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 (21–30)
Beach of MemoriesThe Wild Ones
Let me introduce a song whose sparkling 12-string guitar tone resonates in the heart like the gentle surf at summer’s end.
When you listen to it, it brings back those bittersweet summer memories of youth, doesn’t it? You can almost picture the protagonist of the lyrics alone on the beach, quietly reflecting on a love that has passed.
It’s a little wistful, yet it leaves you with a warm feeling.
The fresh harmonies of The Wild Ones are wonderful, too! This piece was released in November 1966 as their debut single, and it became a classic loved by many, selling over a million copies.
The B-side featured a song called “Your Baby.” It also served as the theme song for the film “Omoide no Nagisa” and for the TV drama “Shitetsu Ensen 97 Bunsho.” Why not give it a listen on a summer day to cool off, or when you want to sink into cherished memories? It’s sure to bring you a moment of peace.
Pineapple PrincessMidori Tashiro
How about lending an ear to that bright tune that beckons you to a tropical paradise? As the lively sound of the ukulele begins to flow, it’s as if the sweet-and-tart scent of pineapple gently spreads through your heart.
Listen closely to the singing, and you can picture the scene of the protagonist dancing with joy on a sun-sparkling island.
Sung by Midori Tashiro in 1961, this song is a cover of American singer Annette’s number and was extremely popular in Japan at the time.
Give it a listen, and you may forget the summer heat and feel refreshed.
For older listeners, it will surely bring back happy memories of their youth and brighten their hearts.
Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner's Song)folk song
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.
Playback Part 2Momoe Yamaguchi
Let’s move our bodies along with nostalgic memories to the timeless hits of the Showa era.
The single released by Momoe Yamaguchi in May 1978 is a masterpiece with lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by Ryudo Uzaki.
With its innovative structure and emotionally rich vocals, this work reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts and sold over 500,000 copies.
Its warmth that resonates with listeners’ hearts and its light, buoyant melody are especially appealing.
It’s a song you can enjoy dancing to with a smile, whether in the living room or at a senior community salon.
Move at your own pace to the naturally uplifting rhythm.
It’s a tune that sparks conversations full of fond memories and helps you spend a wonderful time.
Dream PlayTomio Umezawa
This song, with its bittersweet melody by Kei Ogura and richly emotional lyrics, moves the hearts of listeners.
Known as one of the most accomplished acting performers in the enka world, Tomio Umezawa established his status as an enka singer with his debut single.
Released in November 1982, the track peaked at No.
8 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.
It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV anime Maison Ikkoku and used in a commercial for Daio Paper’s Elleair, earning affection across a wide audience.
This work is sure to resonate with those who were captivated by theater in their youth or who cherish memories of watching stage performances.
Umezawa’s deeply emotive vocals and acting prowess will remain etched in your heart alongside your own memories.
Soran Bushifolk song
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.
The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka
Haruo Oka’s “Akogare no Hawai Kōro” (The Longed-for Hawaii Route) is a true classic that captured the hearts of the Japanese people after the war.
Released in 1948, it became an explosive hit.
It continued to be loved for many years, and a film of the same name was released in 1950.
The lyrics are memorable, vividly evoking people parting with regret at the harbor.
Why not sing along as you recall the nostalgic scenery of the Showa era?