An encouraging song we want people in their 80s to hear. A cheer song from the Showa era.
Music has the power to support the hearts of those who listen, doesn’t it?
I’m sure many people have gained energy and courage from listening to music, or found the motivation to keep going.
And that holds true across generations—there are surely many people in their 80s who have also been empowered by music.
In this article, we’ll introduce uplifting songs we’d love people in their 80s to listen to again.
If you’re reading this, please consider sharing the songs we introduce with the 80-somethings in your life.
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Cheer Songs We Want People in Their 80s to Hear: Encouragement Anthems from the Showa Era (21–30)
spring's dry windShigeru Izumiya
A work that sharply portrays social pressure and loneliness was included on the 1973 album “Light and Shadow” and later released as a single.
Shigeru Izumiya wrote and composed the song, with production by Kazuhiko Kato.
Interweaving the north wind of spring with the hardships of daily life, it delicately expresses the conflict between the self and society.
The power and message of folk music resonated with many artists, leading to covers by numerous musicians, including Anarchy, Keisuke Kuwata, and Masaharu Fukuyama.
I hope you will cherish moments when we share the feelings in our hearts through music.
This work contains many deeply moving words, and those who have rich life experience—especially older listeners—will surely grasp its essence.
TouchHiromi Iwasaki
An anime theme song that captures the bittersweetness of youth was released in March 1985.
It’s a wonderful track featuring Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals and a melody that resonates deeply.
The lyrics convey the feelings of a girl in love with her childhood friend, leaving a lasting impression with its sweet, heartrending portrayal of adolescence.
The song drew major attention as the opening theme for the anime Touch and reached No.
12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It has also become widely used as a cheer song for high school baseball, a staple performed in the stands.
With a melody everyone can hum along to, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke with friends.
Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa
Since its release in May 1964, Hachiro Izawa’s emotionally rich song depicting Ueno Station—which welcomed many young people through group employment—has been a source of comfort for those living away from their hometowns.
As the terminus of the Tohoku Main Line, Ueno Station has watched over young people coming to Tokyo with dreams and hopes in their hearts.
This work embodies both thoughts of family and expectations for a new life.
In 2003, a monument to the song was erected in front of Ueno Station’s Hirokoji Exit, and since 2013 it has also been used as the departure melody.
Why not sing along and indulge in fond memories together? Conversations with those who remember that era are sure to flow naturally.
May you enjoy a heartwarming moment in the gentle warmth of spring.
If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsKyu Sakamoto
Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.
It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.
Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).
Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.
A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.
It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.
Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?
GraduationChiharu Matsuyama
With a gentle singing voice that warmly watches over new chapters in life, this spring melody has echoed across Hokkaido.
Chiharu Matsuyama’s beautiful ballad invites us to look back on our youthful days while filling us with hope for the future.
The soulful guitar tones and clear, soaring vocals are sure to bring back many memories.
Released in 1979, the song was created as the theme for STV’s program “Graduation at Kushiro High School.” It was also included on the album Seishun (Youth) and continues to be cherished as a classic folk song.
Why not spend a heartwarming time reminiscing together with older adults, letting nostalgic stories blossom?
Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama
Released in 1949 as a duet by Ichirō Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara, this celebrated song symbolizes Japan’s postwar recovery and hope.
The lyrics, written by Yaso Saijō, overlay the dreams and aspirations of young people onto images of beautiful mountains, while the music was composed by Ryōichi Hattori.
Accompanied by fresh, vibrant vocals, it conveys expectations for a new era, like flowers blooming after a harsh winter.
It was also used as the theme song for a film released the same year based on a work by Yōjirō Ishizaka, and in 1989 it was ranked No.
1 on NHK’s “200 Songs of the Shōwa Era that Remain in Our Hearts.” This piece is a song that, while evoking fond memories, allows older listeners to reminisce together about the topics of that time.
On the Day of DepartureLyrics by Noboru Kojima / Music by Hiromi Sakamoto
There is a song that many older adults love, often associated with the arrival of spring and graduation season.
Originally created at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture as a gift to graduating students, it has since become a standard performed at schools across Japan.
With hopeful lyrics and a bright melody, it conveys courage and determination for a new beginning.
It also gained attention when it was used in a commercial featuring SMAP.
It’s a wonderful song that lets you look back on nostalgic memories while feeling hopeful about the future.
Why not listen to it together with older adults as an opportunity to reflect on life’s milestones?