Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku
Some of you may have opportunities to enjoy music with people in their 80s among your family or acquaintances but feel at a loss because you don’t know which songs are popular.
In this article, we’ll focus on songs that are especially exciting among those familiar to people in their 80s.
We’ve selected mainly Showa-era kayōkyoku and enka, with an emphasis on up-tempo and cheerful tunes.
Please use this article as a reference and enjoy music together with people in their 80s to create a wonderful time.
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Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku (61–70)
A Love Game Between a Man and a WomanMika Hino / Shiro Aoi
Debuted in 1986 as a Takeda Pharmaceutical commercial song, performed as a duet by Tetsuya Takeda and Yoshimi Ashikawa.
Initially, only the chorus was created for advertising, but due to its overwhelming response, it took the unusual path of being released as a record—the song “Otoko to Onna no Love Game.” It later became widely known as a duet by Mika Hino and Shiro Aoi.
The song enjoys high popularity in karaoke and is considered a classic sung across generations.
It’s especially a crowd-pleaser at karaoke contests in senior facilities, so be sure to sing it together and have fun!
a bright red sunHibari Misora
The song “Makka na Taiyō” (The Crimson Sun), released in 1967, was performed by Hibari Misora together with Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets.
It was originally created for an album commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hibari Misora’s career, but thanks to strong praise among the staff and the encouragement of Misora’s mother, Kimie Kato, it was released as a single and became a massive hit, selling 1.
4 million copies.
The song, which sings of a blazing love lasting only a single summer, has since been covered by many musicians.
Its powerful rhythm is sure to lift the spirits of listeners.
The Highland Train GoesAtsurō Okamoto
A song that gracefully celebrates the natural beauty of the highlands and the romance of train travel evokes heartwarming memories of family trips and brings to mind wonderful moments with loved ones.
Its sweeping scenery and romantic spirit are sure to soothe anyone’s heart.
Carried by Atsuro Okamoto’s comforting vocals, the pastoral landscapes gently resonate within.
Since its release in 1954, this work has continued to be beloved by many and was featured in the 2020 NHK morning drama series “Yell,” moving audiences across generations.
It’s perfect for a time of sharing old memories over tea with everyone.
Settle in, relax, and enjoy a peaceful moment.
My GiftOf course
This is a masterpiece whose gentle tones resonate in the heart like the mild sunlight of spring.
As one of Off Course’s signature works, it appears on the album “Off Course 1 / Boku no Okurimono,” which includes their 1973 single, showcasing Kazumasa Oda’s talent for songwriting and composition.
It’s a song that lets you feel the arrival of spring and recall someone dear.
With heartwarming lyrics and melody, it sings of sentiments offered to a loved one while accompanying the changing seasons.
Later adopted in elementary and junior high school music textbooks, it has been cherished by people of all ages.
The tender vocals and choral work leave a strong impression, making it a perfect track for a peaceful moment.
It’s a classic that evokes the colors of spring, enjoyable while reminiscing about hometown memories together with older listeners.
Cotton MoodAnri
Doesn’t this timeless song, which breezily heralds the arrival of spring, bring back nostalgic memories of your youth? Released by Anri in April 1981, this piece beautifully captures the season of open blue skies with its light melody and fashionable lyrics.
The upbeat words convey a sense of freedom and the thrill of romance.
It was also used in commercials for Nivea-Kao’s cologne and for Nisshinbo, making it a tune beloved by many.
Its rhythm is so delightful that you’ll naturally want to clap along when the music starts.
How about spending a moment singing it together with fellow seniors and letting cherished memories blossom in conversation?
tricolor violetJunko Sakurada
Let me introduce a song by Junko Sakurada that beautifully captures springtime scenes with her gentle, translucent voice.
Released in February 1974, it features a strikingly pure, idol-like melody.
Through the motif of tricolor violets, it quietly tells of a first love and cherished memories.
The lyrics gracefully express the delicacy and fragility of budding feelings, resonating deeply with listeners.
The song reached No.
10 on the Oricon charts and was widely loved by young people at the time.
It was frequently featured on radio and TV music shows, and for many, it has become a memorable anthem of their youth.
I hope you can spend a heartwarming moment, listening to that nostalgic voice as you bask in the cheerful warmth of spring.
spring's dry windShigeru Izumiya
A work that sharply portrays social pressure and loneliness was included on the 1973 album “Light and Shadow” and later released as a single.
Shigeru Izumiya wrote and composed the song, with production by Kazuhiko Kato.
Interweaving the north wind of spring with the hardships of daily life, it delicately expresses the conflict between the self and society.
The power and message of folk music resonated with many artists, leading to covers by numerous musicians, including Anarchy, Keisuke Kuwata, and Masaharu Fukuyama.
I hope you will cherish moments when we share the feelings in our hearts through music.
This work contains many deeply moving words, and those who have rich life experience—especially older listeners—will surely grasp its essence.