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.

Playlist

Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	Hymn to LoveKoshiji Fubuki		One of the iconic masterpieces that represent Showa-era kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs) is...
2	Always keep your dreamsYukio Hashi, Sayuri Yoshinaga		The duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga…
3	Northern SpringMasao Sen		“Hokukoku no Haru” evokes nostalgia for one’s hometown with the arrival of spring…
4	Tears Flowing EndlesslyRimi Natsukawa		‘Namida Sou…’ sings of heart-stirring emotion and poignant sorrow.
5	Song of the Four SeasonsYoko Seri		The song “Shiki no Uta” (Song of the Four Seasons), with lyrics by Toyohisa Araki, is...
6	City LightsMasaaki Sakai		A masterpiece in which Masaaki Sakai’s warm singing voice resonates in the heart. 1…
7	Yearning for the ShadowIchiro Fujiyama		Ichiro Fujiyama’s classic song “Kage o Shitaite.” Masao Koga…
8	Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Tokiko Kato		A book that sings of Hokkaido’s beautiful nature and a bittersweet love.
9	I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto		Kyu Sakamoto’s signature work is a Shōwa-era smash hit son—
10	applauseNaomi Chiaki		With lyrics that touch the heart and an emotionally rich singing voice, the Showa-era...
11	Love RadiantHibari Misora		Hibari Misora, the songstress who represents the Showa era...
12	Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto		Carried by Kyu Sakamoto’s singing voice, ‘Look Up at the Sky…’
13	Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki		“Until the Day We Meet Again” is a song sung by Kiyohiko Ozaki...
14	grandchildItsuro Oizumi		Gently depicting interactions with his grandchild, Itsuro Ōizumi's...
15	A Hazy Moonlit Night		The Japanese song with lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano and music by Teiichi Okano…
16	threadMiyuki Nakajima		Miyuki Nakajima’s beautiful expression of the bonds we encounter in life…
17	Cape ErimoShinichi Mori		Set against Cape Erimo in Hokkaido, the feelings of young people...
18	Please give me wingsRed bird		With a heart-touching, beautiful harmony, many people...
19	The Apple SongMichiko Namiki		Mikiko Namiki’s beloved song “The Apple Song” is a war…
20	March of 365 StepsKiyoko Suizenji		Beloved as a masterpiece from the Showa era, this work portrays life...
21	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng		With a melody filled with kindness and warmth, gentle…
22	SubaruShinji Tanimura		Shinji Tanimura’s moving masterpiece, with a grand sense of the cosmos
23	Journey of the HeartTulip		A classic song that captures the bittersweet emotions of departure.
24	The world is for the two of us.Naomi Sara		Singing about the happy times spent with a loved one, Sara…
25	Aoba Castle Love SongMuneyuki Sato		A masterpiece by Muneyuki Sato, a famous song that colors Sendai
26	I wanted to see you.Haruo Oka		A 1955 release by Haruo Oka. A signature song of the sailor (madrosu) genre, it became a classic that gave hope to postwar Japan.
27	The Izu DancerHibari Misora		Hibari Misora, the famous song from the film based on a work by Yasunari Kawabata
28	Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara		A melancholic masterpiece that sings of love in the northern land
29	Light of Fireflies		A moving school song that sings of a heart devoted to serving the nation...
30	Come, spring.Yumi Matsutoya		A celebrated song of spring, a masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya
31	When I turn around, the Sea of JapanHiroshi Itsuki		Singing of the loneliness of the Sea of Japan and the shape of life
32	festivalSaburō Kitajima		Powerfully singing of the scenes and emotions of traditional Japanese festivals…
33	YosakuSaburō Kitajima		A moving song that sings of rural landscapes and the warmth of its people
34	Waltz of StarlightMasao Sen		Masao Sen’s poignant classic, a love song that resonates with the heart
35	a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara		Spring in the northern country, a wistful song resounding through the acacia trees
36	Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Capo		A classic springtime song that conveys the importance of living naturally
37	school daysPeggy Hayama		A timeless song that sings of youthful memories, resonating in the heart.
38	On the Day of DepartureLyrics by Noboru Kojima / Music by Hiromi Sakamoto		Graduation songs evoke the arrival of spring.
39	Life is full of ups and downs.Chiyoko Shimakura		An inspiring work that sings of life's joy and hope
40	Because the moon is so very blueTsutoko Sugawara		The queen of elegy, Miyako Sugawara’s famous song
41	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi		An anthem from Momoe to brighten life’s milestones
42	Flowers will bloom.		A moving song that portrays the sorrow and hope of the earthquake disaster
43	Brother ShipsIchiro Toba		Summary (20 characters): A classic enka depicting the bond of fisherman brothers. Toba Ichiro’s deep, rugged vocals are compelling.
44	Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa		A famous song by Sayuri Ishikawa that portrays parting and feelings in the northern country.
45	I’m falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s love song depicts the bond between husband and wife.
46	era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima		Miyuki Nakajima: a heartwarming classic that resonates in spring
47	Album of MemoriesLyrics by Toshi Masuko / Music by Tetsuma Honda		A heartwarming song about memories from kindergarten
48	SaraiYuzo Kayama		A heartwarming classic that captures feelings for one’s hometown
49	Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa		A forbidden love set at Amagi Pass on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture...
50	Mail boat to the small islandKoichi Aoki		Evocative scenes that stir nostalgia, like the lighthouse cape or the shade of orange trees…
51	Sleep on my chestPrincess Kaguya		A 1973 hit that sings of love for a sweetheart with gentle melody and lyrics. It’s also well-loved as a commercial jingle.
52	12th graderKazuo Funaki		A song of youth, Kazuo Funaki’s famous piece, singing of memories
53	hometown		A masterpiece that evokes nostalgic scenes of my hometown...
54	Song of the Four SeasonsLyrics and music by: Toyohisa Araki		Showa-era classic: the beauty of the four seasons and love
55	Words of FarewellKaientai		“Okuru Kotoba” is a song of springtime farewells and bonds.
56	The arrival of springRumiko Koyanagi		Rumiko Koyanagi's spring classic, nostalgic memories
57	CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi		An iconic song that encourages a new step in life
58	Lingering Snowdolphin		Spring farewell song, a masterpiece by Iruka
59	If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsKyu Sakamoto		A heartwarming classic imbued with peace and friendship
60	Parting at 22wind		The Wind’s debut song, cherished as a timeless anthem of youth
61	Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta		A bittersweet song about long-distance love, nostalgic memories
62	cherry blossomNaotaro Moriyama		A song of cherry blossoms portrays the transience of life.
63	Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora		A masterpiece that sings of Hibari Misora’s life
64	GraduationChiharu Matsuyama		Chiharu Matsuyama’s spring melody, the singing voice of youth
65	Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama		A classic youth song that portrays postwar hope
66	The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms Bloom		This work, one of the nursery songs that represent postwar Japan…
67	Evening Glow (Yuyake Koyake)		With a beautiful melody that touches the heart and transcends generations...