Recommended heartbreak songs for men in their 70s: A collection of poignant, nostalgic classics

a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara

Red Handkerchief: Yujiro Ishihara

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.

Tokyo CachitoFrank Nagai

Tokyo Cachito — Frank Nagai

It’s a classic of mood kayō that has continued to be loved as a Showa-era masterpiece.

Set against the backdrop of nights in Akasaka, the song portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban sensibility.

Frank Nagai’s alluring low voice richly conveys the feelings of a man troubled by love.

Released in October 1960, the single featured “Arcade Blues” on the B-side.

As a leading presence in the mood kayō boom of the time, it was cherished by many.

It’s a song I’d recommend as a fun karaoke pick to sing with friends, along with fond memories.

Snow CountryIkuzo Yoshi

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

A masterpiece that sings of hope shining through the bitter cold, its bittersweet sense of life’s melancholy resonates deeply.

Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s vocals, tinged with sorrow yet brimming with strength, seep into the depths of the heart.

Released in 1986, it won the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards.

That same year, it appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and topped the Oricon charts—a work cherished by many.

Masterfully intertwining northern landscapes with the stirrings of love, this song was also used in regional tourism promotions and winter campaigns.

For many, it remains a treasured song of memories.

Why not spend a quiet moment listening to its heartwarming voice?

Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara

Northern Traveler - Yujiro 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.

In the Middle of a DreamTakao Kisugi

Yumeno Tochu

A masterpiece that portrays a bittersweet love story of a man and a woman living in the city, themed around parting and reunion.

Released by Takao Kisugi in 1981, the song delicately captures the emotions that intersect amid the hustle and bustle of urban life.

With poetic lyrics by his sister, Etsuko Kisugi, and a nostalgic, urbane melody, the piece achieves a beautiful harmony that resonates deeply with the heart.

The work was released as a single in November 1981 and included on the album “Yume no Tochū,” which came out in December of the same year.

Later, Hiroko Yakushimaru sang it as the theme song for the film “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun,” leading it to become a major hit.

The album “Yume no Tochū” ranked high on the Oricon charts and achieved the impressive result of 11th in annual sales for 1982.

It is a song that gently accompanies those who have experienced a breakup with a lover or who struggle with love amid the clamor of the city.

Forget-me-not to youYoichi Sugawara

②_ Yoichi Sugawara Forget-me-not to You (with lyrics)

Celebrated as a masterpiece of Japanese lyric songs and cherished for many years, this work is a moving classic with a gentle melody and emotionally rich lyrics.

Yoichi Sugawara’s soft vocals tenderly convey an unwavering love for a beloved person.

Released in November 1971, the song appeared twice on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.

In music therapy sessions with older adults, its heartwarming lyrics and nostalgic melody can spark lively reminiscences.

It’s a song that naturally brings smiles—perfect for clapping along and humming together, or moving gently to its relaxed tempo.

Song of Seeing Spring OffGoro Noguchi

Farewell to Spring – Goro Noguchi

This is a famed song by Goro Noguchi that gently expresses delicate emotions in a springtime love story.

With an elegant voice, it tenderly embraces the bittersweet feelings of young people parting as the warm spring weather arrives.

Its beautiful melody and lyrical words resonate deeply in our hearts.

Released in December 1978, the song carefully portrays a poignant love story.

It’s a piece you can sing together with older adults, sharing memories while reflecting on farewells and new encounters with those dear to you.