Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku

Tokyo RhapsodyIchiro Fujiyama

Tokyo Rhapsody, nostalgic song, Tokyo

A classic song representing 1936 (Showa 11) was born in a work set in Ginza, Kanda, Asakusa, and Shinjuku, portrayed in a pure and light foxtrot style.

Ichiro Fujiyama’s beautiful voice elegantly sings of urban scenes and a love story.

This piece, which vividly brings to mind the bustling districts of Tokyo at the time, became a massive hit, selling 350,000 copies.

It was Fujiyama’s first release after moving to Teichiku, and a film of the same title was later produced, cementing its status as a beloved song that symbolizes the Showa era.

It’s a perfect track for a calm moment or when reminiscing about the past.

Enjoy a heartwarming time discussing what Tokyo was like back then together with older listeners.

At the Rainy TavernDick Mine

In a Rainy Tavern — Dick Mine (with lyrics)

A work steeped in the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era, this classic vividly sings of a scene along a melancholy tree-lined avenue.

It conveys the pain of heartbreak and a sense of loneliness through an arrangement that incorporates elements of jazz and blues, with Dick Mine’s gentle baritone heightening the poignancy.

Released in 1954, the song was also used as the theme for the Shochiku film “Face of Hell,” and has been covered by many artists, including Yujiro Ishihara and Hibari Misora.

Its profound emotional expression and refined vocals make it a song that resonates deeply, evoking memories of the Showa period.

The pier where that girl is cryingMichiya Mihashi

Mitsu Hashi Michiya [The Pier Where That Girl Is Crying]

It is a song that beautifully depicts the scenery of a port town and the subtleties of the heart, with Michiya Mihashi’s clear and graceful singing voice leaving a strong impression.

This work, which seamlessly blends the sorrow of unrequited love with scenes of people working at the harbor, resonates with many and evokes a sense of nostalgia.

Released as a single in 1955, it achieved the astonishing sales figure of 1.

8 million copies.

In the same year, it was adapted into a Toho film, in which Mihashi himself also appeared.

We hope it allows seniors and their families to spend a heartwarming moment together, reminiscing about youth filled with precious memories.

IzakayaHiroshi Itsuki

Izakaya (Hiroshi Itsuki / Nana Kinomi) with Japanese and Romaji lyrics

Set in an izakaya, this song delicately portrays the subtle emotions of lonely men and women.

Yu Aku’s woven lyrics and Katsuo Ono’s soul-stirring melody blend beautifully, evoking a mature worldview steeped in the atmosphere of the Showa era.

The distinctive voices of Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi gently envelop a scene where loneliness and warmth intertwine.

Released in October 1982, this work has continued to be loved as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

A new duet version with Fuyumi Sakamoto was produced in October 2017.

With lyrics that touch on the nuances of life and a familiar, accessible melody, it’s a wonderful choice for everyone to enjoy singing at karaoke.

Tokyo CachitoFrank Nagai

Tokyo Cachito — Frank Nagai

It’s a classic of mood kayō that has continued to be loved as a Showa-era masterpiece.

Set against the backdrop of nights in Akasaka, the song portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban sensibility.

Frank Nagai’s alluring low voice richly conveys the feelings of a man troubled by love.

Released in October 1960, the single featured “Arcade Blues” on the B-side.

As a leading presence in the mood kayō boom of the time, it was cherished by many.

It’s a song I’d recommend as a fun karaoke pick to sing with friends, along with fond memories.

Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa

Hachiro Izawa - Ah, Ueno Station

Since its release in May 1964, Hachiro Izawa’s emotionally rich song depicting Ueno Station—which welcomed many young people through group employment—has been a source of comfort for those living away from their hometowns.

As the terminus of the Tohoku Main Line, Ueno Station has watched over young people coming to Tokyo with dreams and hopes in their hearts.

This work embodies both thoughts of family and expectations for a new life.

In 2003, a monument to the song was erected in front of Ueno Station’s Hirokoji Exit, and since 2013 it has also been used as the departure melody.

Why not sing along and indulge in fond memories together? Conversations with those who remember that era are sure to flow naturally.

May you enjoy a heartwarming moment in the gentle warmth of spring.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiKiyoshi Hikawa

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

This work fully conveys the appeal of a traditional traveling-swordsman enka.

Its lyrics delicately depict the loneliness, melancholy, and inner conflict of a drifter, and when combined with Kiyoshi Hikawa’s emotionally rich vocals, you can’t help but be drawn in.

The lone-wolf protagonist, sword in hand, is moved by the warmth of the people he meets in post towns and by his feelings for his mother—truly touching.

Released in February 2000, it became the first debut song in history to win the Grand Prize at the 33rd Japan Lyricist Awards.

It was also used in Taisho Pharmaceutical’s Tiovita Drink commercial.

This piece is recommended for older listeners who love enka.

It’s even more enjoyable when everyone claps along while singing.