Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era

Only youTeruhiko Saigō

Teruhiko Saigō “Only You” (Official Audio)

Teruhiko Saigo’s debut song “Kimi Dake o” is a classic youth anthem released in 1964.

Its pure feelings for “you”—with black eyes, lovely black hair, and long hair wet with rain—resonate deeply alongside Saigo’s gentle singing voice.

The song was a massive hit, selling over 600,000 copies and capturing many hearts.

For older listeners, it may bring back memories of the bittersweet romances of their youth.

I hope it offers a heartwarming moment as you fondly look back on the days spent with someone special.

Yearning for youFrank Nagai

Yearning for you

Kimi Koishi is a classic song that showcases Frank Nagai’s captivating low baritone voice.

Covered in 1961 and winner of the 3rd Japan Record Award, this gem of a love song expresses the aching feelings of longing for a lover.

It portrays the worries and loneliness that well up as dusk falls, with a particular focus on the poignant yearning for a beloved.

The lyrics depict nights spent biting one’s lip, eyes brimming with tears—resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect choice when you want to bask in nostalgia or let your feelings for someone special grow stronger.

Three Hundred and Sixty-Five NightsNoboru Kirishima

Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Nights

It’s a song that still remains beloved by many as one of the quintessential masterpieces of the Showa era.

Its poetic expressions, interweaving the feelings of heartbreak with the changing seasons, resonate deeply.

The lyrics beautifully capture both the sweetness and the sorrow of love, perfectly matching the gentle yet passionate melody.

The well-synchronized duet by Noboru Kirishima and Misao Matsubara is also captivating.

Released in July 1948 as the theme song for a film, it became a major hit.

It is also known as a piece that offered comfort and hope to the Japanese people in the postwar period.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to reflect on memories with someone dear, or when you wish to spend time in a calm mood.

It’s also a perfect conversation starter with people in their 80s.

Crimson SunHibari Misora

Crimson Sun

Hibari Misora’s “Makkana Taiyō” is one of the iconic masterpieces of the Showa era.

Set against a summer seaside backdrop, its lyrics about a passionate love truly resonate.

Misora’s powerful voice beautifully conveys both the eternal vows exchanged by the shore and the poignant sense that the romance may be nearing its end.

Listening to this song might bring back memories of young love.

It could be nice to listen to it with someone special and bask in a sense of nostalgia.

Forbidden LoveRyoko Moriyama

Forbidden Love

Ryoko Moriyama’s “Forbidden Love” is a classic that sings of deep feelings for a beloved person and the anguish of a love that cannot be acknowledged.

Released in 1969, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It was also performed at the 20th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, becoming a song that has stayed in many people’s hearts.

It conveys the sorrow of pure love not being understood by those around you, and the strength to keep loving nonetheless.

For older listeners, it may be a nostalgic, deeply moving song that brings back memories of youthful romance.

homesicknessShinichi Mori

homesickness

Shinichi Mori’s “Bokyō” (Homesickness) is a classic that resonates deeply with its poignant longing for a distant hometown and a loved one.

The song’s depiction of the harsh nature of the northern country and the unforgettable feelings for a past lover stirs the listener’s heart.

Since its release in 1971, it has been cherished for many years and has become one of Shinichi Mori’s signature songs.

Mori’s distinctive husky voice further enhances the song’s appeal.

It’s a perfect piece for those who have experienced nostalgic memories or partings with someone dear.

You’ll surely find yourself moved by the memorable lyrics and Mori’s vocals.

Season of LovePinky and the Killers

Pinky and the Killers — The Season of Love (with lyrics)

This song is distinguished by a bossa nova rhythm that heralds the start of summer.

Riding on a melody that captures the joy of new love, it’s become a classic summer tune brimming with lightness and nostalgia.

The fresh vocals and performance by Pinky & The Killers gently wrap youthful memories in warmth.

Released in July 1968, the song spent 17 consecutive weeks at number one on the Oricon charts.

It was also featured in the 2009 film Evangelion: 2.

0 You Can (Not) Advance, making it beloved across generations.

On a hot summer day, why not hum along with older adults while reminiscing in a cool room? You can also expand the fun by doing light exercises or clapping along to the beat.