[For Seniors in Their 80s] Recommended Summer Songs: From Enka and School Songs to Folk Songs
In this article, we introduce recommended summer songs for people in their 80s! When it comes to summer songs, pieces that depict the sea and the sun are a given, but love songs that express passionate romance are also popular.
This time, among those classic summer tunes, we’ve picked a wide range of nostalgic songs that will be familiar to people in their 80s—from Showa-era hits and kayōkyoku to even shōka and folk songs.
Some of these tracks are loved across generations, so use this article as a guide to enjoy listening to and singing summer songs together with people in their 80s!
- Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku
- Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- Recommended summer songs for people in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic summer tunes [2025]
- Recommended summer songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era summer tracks [2025]
- [Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- Energizing songs recommended for men in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic tracks that give you strength
- Recommended Christmas songs for people in their 70s: A collection of classic winter hits from the Showa era
- A collection of cheerful, uplifting songs recommended for women in their 80s—fun, bright tunes to sing along to
- For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.
- Lively songs recommended for people in their 90s—fun songs for everyone to listen to and sing together.
- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
- Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A roundup of tracks also great for karaoke
[For Seniors in Their 80s] Recommended Summer Songs: From Enka and Shoka to Folk Songs (41–50)
Song of the Four SeasonsLyrics and music by: Toyohisa Araki
Under the gentle sunshine of spring, a timeless Showa-era classic resonates deep in the heart.
In Toyohisa Araki’s work, the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and his feelings toward people are exquisitely captured within a warm melody.
Born from gratitude toward nurses during a hospital stay, this piece was introduced on Nippon Broadcasting’s “Aozora Wide,” where it received an overwhelming response, and Yoko Seri’s performance went on to become a million seller.
The tenderly drawn seasonal scenes and the deep affection for friends and family evoke a tranquil passage of time.
It’s a wonderful song that invites you to reminisce and reflect on bonds with loved ones.
Perfect for a relaxing music recreation session for seniors.
A Midsummer IncidentMiki Hirayama
Miki Hirayama’s beautifully poignant singing voice resonates in the heart in “A Midsummer Incident.” Depicting a summer night between lovers, the song is filled with the fragility that foreshadows parting and with tenderness.
Released in May 1971, it went on to become a classic beloved for many years.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including Yuga and Hiromi Iwasaki, and included on various albums.
When you want to reminisce about youthful love, why not quietly sing along? You’ll surely spend some time fondly recalling the past.
The sea is in love.The Riganies
The signature song of The Riganies, celebrating the blue sea and a summer romance.
Released in July 1968 as their debut single, it stayed on the Oricon charts for 13 weeks and sold around 57,000 copies.
As a pioneering example of college folk, it drew attention and won strong support among students.
Set to a simple folk-style melody, the song earnestly recounts a love for the sea with an unaffected vocal delivery.
The spoken lines inserted in the interlude leave a striking impression, and as you listen, memories of youthful days may come flooding back.
It’s a track that lingers in the heart alongside summer memories—why not listen to it with someone special?
The sun is crying.Ayumi Ishida
A heartbreaking love song that seeps into the listener’s heart.
Ayumi Ishida’s voice rings out beautifully in this nostalgic track.
Its lyrics vividly revive memories of youthful romance, inviting listeners to recall loves that have passed and sink into a gentle longing.
With a melody that superbly captures the feeling of the sun dimming and a heart steeped in sorrow, the song makes the sense of romantic loss feel strikingly real.
Released in June 1968 as her 24th single, it’s a classic that has been covered by many artists, including Judy Ongg and Keisuke Kuwata.
Brimming with the loneliness that comes with the end of summer, this song is perfect for spending a long, wistful night when you find yourself yearning for someone.
Forever with youYuzo Kayama
When it comes to summer songs, many of them evoke clear skies, don’t they? The one I’d like to introduce is “Kimi to Itsumademo.” This song was created by Yuzo Kayama and is well known for having won the Japan Record Award and for being used as a movie theme song.
Its lyrics depict a love song set against a summer twilight, portraying the deep love and bond between a man and a woman.
Be sure to listen to it at dusk and let yourself drift into the mood.
Since it has been sung for many years, you can also enjoy comparing performances from its original era to more recent renditions.
We are children of the sea.chorus
“Ware wa Umi no Ko” (I Am a Child of the Sea) is a recommended song for August.
Raising your voice isn’t just great for relieving stress; it also really helps improve your cardiopulmonary function.
Take deep breaths and sing children’s songs and beautiful Japanese tunes together in harmony—there are so many benefits, including better sleep.
Even if you feel shy about singing alone, you’ll surely enjoy it when you sing with others.
Advanced singers, try two-part or three-part harmonies.
coconutsong
Yashi no Mi (Coconut) is a beloved song that gently embraces the feelings of those who have left their hometown.
With poetry by Toson Shimazaki set to music by Toraji Onaka, it expresses longing for home through the image of a coconut drifting ashore from a distant island.
Rocked by the waves and carrying the melancholy of a journey, the singer wishes someday to return home.
.
.
It’s a bittersweet sentiment many can surely relate to.
This song was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Why not hum it together with older family members and reminisce about the past? It’s sure to bring a heartwarming moment.