[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)
fireworkssong
“Hanabi” (Fireworks) is a heartwarming children’s song that depicts the sights of summer.
It captures the beauty of fireworks and their fleeting brilliance, evoking nostalgic summer memories for older adults.
Released in 1941, the song has long been cherished as a symbol of the Japanese summer.
The call of “Tamaya!” recalls the history of Edo-period fireworks masters.
It’s perfect for sing-along activities in senior care settings, and singing it together brings a joyful summer atmosphere.
I think it’s a wonderful song that lets older adults, who often spend much of their time indoors, feel the fun of summer.
[For Seniors in Their 80s] Recommended Summer Songs: From Enka and Shoka to Folk Songs (51–60)
We are children of the sea.Monbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)
It’s a grand-sounding piece that conveys feelings about living by the sea and episodes related to the ocean.
Because the theme is the sea, it also evokes an image of a refreshing summer breeze.
Although no specific location is depicted, the detailed portrayal of seaside life invites listeners to picture their own familiar coastlines.
The song feels both expansive and light, and it seems to carry a positive sentiment toward one’s hometown.
Beware of summerJunko Sakurada
A classic song that paints nostalgic yet sweet summer scenes.
Junko Sakurada’s beautiful voice captures the flutter of a bittersweet summer crush.
Released in May 1976, this track is also known for being performed at the 27th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It evokes a vividly drawn summer afternoon, with sun-warmed sand slipping from tanned skin.
The charming heart of a young woman telling herself “Careful, careful” as she’s nearly swayed by sweet temptation is utterly endearing.
An eternal piece of summer pop, highly recommended for those who remember summers of the Shōwa era.
Love VacationThe Peanuts
The Peanuts’ “Vacation of Love” is a bright and cute classic that captures sweet memories of summer romance.
Released in April 1963, it became a huge hit and won the Arrangers’ Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards.
The duo also performed it at that year’s 14th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it has remained a beloved summer standard for many.
The Peanuts’ clear, shimmering harmonies charmingly express the feelings of a girl in love.
Sing it with someone in their 80s, and the summer memories of the Shōwa era are sure to come flooding back.
Season of LovePinky and the Killers
Pinky and the Killers’ “Season of Love” is captivating for its lyrics that portray a bittersweet love with fresh sensitivity, paired with a catchy melody over a light, upbeat rhythm.
Even more than 50 years after its release, it hasn’t lost its luster and remains a classic beloved across generations.
Released in 1968 as their debut single, it topped the Oricon charts for 17 consecutive weeks.
Since then, it has been featured in various media and covered by many artists.
It might be nice to hum along with your family or friends, reminiscing about your younger days.
BoyhoodYosui Inoue
It’s one of the signature songs by Yosui Inoue, who is active as a singer-songwriter.
As a classic that evokes the feeling of summer, it’s known across generations.
You can sense the loneliness that comes as summer draws to a close, and the way it prompts you to look back on those summer memories.
The sound unfolds with a gentle mood, strongly colored by folk elements, quietly bringing the memories in your heart to the surface.
How about taking your time with this song and reflecting on summers past?
17 years oldSaori Minami
Saori Minami’s signature song “17-sai” is a classic that gracefully sings of youthful sparkle and tender first love.
When it was released in 1971, Minami herself was 17.
Her fresh vocals and lyrics, expressing feelings true to her age, likely resonated with people of the same generation.
The song beautifully portrays the delicate emotions of a heart swayed by love, felt most keenly in the midst of youth.
Listening to her voice flowing over the gentle sound makes you feel as if you’ve become the protagonist of a drama.
It’s also a great song for people in their 80s to revisit their own youthful days.