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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.

Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era (21–30)

Journey of the HeartTulip

Kokoro no Tabi / Tulip (with lyrics)
Kokoro no Tabi (Heart’s Journey) - Tulip

This is a classic song that richly captures the bittersweet feelings before setting off on a journey.

It beautifully expresses both the excitement and loneliness of the last night spent with a loved one before starting a new life.

Listening to it vividly brings back memories from those days.

Released by Tulip in April 1973, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ninjō Ippon Kokoro no Tabi,” as well as in commercials for the Toyota Carina and JR West.

Evoking the romance of nostalgic train travel, the song’s friendly, sing-along melody is part of its charm.

How about humming it together with seniors while clapping along?

A Sign of Spring ~I’ve been mellow~Saori Minami

Saori Minami Yokan of Spring ~I’ve been mellow~ (with lyrics)
Premonition of Spring ~I've been mellow~ by Saori Minami

This song is striking for its clear, translucent vocals filled with warmth.

It delicately portrays the subtle emotions of adult romance, conjuring up a scene of two people slowly talking while sipping wine.

Its gentle, calm melody tenderly envelops the listener’s heart.

Released in January 1978, the song was chosen for Shiseido’s spring campaign and became beloved by many.

It was also used in a DDI (now KDDI) commercial in the 1990s and included on the soundtrack of the 2006 film “The Rainbow Song,” making it a favorite across generations.

With a singable melody you can perform while seated and a slow, soothing tempo, it’s enjoyable even for older listeners.

Soothed by Saori Minami’s gentle voice, you can spend a moment reminiscing about days gone by.

I'm falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Falling in Love with You Again (with lyrics)
Fuyumi Sakamoto - Falling in Love with You Again

Fuyumi Sakamoto delivers a richly emotive performance of this classic song portraying the rediscovery of love for one’s partner.

The irreplaceable moments of everyday life—like the breath you feel in your palm as they sleep, or the morning light—soak gently into the heart along with the tender melody.

You can feel the warmth of a love that deepens as two people overcome failures and hurts together.

Released in January 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku” (Pirates of Asia), the song drew major attention after being featured in a commercial for Sanwa Shurui’s iichiko shochu.

It reflects on the bonds with someone precious, felt anew amid the calm flow of time.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with your spouse or family as you reminisce together.

The world is for the two of us.Naomi Sara

The World Is for the Two of Us — Sung by Naomi Sagara (with Lyrics) [Includes Harmony Chorus]
The World Is For the Two of Us — Naomi Sagara

Naomi Sagara’s debut song celebrates the happy times spent with a loved one.

Her gentle, warm vocals express the couple’s love, and the beautiful melody and simple lyrics make it an unforgettable classic.

Released in May 1967, the song was also used in a Meiji Seika commercial and became a massive hit, selling over 1.

2 million copies after its release.

In 1968, it was chosen as the entrance march for the 40th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, winning the hearts of many.

Long cherished as a wedding standard, it’s a tune many still find themselves humming with fond memories.

Why not listen together to its heartwarming vocals and let joyful reminiscences blossom?

I love youYutaka Ozaki

Yutaka Ozaki 'I Love You' [Lyric Video]
I love you, Yutaka Ozaki

This is a masterpiece that resonates in many hearts as a pinnacle of bittersweet love songs.

Included on the debut album “Seventeen’s Map” and released as a single in 1991, it poignantly sings of a forbidden love between a young man and woman.

The piano ballad that Yutaka Ozaki crafted at the age of seventeen continues to captivate listeners.

Numerous artists, including Hikaru Utada and Koji Tamaki, have covered the song, and it has been featured as the image song for the film “Hot Road” as well as in JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” commercials.

It’s a perfect track for spending a quiet moment immersed in music and reminiscing.

How about a heartwarming karaoke time accompanied by its gentle melody?

Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida

Blue Light Yokohama Ayumi Ishida · Full Chorus Best Collection
Blue Light Yokohama Ayumi Ishida

It’s a classic that captures the beautiful scenery of Yokohama’s port town.

Ayumi Ishida’s clear, expansive vocals blend perfectly with the melancholic melody, creating a warm, heart-touching piece.

It eloquently portrays the exotic atmosphere unique to a port city and the quiet moments shared with a lover, making it a nostalgic listen for older audiences as well.

Released in December 1968, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and won the Composer’s Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards.

It was performed three times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and since 2008 it has also been used as the approach melody at Keikyū Line’s Yokohama Station.

It’s perfect for peaceful moments or for enjoying together while reminiscing about fond memories.

Because the moon is so very blueTsutoko Sugawara

Highest Sound Quality! ~ Because the Moon Is So Very Blue (Sung by: Totoko Sugawara)
Because the moon is so very blue - Sugawara Toto-ko

Many people are likely captivated by Totoko Sugawara’s beautiful singing in this classic song, which poignantly portrays a tree-lined path walked beneath a blue, shimmering moon.

Known as the theme song for a film released in 1955, this work, which reflects a lyrical storyline, carries a warmth that gently envelops the listener.

A popular song that sold over one million copies, it features an emotionally rich melody composed by Akira Mutsu and lyrics brimming with poetic sentiment by Minoru Shimizu, both of which resonate deeply.

Its unhurried rhythm and wistful vocals make it a perfect recommendation for moments when you want to linger in memories during a quiet time.

In the stillness of the night, it may bring back recollections of softly humming the tune while strolling with someone dear.