Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
Many people may find it difficult to know the songs that were popular during the youth of generations different from their own.
However, I believe there are many who want to enjoy music together with people of different ages, such as family members or residents in care facilities.
In this article, I’ll introduce a selection of songs that will be especially nostalgic for those in their 80s.
We’ve focused mainly on songs from around the 1950s to the 1960s, gathering popular kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs) and enka from that era.
I hope this article helps you spend enjoyable time listening and singing together.
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Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s. A collection of nostalgic classics (61–70)
Sleep on my chestPrincess Kaguya
This gem of a classic sings of deep love for a partner through a melody full of kindness and heartwarming lyrics.
The words, brimming with compassion and warmth, convey the importance of supporting one another.
The gentle lead vocals are layered with the beautiful timbres of cello and violin, creating a soothing piece.
Released as a single in July 1973, it peaked at No.
72 on the Oricon charts and sold approximately 250,000 copies.
It also became well-loved as the theme song for Usuki Pharmaceutical’s “Goto-san Cold Medicine” commercial, earning affection across generations.
Resonating with the feeling of caring for someone dear, this is a track you’ll want to hear in the pleasant breezes of spring.
As you listen to the tender vocals, why not let yourself drift into fond memories?
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng
Teresa Teng, the Asian diva who conveyed life’s deepest emotions through moving melodies.
This song tells of how meeting a beloved person dramatically changed her life, and of her resolve to devote herself completely.
Set to a gentle, warm major-key arrangement, her clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart.
Released as a single in February 1986 and included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase,” it won the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.
With its beautiful, easy-to-remember melody, it’s perfect for everyone to hum along to while sharing fond memories.
When I turn around, the Sea of JapanHiroshi Itsuki
A gem of a song that portrays a person who, despite inner confusion and loneliness, still strives to face forward, set against the desolate winter scenery of the Sea of Japan.
Released in March 2005, this work features lyrics by Hiroshi Itsuki and novelist Hiroyuki Itsuki, from whom the singer’s stage name is derived.
Hiroshi Itsuki’s emotionally rich vocals harmonize beautifully with sentiments of longing for one’s hometown and the resolve not to forget past love, earning the song 14th place on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was also performed at the 56th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and the album “Hiroyuki Itsuki & Hiroshi Itsuki Song Collection ~If You Look Back, the Sea of Japan~” was released.
It is a song that offers comfort to those living away from their hometowns, inviting listeners to reflect on the places of their memories.
I'm falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto
Fuyumi Sakamoto delivers a richly emotive performance of this classic song portraying the rediscovery of love for one’s partner.
The irreplaceable moments of everyday life—like the breath you feel in your palm as they sleep, or the morning light—soak gently into the heart along with the tender melody.
You can feel the warmth of a love that deepens as two people overcome failures and hurts together.
Released in January 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku” (Pirates of Asia), the song drew major attention after being featured in a commercial for Sanwa Shurui’s iichiko shochu.
It reflects on the bonds with someone precious, felt anew amid the calm flow of time.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with your spouse or family as you reminisce together.
TouchHiromi Iwasaki
An anime theme song that captures the bittersweetness of youth was released in March 1985.
It’s a wonderful track featuring Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals and a melody that resonates deeply.
The lyrics convey the feelings of a girl in love with her childhood friend, leaving a lasting impression with its sweet, heartrending portrayal of adolescence.
The song drew major attention as the opening theme for the anime Touch and reached No.
12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It has also become widely used as a cheer song for high school baseball, a staple performed in the stands.
With a melody everyone can hum along to, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke with friends.
The City of Love, SapporoYujiro Ishihara
A song by Yujiro Ishihara that gently sings of a woman discovering her first love, set against the iconic scenery of Sapporo.
The depictions of Sapporo—such as the Clock Tower and rows of acacia trees—beautifully intertwine with a pure form of love, leaving listeners deeply moved.
Beloved by many since its release in May 1972, it has sold a total of about 650,000 copies.
The reason it has been cherished for so long likely lies in the lyrical world where memorable places and recollections of romance intersect so beautifully.
When you want to fondly look back on a place dear to your heart, why not slowly immerse yourself in those memories, accompanied by Ishihara’s soulful voice that resonates within?
Brother ShipsIchiro Toba
This is a masterpiece of enka that powerfully expresses the deep bond among fisherman brothers and their devotion to family.
Tetsurō Funamura’s grand melody blends with Tetsurō Hoshino’s moving lyrics, while Ichirō Toba’s rugged vocals bring out the work’s full appeal.
Because Ichirō Toba himself has real-life fishing experience, the pride and spirit of men of the sea come through vividly.
Released in August 1982, the song sold over 290,000 copies on the Oricon charts and won the Newcomer Award at the 16th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
It has also been performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, earning strong support from enka fans.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and highly recommended for karaoke that stirs the heart.