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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Good Songs Recommended for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Tracks with Moving, Heartfelt Lyrics (51–60)
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.
Lingering Snowdolphin
Sung by Iruka, this song has been passed down as a classic of spring, a work that seems to seep into the listener’s heart.
Depicting a scene of parting in early spring, it beautifully portrays lingering feelings and the loneliness of growing up.
Written and composed by Shozo Ise and given a rich, weighty arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was released in March 1975 on the album “Iruka no Sekai,” then as a single in November of the same year, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a perfect song to spark conversation with older adults.
You’ll likely enjoy a wonderful time sharing nostalgic memories and evocative scenes that resonate in the heart.
If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsKyu Sakamoto
Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.
It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.
Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).
Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.
A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.
It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.
Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?
Parting at 22wind
The debut song by the folk duo Kaze is a heartwarming classic, as gentle as the spring sunshine.
The lyrics vividly portray the pure love and parting of youth, while the tender acoustic guitar melody weaves a beautiful harmony.
Since its release in 1975, it has been covered by many artists and even adapted into a film by director Nobuhiko Obayashi in 2007, remaining beloved across generations.
In NHK’s “SukiUta — Kouhaku Everyone’s Survey,” it ranked 71st for the White Team.
It’s a perfect song for savoring slowly when you want to bask in nostalgic memories, and it could also spark lively conversations among older listeners about their experiences from back in the day.
Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of tracks with moving, heartfelt lyrics (61–70)
Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta
Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.
It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.
The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.
Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.
How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.
cherry blossomNaotaro Moriyama
Speaking of cherry blossoms, they are beautiful flowers that herald the arrival of spring.
This song is a masterpiece that overlays the fleeting nature of sakura with the transience of life.
Naotaro Moriyama’s gentle voice vividly depicts a farewell beneath rows of cherry trees.
Released in March 2003, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
Many may know it as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki.” It’s a song that resonates at life’s milestones and moments of parting.
How about listening to it with older adults and basking in nostalgic memories? Wrapped in the warmth of spring, you can spend a heartwarming moment together.
Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora
Let me introduce a masterpiece that represents the world of Japanese popular ballads.
This song is captivating for its metaphor that likens life to the flow of a river.
It sings, over a beautiful melody, of calmly accepting the many events that life brings.
Another hallmark is that many of the lyrics resonate with older adults in their daily lives.
Released in January 1989, it became a major hit.
It is also known as the final work of Hibari Misora and has come to symbolize her life.
It’s a perfect song to sing together with seniors and to share nostalgic memories.