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 moving, heartfelt lyrics (31–40)
Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Capo
A timeless song with a simple, gentle warmth brings a refreshing breath of spring that makes you want to hum along.
In words anyone can understand, it conveys the importance of living naturally, like flowers blooming in the fields.
Da Capo released this heart-touching piece in July 1983.
Beloved as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Naked General’s Travelogue,” its lyrics inspired many by giving courage to face life’s challenges.
Since 1992, the song has also been included in elementary school music textbooks, and it continues to be sung across generations.
Please enjoy this piece—one that evokes fond memories and the calm arrival of spring—together with older adults.
Come, spring.Yumi Matsutoya
The celebrated song that gently sings of the arrival of spring was released in 1994 by Yumi Matsutoya and became a major topic as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series.
Its sweet, wistful vocals and lyrics filled with feelings for a loved one deeply resonate with many listeners.
Elegantly portraying spring scenes—such as the scent of daphne and sudden showers—it beautifully expresses nostalgic memories and the hope of reunion.
After its release, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart and became a massive hit, selling over 1.
16 million copies.
It was also used for the Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival and in commercials for the Yomiuri Shimbun, making it familiar to an even wider audience.
Its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics are perfect for sparking conversations about memories with older adults.
Please enjoy a richly satisfying moment together while feeling the arrival of spring.
school daysPeggy Hayama
A song filled with youthful memories comes back to life in the voice of Peggy Hayama.
Released in 1964, this piece richly portrays student life at a mission school.
Prayers in the chapel, memories with friends, studying in the library, and fleeting first love—nostalgic scenes come vividly to mind.
It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1965 and went on to become a million-seller.
Beloved as a standard song for graduations and reunions, it may prompt older listeners to reflect on their own school days.
Why not hum along, together with your cherished memories?
On the Day of DepartureLyrics by Noboru Kojima / Music by Hiromi Sakamoto
There is a song that many older adults love, often associated with the arrival of spring and graduation season.
Originally created at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture as a gift to graduating students, it has since become a standard performed at schools across Japan.
With hopeful lyrics and a bright melody, it conveys courage and determination for a new beginning.
It also gained attention when it was used in a commercial featuring SMAP.
It’s a wonderful song that lets you look back on nostalgic memories while feeling hopeful about the future.
Why not listen to it together with older adults as an opportunity to reflect on life’s milestones?
Life is full of ups and downs.Chiyoko Shimakura
A gem of a melody that gently sings of the joys and hardships of life.
Its lustrous vocals warmly embrace the strength to live, forged by overcoming struggles and difficulties.
Once you hear it, it resonates in your heart—a work brimming with hope.
Released by Chiyoko Shimakura in 1987, this song became a major springboard for her appearance in the 1988 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen after achieving 30 consecutive appearances.
This memorable piece also features lyrics that beautifully align with the life experiences of older adults.
Humming it together at events like Respect-for-the-Aged Day gatherings can create a heartwarming moment to share.
Good Songs Recommended for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Tracks with Moving, Heartfelt Lyrics (41–50)
CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi
This is one of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s signature works, carrying a warm message of blessing to celebrate new beginnings.
Loved by many as an anthem cheering on those stepping onto life’s big stage, it’s a heartwarming piano folk ballad that gently stands by you and gives you the courage to move forward.
Released in September 1980, the song was born from the feeling of congratulating a friend on their wedding, then re-recorded in 1988 and became a major hit.
It also became familiar as the theme song for Kirin Lager Beer commercials in the 1990s.
It’s a powerful song of encouragement that stays close when you or your friends are at life’s milestones or starting anew, and when you need a lift yourself.
Album of MemoriesLyrics by Toshi Masuko / Music by Tetsuma Honda
Evoking a hint of spring, this song gently recounts memories from kindergarten.
It paints scenes from the changing seasons, bringing a sense of nostalgia and warmth to listeners.
Since its release in 1961, it has continued to be loved by many.
It has been featured on TV Asahi’s children’s program “Tobidase! Panpororin” and NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it familiar across generations.
It’s also lovely for seniors to hum along with their grandchildren.
A wonderful piece that can be enjoyed across generations while reminiscing about the past.