Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
When it comes to songs familiar to people in their 80s, wouldn’t it be the kayōkyoku and enka hits from the Showa era? Many songs from that time have been loved across generations, and there are countless timeless classics that still shine today.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide array of moving, heartfelt songs all at once—Showa masterpieces as well as school songs and children’s songs.
From songs about deep love to ones about family and hometown, these are sure to resonate with people in their 80s.
Please do recommend the songs we introduce to the 80-somethings around you.
- Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku
- A collection of cheerful, uplifting songs recommended for women in their 80s—fun, bright tunes to sing along to
- Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- Tear-Jerking Songs Recommended for Women in Their 80s: A Collection of Heart-Stirring Masterpieces
- Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A roundup of tracks also great for karaoke
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke
- [Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out
- Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonal Kayōkyoku and Children's Songs
- Tear-jerking songs for men in their 80s: a collection of timeless masterpieces that touch the heartstrings
- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- A collection of moving, tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 90s—heartfelt tunes that resonate with the soul.
Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of tracks with moving, heartfelt lyrics (61–70)
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.
The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms Bloom
This work is one of the representative children’s songs of postwar Japan.
Its depiction of the view of the sea from a hill where orange blossoms bloom, along with the family memories tied to that scene, is deeply moving.
Since its release in 1946, it has been covered by numerous artists and has become a beloved national classic, featured in commercials and as a TV drama theme song.
For people in their eighties, it may be a song that serves as an emotional anchor, bringing back memories of their youth.
Evening Glow (Yuyake Koyake)
A children’s song with a beautiful, soul-stirring melody that has been loved across generations.
Depicting an evening scene and the figures of children, the piece is wrapped in nostalgia and warmth.
It’s striking that, even more than a hundred years after its lyrics were written in 1919, it has not faded and remains etched in the memories of many.
The tranquil landscape bathed in the glow of sunset feels as if it’s unfolding right before your eyes.
For those in their eighties, it may be a song that truly brings back memories of their youth.
Listening to it while watching the sunset might bring tears to your eyes.
In conclusion
We introduced many wonderful songs that we’d love people in their 80s to listen to.
There were plenty of pieces with touching lyrics—songs about love, about family and hometowns.
Please take a moment to read the lyrics as you listen, and feel the emotions and messages woven into them.