[Nostalgic Songs] A collection of tear-jerking Japanese tracks recommended for men in their 70s

What kind of music is a “tearjerker” for you?

Maybe it’s a song that brings to mind the scenery of your hometown, or a tune that your family or a past lover used to love—there are probably many pieces that come to mind.

In this article, we’ve put together a selection of tear-jerking Japanese songs with the theme “Recommended for men in their 70s.”

We’ve focused mainly on hit songs from the 1960s and 1970s.

We’re introducing nothing but timeless masterpieces that touch the heart.

Please take your time and listen while reminiscing about those days.

Playlist

[Nostalgic Songs] A collection of tear-jerking Japanese tracks recommended for men in their 70s
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	coniferGoro Noguchi		Summary (20 characters): Goro Noguchi’s 1976 song. It overlays the sorrow of a winter romance with snowy scenery, expressing thoughtfulness after a breakup.
2	Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa		Hachirō Izawa is an enka singer known for “Ah, Ueno Station.” It’s a classic song that portrays the hopes and anxieties of young people who moved for group employment.
3	sublime songKazuo Funaki		Kazuo Funaki's 'Zesshō' is a masterpiece that sings of the sorrow of lost love and deeply resonates in the heart.
4	Not even worth confessingMirei Kitahara		Summary (20 characters): Debut song by Mirei Kitahara. A masterpiece that portrays the complexity of life through profound lyrics and melody.
5	Forbidden LoveRyoko Moriyama		Summary (20 characters): Ryoko Moriyama is a renowned folk singer-songwriter who topped the charts with Forbidden Love.
6	applauseNaomi Chiaki		A signature 1972 song by Naomi Chiaki. Its powerful vocals and lyrics of loss leave a deep impression.
7	Love Song AnthologyTakao Horiuchi		A signature work by Takao Horiuchi. A love song about heartbreak. It became a huge hit as a TV drama theme, selling over one million copies.
8	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenEigo Kawashima		Summary (20 characters): Eigo Kawashima’s signature work. A classic released in 1976, depicting a man who escapes into alcohol and a woman in tears.
9	Elegy of the Hot Spring TownToshirō Ōmi		A 1948 smash hit that portrays a bittersweet first love set in a hot spring town in Izu.
10	Oh, sake!Ikuzo Yoshi		A 1988 release by Itsuki Hiroshi. A classic that sings of the joys and sorrows of life entrusted to sake.
11	Homeward Journey to the NorthAkira Kobayashi		Kobayashi Akira’s signature song “Kitakikō” is a masterpiece that portrays loneliness and hope, stirring the hearts of its listeners.
12	rime iceYukio Hashi		Yukio Hashi was one of the “Gosanke” idols of the 1960s. His signature song, “Muhyo,” is a ballad that portrays the poignant feelings of winter love.
13	In Search of Love and DeathKazuko Aoyama		Kazuko Aoyama is an enka singer, and her signature song, “Gazing at Love and Death,” is a moving classic based on a true story.
14	Stardust TownMichiya Mihashi		Michiya Mihashi was an enka singer, and his signature song, “Hoshikuzu no Machi” (Star-Dust Town), is a moving masterpiece that depicts a longing for his hometown.
15	The river flows.Miki Nakasone		Miki Nakasone is a singer born in 1944. Known for “Kawa wa Nagareru” (The River Flows), it’s a famous song that sings of life and hope.
16	Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto		Kyu Sakamoto’s signature song “Ue o Muite Arukou” (Sukiyaki) is a classic imbued with a message of hope.
17	I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto		Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ue o Muite Arukō” is a world-renowned classic that symbolizes the strength and hope to face hardship.
18	Woman of NagasakiKasuga Hachirō		Summary (20 characters): Hachiro Kasuga’s signature song “Nagasaki no Onna” is a masterpiece depicting lost love set in postwar Nagasaki.
19	When the Acacia Rain StopsSachiko Nishida		Summary (20 characters): Sachiko Nishida’s signature song “When the Acacia Rain Stops” is a moving classic that reflects the social climate.
20	This is goodbye today.Yoichi Sugawara		Yoichi Sugawara’s classic song “Kyo de Owakare” is a moving work that conveys the bittersweet emotions of parting through delicate lyrics and a beautiful melody.
21	Sad SakeHibari Misora		Hibari Misora’s “Sad Sake” is a signature song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and is loved by many people.
22	Words of FarewellKaientai		A masterful song that sings life lessons based on Tetsuya Takeda’s heartbreak experience. Theme song of Kinpachi-sensei.
23	Sanguisorba officinalis (Great burnet)Masato Sugimoto		A heartwarming song filled with Masato Sugimoto’s love for his late mother. Released in 2007, it also earned a spot at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
24	TSUNAMISouthern All Stars		Keisuke Kuwata’s heartbreaking breakup ballad, a moving masterpiece
25	Becoming a Thousand WindsMasafumi Akikawa		Akikawa Masafumi’s ballad, a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart
26	I’ve come a long way, when I think about it.Kaientai		A nostalgic classic by Kaientai, Thoughts of Home
27	a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara		Spring in the northern country, a masterpiece that resonates in Yujiro Ishihara’s heart
28	Brother ShipsIchiro Toba		Summary (20 characters): A classic enka depicting the bond of fisherman brothers. Toba Ichiro’s deep, rugged vocals are compelling.
29	Snow CountryIkuzo Yoshi		The scenery of the northern country and the heart-stirring singing voice of Yoshikazu Ikuzō
30	Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara		A melancholic masterpiece that sings of love in the northern land
31	Forget-me-not to youYoichi Sugawara		Bittersweet feelings of farewell imbued in a blue flower
32	Waltz of StarlightMasao Sen		Masao Sen’s poignant classic, a love song that resonates with the heart
33	A Tearful RequestThe Checkers		Heartfelt breakup songs from late-night radio: timeless classics that resonate
34	A Letter Waiting for SpringTakuro Yoshida		Heartfelt exchanges through letters and songs of memories
35	Parting at 22wind		The Wind’s debut song, cherished as a timeless anthem of youth
36	Lingering Snowdolphin		Spring farewell song, a masterpiece by Iruka
37	SaraiYuzo Kayama		A heartwarming classic that captures feelings for one’s hometown
38	GraduationChiharu Matsuyama		Chiharu Matsuyama’s spring melody, the singing voice of youth
39	The Camellia Sasanqua InnEisaku Okawa		A signature song by Eisaku Okawa. A classic that sold over 1.8 million copies, featuring poignant lyrics centered on an extramarital affair.
40	Do whatever the hell you want.Kenji Sawada		Summary (20 characters): A masterpiece depicting complex emotions of heartbreak. A 1977 hit featuring Kenji Sawada’s captivating vocals.
41	Tangled HairHibari Misora		Misora Hibari, who reigned as the queen of the Showa-era pop music world...
42	From the northern innHarumi Miyako		Harumi Miyako’s signature song. Her 67th single, released in 1975. Sold 1.4 million copies and won the Japan Record Award.
43	A life full of scarsKoji Tsuruta		Koji Tsuruta’s “A Life Full of Scars” is a poignant masterpiece that depicts life’s hardships and the search for meaning.