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)
Crimson SunHibari Misora
This work, which evokes both the passion of a blazing sun and the transience of a passing summer, left a striking impression as a new facet of Hibari Misora, the queen of the kayō music world.
In its lyrical world, a love that flares up against the backdrop of midsummer seas is skillfully depicted alongside a poignant premonition that it will one day come to an end.
Originally included as a track on the album “Song Is My Life: Celebrating 20 Years of Hibari Misora’s Career,” the piece received such an overwhelming response that it was released as a single in May 1967.
Its innovative sound, backed by Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets, drew major attention and went on to sell over 1.
4 million copies.
As a song emblematic of summertime in the Shōwa era, why not give it a listen during a seaside drive or when you’re in the mood to bask in slightly more grown-up summer memories?
18 Years Old Under the SunNana Kinomi
Let me introduce a song that brings back the sparkle of those days, brimming with youth and energy.
Sung by Nana Kinomi, this track centers on the radiant teenage years at eighteen, and its bright, breezy melody is irresistibly charming! Just listening to it makes your heart dance, as if the excitement of that time comes rushing back.
Released in March 1963, it stands as one of Nana Kinomi’s notable early works.
Its pop sound, infused with Western rhythms, brought a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.
While many know Nana Kinomi from her duet “Izakaya” with Hiroshi Itsuki, here you can enjoy a different side—her youthful, vibrant voice.
Why not hum along together while sharing fun memories of summers spent under the sun? It’s sure to fill the moment with wonderful smiles! Let the nostalgic melody carry you as you savor the memories of those days.
Upbeat songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku (31–40)
Season of LovePinky and the Killers
This song is distinguished by a bossa nova rhythm that heralds the start of summer.
Riding on a melody that captures the joy of new love, it’s become a classic summer tune brimming with lightness and nostalgia.
The fresh vocals and performance by Pinky & The Killers gently wrap youthful memories in warmth.
Released in July 1968, the song spent 17 consecutive weeks at number one on the Oricon charts.
It was also featured in the 2009 film Evangelion: 2.
0 You Can (Not) Advance, making it beloved across generations.
On a hot summer day, why not hum along with older adults while reminiscing in a cool room? You can also expand the fun by doing light exercises or clapping along to the beat.
That girl and IYukio Hashi
It’s a lively, heart‑thumping tune by Yukio Hashi that captures the feeling of summer’s arrival.
Just listening to it conjures up vivid scenes of the bustling summers of that era.
The bright melody conveys the beaming smiles of young people and the heat of excitement as they enjoyed the swim dance that was popular at the time.
Released in June 1965, this was Hashi’s 68th single.
It became a major hit, selling 710,000 copies in less than two months, and he performed it on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It was even adapted into a film and used in a swimsuit commercial that aired in households across the country.
For older listeners, it likely brings back the thrill of those summers along with fond memories.
If everyone hums along together, smiles will come naturally and conversation is sure to flow.
I hope you are keeping well in the summer heat.Candies
This is a fresh and friendly song themed around the classic summer greeting “shochu mimai.” It gently portrays seaside scenes, sunlight, and the bittersweet feelings of a girl in love, vividly evoking the landscapes of summer in Japan.
Released by Candies in June 1977 as a single, it is also known as a commercial song for Suntory Oolong Tea.
With its lively rhythm, bright melody, and clear, transparent harmonies, the piece is easy and fun to hum along to.
It’s perfect as a seasonal greeting or a conversation starter for reminiscing, and it offers a heartwarming time—singing together with older listeners and looking back fondly on the past.
Forever with youYuzo Kayama
A gem of a love song that conveys feelings for a cherished person through a warm, tender vocal—combining gentle expressions of affection with a dramatic arc.
Centered on themes of eternal love and happiness, it tenderly wraps the lovers’ vows in beautiful Japanese lyrics.
Yuzo Kayama’s guitar tones and emotionally rich voice create a sublime melodic line that resonates deeply with listeners.
Written in 1965 as the theme song for the film “Young Guy with an Electric Guitar,” it became a hit with over three million singles sold.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Young Guy of the Alps” and received the Special Award at the 8th Japan Record Awards.
Share a soothing moment together, humming along to this song of memories and enjoying a peaceful time.
It’s also a perfect piece to spark communication among older adults.
Ozasiki Song
It was sung in 1964 by Hiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars along with Kazuko Matsuo.
While the Tokyo Olympics likely helped, the economy at the time was far from strong, yet the song became a massive hit with total sales of 2.
5 million copies, setting a new record for record sales back then.
Thanks to its musical style, it also became wildly popular at drinking parties across the country: people would sing just the first verse, then others around them would join in with humorous parody verses and enjoy themselves.
It’s said that it can be even more enjoyable at senior care facilities’ recreational events if, in addition to singing the original lyrics, participants share parody versions they know.