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

YosakuSaburō Kitajima

Yosaku

Saburo Kitajima’s signature song “Yosaku” is a tribute to traditional Japanese life.

With simple, approachable lyrics and melody, it portrays the value of labor and the cooperation of a married couple.

Since its 1978 release, it has remained a long-standing hit beloved by people of all ages.

It was performed for two consecutive years on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and its folk-style, universal themes resonated widely.

Why not join your voices together and sing along to Kitajima’s emotionally rich vocals?

Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Capo

Like a Wildflower – Da Capo #LikeAWildflower #DaCapo #TheNakedGeneral’sWanderingTales

A timeless song with a simple, gentle warmth brings a refreshing breath of spring that makes you want to hum along.

In words anyone can understand, it conveys the importance of living naturally, like flowers blooming in the fields.

Da Capo released this heart-touching piece in July 1983.

Beloved as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Naked General’s Travelogue,” its lyrics inspired many by giving courage to face life’s challenges.

Since 1992, the song has also been included in elementary school music textbooks, and it continues to be sung across generations.

Please enjoy this piece—one that evokes fond memories and the calm arrival of spring—together with older adults.

Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Takashi Hosokawa

Life is a Naniwa-bushi — Takashi Hosokawa

This classic enka song, inspired by the traditional Japanese musical art of rōkyoku, vividly portrays the subtleties of life with deep emotion.

Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful vocals beautifully express life’s joys and sorrows.

Released in 1977, the piece captivated many, earning appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and winning multiple awards, including the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

With its universal themes that resonate with each listener’s life experiences, it’s perfect for recreational activities in care facilities or for enjoying music with family.

We hope everyone can form a circle, sing together, clap along, and share a joyful moment.

I wanted to see you.Haruo Oka

I wanted to see you — Haruo Oka

Haruo Oka, whose nostalgic and warm singing voice has captivated many, is a beloved figure.

Released in July 1955, this work is known as a representative song of the “madrosu kayō” genre, which centers on port towns and sailors.

With its emotionally rich melody and lyrics that resonate deeply, it became a memorable piece that offered hope to postwar Japanese society.

Issued by Nippon Columbia as an SP record, it was extensively featured on radio programs and in films, becoming a trendsetter of its time.

It’s a perfect song for those who want to revel in fond memories or experience a heartwarming vocal performance.

Life is full of ups and downs.Chiyoko Shimakura

Life is full of ups and downs.

The songs of Chiyoko Shimakura, an enka singer who epitomized the Showa era, brought deep emotion to the Japanese music scene.

Her gentle voice resonates with people’s hearts, singing as if to embrace both the sorrows and joys of life.

The lyrics, which carefully depict life’s ups and downs, blend beautifully with the warm melody line.

Released in 1987, this work was an innovative attempt to fuse pop and enka, and it even earned a spot on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It is also a gem of a song sung with heartfelt gratitude to its composer, Kuranosuke Hamaguchi.

Filled with nostalgia and warmth, it’s a wonderful piece to savor slowly, especially together with older listeners.

school daysPeggy Hayama

Peggy Hayama - Student Days (with lyrics)

Some people may be wondering, “Is Peggy Hayama half-Japanese?” but she was fully Japanese.

Peggy Hayama is a stage name, inspired by a friend she met through a crossed telephone line who said, “Your voice feels like ‘Peggy.

’” It’s funny how inspiration can come from anywhere.

Her hit song “Gakusei Jidai” (“Student Days”) was originally titled “Daigaku Jidai” (“College Days”), but the title was reportedly changed after Peggy said, “I didn’t attend college.” It’s a song filled with nostalgia and many fond memories of youth.

Tokyo Olympic OndoHaruo Minami

Haruo Minami “Tokyo Olympic Ondo” [from ~The Trajectory of Vocal Art: The Complete Works of Haruo Minami~]

As the name suggests, Tokyo Olympic Ondo was the theme song for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and in addition to Haruo Minami, it was performed by prominent singers such as Yukio Hashi, Michiya Mihashi, Kyu Sakamoto, and Saburo Kitajima.

It is said that the association with Haruo Minami became fixed because his version sold the most.

At the time, Minami said, “Japan worked hard and achieved such a remarkable recovery.

The Tokyo Olympics is an opportunity to show that to the world, and I poured my strong desire to make it a success into the song.” For seniors, it may be a track that brings back the feelings of that era.