Lovely senior life

A collection of cheerful, uplifting songs recommended for women in their 80s—fun, bright tunes to sing along to

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

There are many kinds of so-called “uplifting songs,” aren’t there?

In this article, we’ll introduce songs recommended for women in their 80s, focusing on bright, lively tunes with a fun atmosphere and songs with wonderful lyrics that can support the heart.

We’ve mainly selected nostalgic classics released in the Showa era, so if you’re a woman in your 80s, most of these will likely sound familiar.

Be sure to listen while looking at the lyrics and find the songs that give you energy.

We hope this will be helpful not only for those in their 80s reading this article, but also for anyone looking to gift uplifting music to someone in their 80s.

Uplifting Songs Recommended for Women in Their 80s: A Collection of Fun, Cheerful Tunes to Sing (41–50)

I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto

Sukiyaki

I Look Up as I Walk by Kyu Sakamoto

“Ue o Muite Arukō” is Kyu Sakamoto’s signature song, portraying the resolve to keep looking forward even while holding back tears.

Its depiction of strength—maintaining hope amid loneliness and sorrow felt through the changing seasons—is striking.

Released in 1961, the song became a massive hit not only in Japan but around the world.

Known in English-speaking countries as “Sukiyaki,” it topped the Billboard charts and became a beloved classic that transcended borders.

Regardless of age or background, it offers comfort to anyone carrying sadness or hardship, giving them courage and hope.

Raise the rankinglower

Energizing Songs Recommended for Women in Their 80s: A Collection of Fun, Upbeat Tracks to Sing (51–60)

Tokyo Dodonpa GirlMari Watanabe

Tokyo Dodonpa Girl

Mari Watanabe, the Tokyo Dodonpa Girl

Mari Watanabe’s signature song, sung to the nostalgic Dodonpa rhythm, gives voice to a young woman’s lovestruck heart.

A brisk, beat-driven melody carries the pure, straightforward feelings of a girl.

Released in January 1961, it was also chosen as the theme song for a film of the same name released in May that year.

Its energetic rhythm vividly captures the atmosphere of Japan’s high-growth era.

It’s a quintessential Showa-era youth song—one that people in their 80s can still hum with excitement.

Raise the rankinglower

With youKen Tsumura, Taeko Yoshioka

Anata to Tomo ni

Together with you, Ken Tsumura and Taeko Yoshioka

A duet released in 1954.

Set to a gentle melody, it expresses a strong resolve to overcome life’s hardships together with a loved one.

When the record came out, its lyrics—depicting a couple surviving the turmoil of the postwar period—resonated deeply with many people.

The harmonies woven by Taeko Yoshioka and Ken Tsumura further enhance the song’s world.

Listening to this piece, which conveys a steadfast strength that never gives up even in life’s most difficult moments, will surely give you courage.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

We introduced many songs, mainly classic hits from the Showa era, including tracks with a fun vibe and songs with beautiful lyrics that can support your heart.

Please try listening to various songs while reading the lyrics and find the ones that give you energy.

I hope the music featured in this article makes you feel cheerful and bright.