in the NHK morning drama series “Okaeri Mone,” bringing it back into the spotlight.
It is recommended for those who still have lingering feelings for a past love but are ready to take a new step forward.
Naoko Ken’s richly expressive voice will give listeners courage and hope.
Parting at 22wind
Kaze is a folk duo whose exquisite harmonies by Shozo Ise and Kazuhisa Okubo colored the Showa era.
Their debut single, “22-sai no Wakare” (Farewell at 22), was released in 1975 and has continued to be loved by many ever since.
The song portrays deep love and the turmoil of its ending through the universal theme of parting, with Ise’s poetic and delicate lyrics leaving a strong impression.
It’s a track I’d especially recommend to those who have experienced heartbreak, as it will resonate with the depths of your heart.
Moreover, the song speaks to listeners of all ages and is particularly recommended for those with a wealth of life experience.