[For Seniors in Their 80s] Recommended Summer Songs: From Enka and School Songs to Folk Songs

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner's Song)folk song

Tanko Bushi – With Guide [Let’s All Dance! Bon Odori]

It is a folk song from the Chikuho region, cherished as a hallmark of summer in Japan.

Born in the Meiji era from songs sung by women during coal sorting at mines, it spread nationwide in the early Showa period through radio broadcasts.

Its familiar melody, depicting coal mine labor and everyday life, remains a staple for Bon Odori dances.

In August 2024, BEGIN released a new arrangement incorporating Brazilian samba rhythms, but the traditional choreography—characterized by movements that mimic mining work—makes it easy to dance together with older adults.

Since 2006, Tagawa City in Fukuoka Prefecture has hosted the Tanko-bushi Festival every summer, and the song continues to be passed down across generations.

The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka

The Longed-For Hawaii Route

“Aogare no Hawaii Koro” (The Longed-for Hawaii Route) is a signature song by Haruo Oka and a classic from the Showa era that gave postwar Japan dreams and hope.

Set to beautiful lyrics that yearn for Hawaii, the eternal-summer paradise across the Pacific, its melody carries listeners from the moment of departure to scenes of Honolulu with a dreamlike charm that deeply resonates.

Released in 1948, it became a massive hit, and a film of the same title was produced in 1950.

Its lyrics, moving from the bittersweet farewell at the harbor to imaginings of the southern islands, evoke tender pre–high-growth-era romance and have been cherished across generations.

Why not hum this song and let it bring back your precious memories?

festivalSaburō Kitajima

Matsuri ~ Saburo Kitajima Lyrics/Score Edition

This is a song that powerfully sings of the scenes and emotions of traditional Japanese festivals.

Its grand lyrics—expressing gratitude for the blessings of the mountains and bountiful catches, as well as the bonds between parents and children—leave a strong impression.

Vivid imagery depicts men tightening white fundoshi as they head to the festival, and seafaring men raising flags as they row their boats out to sea.

Released in November 1984, the piece features lyrics by Saburo Kitajima with Rei Nakanishi, and composition by Joji Hara.

It was performed six times on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen, serving as the grand finale five of those times, and has become a year-end tradition.

Saburo Kitajima’s uniquely powerful vocals and dynamic staging make it a wonderful work to enjoy together with older audiences.

Soran Bushifolk song

Soran-bushi, audio source, normal, sports day, play event, performance, etc.

The work songs that Hokkaido fishermen used to sing between tasks are now loved by many as some of Japan’s representative folk songs.

Their powerful calls and lively rhythms are brimming with energy that makes your heart leap, and they have a lasting charm that stays with you.

Over the years, new allure has been added by numerous singers, including Fuyumi Sakamoto, Yoshimi Tendo, and Takio Ito.

Sayuri Ishikawa also presented her own arrangement on her 2019 album “Tami.” These songs are perfect for moments when you can sing along together—chatting with family and friends, or at community events where people gather and connect.

They’re sure to offer a heartwarming time, wrapped in a sense of nostalgia.

Sinbad on the ShorePink Lady

[MV] Pink Lady - Nagisa no Sindbad (with lyrics)

This is a summer classic by Pink Lady that you can enjoy while picturing the blue sea and shining sun.

Released in June 1977, the song blends disco-style rhythmic sounds with powerful vocals, and it shot to No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart right after its release.

It even topped the year-end chart.

With total sales of 1.

45 million copies, the track has been loved across generations, serving as the theme song for the TV program “Otona no Natsuyasumi” and appearing in a Fujifilm commercial.

It’s a refreshing song that invites you to sing along with family and friends, bringing back fond memories.

Crimson SunHibari Misora

Crimson Sun

Hibari Misora’s “Makkana Taiyō” (The Crimson Sun) is a classic that sings of a love as dazzling and passionate as the summer sun.

Released as a single on May 25, 1967, it has been covered by many artists, including Jun Mayuzumi and Teresa Teng.

Its lyrics—evoking lovers’ eternal vows alongside the fragility of things that must one day end—blend with memories of summer and resonate deeply with listeners.

At this season of life’s milestones, it is a song I especially hope will accompany those in their 80s who feel nostalgic for summers of the Shōwa era.

Summer has comeLyrics by: Nobutsuna Sasaki / Music by: Sakunosuke Koyama

[Music Recreation / With Lyrics] Shoka: Natsu wa Kinu [For Elderly Care Facilities]

This is a children’s song selected for the 100 Best Songs of Japan, featuring many natural scenes and motifs that evoke early summer.

At first glance, the title may seem to mean “Summer won’t come,” but in classical Japanese it actually means “Summer has come,” which makes it memorable in a slightly tricky way.

Its bright mood and gentle tempo are also notable features, conjuring images of the mild early-summer air and clear, sunny landscapes.

It might be nice to read the lyrics carefully and use them as a prompt to find summer-like motifs.