Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
For people in their 80s, there are surely many love songs from the Showa era that hold deep meaning.
Among enka and popular songs, there are pieces that express a wide range of emotions, and many listeners likely projected their own feelings onto them.
In this article, we’ll introduce timeless love-song classics that we’d love for people in their 80s to revisit now.
If you’re reading this, please consider recommending the songs we introduce to the 80-somethings in your life.
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Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic Showa-era love songs (1–10)
Francesca’s BellAkiko Futaba
A legendary song that has left its mark on postwar Japanese music history, its gently resonant chimes sink deep into the heart.
Akiko Futaba’s rich vocal expression breathes life into this tragic love story.
Released in June 1948, the piece features lyrics by Kazuo Kikuta and music by Yuji Koseki.
In March 1949, Shochiku produced a film of the same name, which further boosted its popularity.
For those in their eighties, it may be a tune etched in the heart along with fond memories.
With its leisurely tempo, you might enjoy humming along.
Hymn to LoveKoshiji Fubuki
A timeless classic that colored the Showa era.
This gem of a chanson sings of profound love and devotion.
First performed on a Japanese stage in September 1952, it quickly sparked a huge response.
Its contribution to spreading the charm of chanson in Japan is immeasurable.
Koshiji Fubuki’s voice powerfully conveys unconditional love for someone dear, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those rich in life experience.
How about spending a relaxing moment while reflecting on your feelings for the one you love?
Forever with youYuzo Kayama
Yuzo Kayama’s “Kimi to Itsumademo” is a classic released in 1965.
Its lyrics, which sing of eternal love between lovers, resonate with many people.
You can feel the desire to cherish happy moments with the one you love.
It was also used as the theme song for the film “The Young Guy with an Electric Guitar” and became a huge hit.
The song has appeared many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has been covered by numerous artists, continuing to be loved across generations.
It’s a heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to with someone special.
Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic Showa-era love songs (11–20)
You're not alone.Mari Amachi
Mari Amachi’s “Hitorijanai no” is one of her signature songs, released in May 1972.
Centered on the importance of love and bonds, its lyrics are memorable for depicting two people standing close together.
It focuses on small exchanges with one’s partner and the wonder of time spent together, celebrating the joy of traveling side by side and supporting each other.
The song topped the Oricon charts for six consecutive weeks and became emblematic of the music scene in 1972.
Amachi’s delicate, heartwarming voice further enhances the charm of a piece that praises the joy of walking through life together.
It might be nice to listen to it with older listeners and bask in nostalgic memories.
Sad WhistleHibari Misora
A signature song by Hibari Misora that colored the Showa era.
Sung as if to accompany the hearts of postwar Japanese, this piece portrays the sorrow and heartache of a lost love.
Released in October 1949 as a film’s theme song, it made a powerful impression of Hibari’s appeal as a singer.
Its iconic melody—expressing sadness while whistling—likely resonated with many people.
It is sure to strike a chord with those in their 80s who have experienced parting from someone dear.
Why not listen to this song along with your nostalgic memories?
Love, since the age of the godsMidori Hatakeyama
This is a song by Midori Hatakeyama that proclaims love as a universal theme unchanged since mythic times.
The lyrics weave in age-old sayings and maxims about romance, expressing its contradictions and shifting emotions.
Paired with a richly emotional melody, it likely left a strong impression on listeners of the time.
Released in June 1962, the song became a major hit, selling 1.
5 million copies.
With light, humorous phrasing grounded in deep insights about love, it remains approachable and moving—even for listeners in their eighties.
A Flower Blooming in the RainHiroshi Inoue
Sometimes, deep affection is woven into the small happenings of everyday life.
Carried by Hiroshi Inoue’s vocals, this song poignantly captures the heartbreak and lingering attachment after a lost love.
Like a flower that keeps blooming despite the rain, the protagonist’s feelings never fade and remain in the heart.
Released as a single in July 1960, it sold about one million copies.
It was also used as a film’s theme song, moving many listeners.
When you feel like looking back on memories with someone dear, why not give it a listen?