[Remembering the Pain of Love…] Breakup Songs Recommended for People in Their 60s

Eyes Are DiamondSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda “Eyes Are a Diamond” (from Super Diamond Revolution)

This is Seiko Matsuda’s 15th single, which depicts the bittersweet feelings before the end of a romance as if in a movie.

Released in October 1983, it held the No.

1 spot on The Best Ten for eight consecutive weeks.

On the Oricon weekly singles chart, it achieved the remarkable feat of monopolizing both No.

1 and No.

2 simultaneously together with its predecessor.

The lyrics, written by Takashi Matsumoto, memorably portray the moment of heartbreak—such as a farewell in the rain and the emotions of a woman stepping out from under an umbrella.

The melody, composed by Yumi Matsutoya under the pen name Kureta Karuho, results in a captivating song that conveys strength even amid sorrow.

It’s a recommended track for those seeking empathy and solace in the image of a woman striving to overcome the pain of a broken heart.

A Place in the SunShogo Hamada

A Place in the Sun

A heart-stirring ballad that portrays an illicit love affair.

Included on the album “Before the Generation of Love,” Shogo Hamada’s work gently embraces the aching feelings that slumber deep within the heart.

Since its release in March 1981, it has continued to profoundly move countless listeners.

While depicting a love in the form of an extramarital relationship, it conveys, throughout, the loneliness of hiding from prying eyes and the inner conflict of not wanting to ruin the other person’s life, giving it a depth that goes beyond a simple love song.

It is a gem of a track that quietly stands by the hearts of adults who carry the weight of family, work, and life itself.

Parting CityMasayuki Suzuki

Parting City

A gem of a ballad by Masayuki Suzuki, depicting a heartrending breakup, with lyrics, composition, and arrangement all by Kazumasa Oda.

The transience of a drifting heart, the pure devotion of believing in the words they shared, and the regret for a past that can never be reclaimed.

These soul-tearing emotions are exquisitely conveyed through Suzuki’s rich, velvety voice.

Released in September 1989, the song was featured as an insert track for the drama “LUCKY! Tenshi, Miyako e Iku” and in a Ginza Jewelry Maki commercial, and was later included on the album “Dear Tears.” On a quiet night, when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of someone dear, why not lend your ear to this song?

I Want to See You ~Missing You~Seiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda – I Want to See You ~Missing You~ (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

A gemlike love ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak everyone experiences at least once and the longing for a reunion.

The tender, heartrending lyrics penned by Seiko Matsuda herself are etched deeply in the heart along with nostalgic memories.

Each time her sweet, soft voice rings out over the gentle melody, memories of a past lover come flooding back.

Released in April 1996, this song drew major attention as the ending theme for “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle” and as a Canon commercial song.

It’s the kind of nostalgic love song you’ll find yourself softly humming on nights when you recall the warmth of someone you once loved, immersing yourself in the feelings of those days.

Bye For NowT-BOLAN

T-BOLAN「Bye For Now」MV

A gem of a ballad etched in the hearts of many as a supportive anthem about a beautiful farewell.

Released by T-BOLAN in November 1992, this song was used as the theme for Woman Dream and went on to become a million-seller.

Its powerful message—singing of the courage and hope to move toward one’s dreams after overcoming the loneliness of parting—deeply resonates with listeners.

It remains a beloved choice for moments like parting from someone dear, graduation ceremonies, and new beginnings, retaining its luster more than 30 years after its debut.

Featured on the albums HEART OF STONE and SINGLES, it shines brightly as one of T-BOLAN’s signature songs.

While listening to a distant train whistleAlice

Tooku De Kiteki Wo Kikinagara

A masterpiece by Alice in which lyrics portraying the resolve to move forward in life despite heartbreak and loneliness are exquisitely harmonized with a beautiful, soul-stirring melody.

Shinji Tanimura’s delicate poetry and Takao Horiuchi’s lyrical composition give listeners the courage to face life’s hardships.

Released in September 1976 and included on the album “ALICE V,” the song shines not for record-breaking success at the time, but for its timeless universality that continues to be loved across generations.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1996 and 2005, and has been covered by many artists.

For those standing at a crossroads and searching for the road ahead, it is a song that offers quiet determination and hope.

I'm sorryMariko Takahashi

I'm sorry…

A song depicting a heartrending farewell and lingering regret, released in May 1996 by Mariko Takahashi as the theme for Tuesday Suspense Theater.

With a clear, translucent voice, it poignantly conveys the feelings of a woman who has hurt someone precious and committed an irreparable mistake.

The portrayal of regret over romantic missteps, the plea for forgiveness, and the earnest love for someone dear is deeply moving.

It is a piece that offers profound empathy to those struggling with relationships or who have experienced a painful parting.

A masterpiece that everyone who has known heartbreak or separation should hear.