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.
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Great songs recommended for people in their 80s. A collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart (1–10)
Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Tokiko Kato
Celebrated as one of Tokiko Kato’s signature songs, this work sings of Hokkaido’s beautiful nature and a bittersweet love.
With rich scenic imagery—such as the rugosa roses blooming on the Shiretoko Cape and Kunashiri Island visible in the distance—it vividly conjures landscapes in the listener’s mind.
The song conveys the sorrow of parting with a lover and a wish not to be forgotten, and for older listeners, it may evoke memories of their youth.
Upon its release in November 1970, it became an instant smash hit, topping the Oricon chart for seven consecutive weeks.
It was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, becoming beloved nationwide.
It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to when looking back on nostalgic scenery and cherished memories with someone dear.
I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto
Kyu Sakamoto’s signature song remains a beloved Showa-era hit even today.
With its uplifting message and warm vocals, it’s a tune that resonates with older adults.
Released in 1961, it achieved great success not only in Japan but also overseas.
It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became Japan’s first worldwide million-seller.
Humming along with older adults may bring back fond memories.
It’s also fun to create simple choreography that matches the lyrics and move your body within a comfortable range.
Why not raise your voices together and enjoy a pleasant moment through song?
applauseNaomi Chiaki
With lyrics that resonate deeply and an emotionally rich vocal performance, this is one of the quintessential masterpieces of the Showa era.
Released in 1972, it became Naomi Chiaki’s signature song and won the Japan Record Award the same year.
The lyrics are striking for their contrast between the radiant figure of a singer on stage and the sorrow hidden deep within her heart.
The interweaving of the joy of receiving applause with thoughts of a lost loved one is truly moving.
Naomi Chiaki’s clear, translucent voice further enhances the song’s evocative world.
It’s a highly recommended piece when you want to reflect on someone dear to you or feel the joys and sorrows of life.
Good songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of tracks with moving, heartfelt lyrics (11–20)
Love RadiantHibari Misora
One of the signature songs by Hibari Misora, the diva who epitomized the Showa era.
It is a powerful work that conveys the universal theme of “living for love,” brought to life by Misora’s richly expressive voice.
The lyrics, which evoke life’s joys and sorrows and the preciousness of love, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in 1986, it was a fitting song to mark a milestone for Misora as she celebrated the 40th anniversary of her debut and her 49th birthday.
Cherished long after her passing, it is a classic from the Showa period that continues to be sung across generations.
A piece we especially recommend to adults who understand the subtleties of life.
Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto
Carried by Kyu Sakamoto’s vocals, “Look Up at the Night Stars” is a timeless classic that continues to be loved across generations.
It sings of the wonder of gazing up at the night sky and its shining stars, conveying a message of hope and comfort.
The song symbolizes the importance of joining hands and pursuing our dreams together, even amid life’s hardships and challenges.
Released in 1963, it won the Composition Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards.
The musical of the same name, first performed in 1960, depicts the efforts and hopes of young people living through the era of mass rural-to-urban employment.
It’s the perfect song for people in their 80s to savor modest happiness while reminiscing about the Showa era.
Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki
“Mata Au Hi Made” is one of Japan’s classic songs, sung by Kiyohiko Ozaki.
This gem, created by the golden duo of Yu Aku and Kyohei Tsutsumi, features memorable lyrics that portray a mature love, caring for one’s beloved right up to the moment of parting.
Its melody moves within a narrow range, making it easy to sing—another part of its appeal.
Even after many years since its release, its timeless message remains fresh and continues to be cherished by people of all ages.
Since its 1971 debut, it has won numerous awards and has been sung in a wide variety of settings, from school entrance and graduation ceremonies to sports cheers.
Why not sing this nostalgic tune—one that those in their eighties once hummed in their youth—together with your grandchildren or great-grandchildren?
grandchildItsuro Oizumi
A signature song by Itsuro Oizumi that gently portrays the bond with a grandchild.
Released in 1999, this piece weaves warm words to express deep love for a grandchild and hopes for their growth.
The lyrics tenderly sing of a grandson’s smile resembling his grandpa’s, and of small hands grasping happiness.
The song received the Excellence Work Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards.
It has both a boy’s version and a girl’s version; the girl’s version is included on the 2000 album “Mago: Itsuro Oizumi Furusato/Iwai Uta.” It’s a must-listen for anyone who cherishes the bond with their grandchildren.