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

Ruby RingAkira Terao

Ruby No Yubiwa

Akira Terao’s “Ruby no Yubiwa” (Ruby Ring), released in 1981, is one of his signature songs—a superb ballad that poignantly captures the bittersweet emotions of an adult man after a broken romance.

The lyrics use the image of a ring to striking effect, portraying a man who wanders the city to ease his loneliness, clinging to memories and lingering feelings for a former lover.

Although sales were slow at first, the song gradually gained popularity and became a major hit.

It spent 12 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on The Best Ten and won the 23rd Japan Record Award.

Revered across generations, it has been used in commercials and even as an entrance march at the National High School Baseball Championship.

It remains an enduring classic that resonates with anyone who has experienced loss or parting—a song well worth listening to.

Farewell, my loverMasaaki Sakai

Farewell, my lover

Masaaki Sakai’s signature song “Saraba Koibito” (Farewell, My Love) depicts the feelings of a man who has resolved to end a relationship.

Set to a beautiful melody by Kyohei Tsutsumi, Osamu Kitayama’s lyrics poignantly convey the weight of choosing to part while pledging to return someday.

Released on May 10, 1971 as Sakai’s solo debut single, the song has been covered by many artists and included on numerous albums.

It’s a masterpiece that anyone who has endured a painful farewell can relate to, so why not listen quietly while thinking of someone dear to you?

To say goodbyeBilly BanBan

To say goodbye

This is a song by the folk duo Billy BanBan, notable for its warm, heartfelt melody and poignant lyrics.

Singing of parting from a past love and taking a step toward a new one, the piece carries a universal theme that resonates with many people.

Released in February 1972 and used as the theme song for a TV drama, it became a huge hit.

It has continued to be loved for many years, and in 1993 a new version was featured in a shochu commercial.

Its lyrics, which empathize with the experiences of love and farewell—especially among older listeners—are sure to spark fond reminiscences.

It's a sad color, isn't it?Masaki Ueda

It's a sad color, isn't it?

A bittersweet premonition of parting exchanged on a seashore as the rain draws near.

Masaki Ueda’s signature song is a breakup ballad told from a woman’s perspective in Kansai dialect.

The feelings of a woman telling herself not to cry resonate deeply.

Released in October 1982, the song initially sold poorly, but as cable radio requests grew, it climbed to No.

5 on the Oricon chart the following year and became a major hit, ranking No.

26 for the year.

Rooted in R&B and soul, Ueda’s vocals and the Kansai-dialect lyrics weave a unique charm that captured many hearts.

It’s a song we especially recommend to older listeners who have experienced parting from someone dear.

Goodbye once moreKiyohiko Ozaki

Sayonarawo Mouichido

This is a classic by Kiyohiko Ozaki that portrays a heartrending moment of parting.

While holding on to the hope of meeting again someday, the two choose to say goodbye for now, and their complex emotions are conveyed through a gentle yet powerful melody.

Released in July 1971, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon singles chart.

It has continued to be loved over the years, including its use in the 1999 film Nodojiman.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those who have experienced a farewell with someone dear.

As you reminisce, it may help you find hope for the life ahead.

Love is overOuyang Feifei

Love Is Over

Sung by Fifi Ouyang, this heartrending breakup song portrays the feelings of a woman who is saying goodbye to her lover.

The lyrics, which strongly convey her affection for the other person, embody selfless love—she suppresses her own emotions while wishing for his happiness.

Initially released in 1979 as a B-side, the song did not make a notable splash, but as Ouyang continued to perform it in Japan, word of mouth spread, leading to its re-release as an A-side in July 1980.

Anyone who has experienced the pain of parting will surely relate to this song.

It’s a piece that gives you the courage to keep moving forward while cherishing the memories that remain in your heart.

Parting at 22wind

Kaze – Farewell at 22 (Official Audio)

Sung by the duo Kaze, this song delicately portrays the feelings of a 22-year-old woman who, after five years of dating, decides to part ways.

The lyrics, blending tenderness and heartache, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in 1975, the track became a major hit, topping the Oricon chart for four consecutive weeks.

For older adults who have experienced farewell, it may spark nostalgic memories of their younger days.

It is also a song that stands by those trying to overcome a parting with someone dear, offering comfort and courage.