Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics

Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto

Miagete Goran Yoru No Hoshi Wo

“Look Up at the Night Stars” is a classic that shines with Kyu Sakamoto’s warm, gentle voice.

By encouraging us to gaze up at the stars, his uplifting message—urging us not to forget simple happiness and our dreams—continues to kindle hope in the hearts of many.

Written by Rokusuke Ei (lyrics) and Taku Izumi (music) in 1960 as the theme song for a musical, the piece was covered by Kyu Sakamoto in 1963 and earned the Composition Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards.

Even in life’s difficult moments, listening to this song can lighten your heart.

Please try listening to it with someone dear to you and reaffirm the bond you share.

Lingering Snowdolphin

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

Sung by Iruka, this song has been passed down as a classic of spring, a work that seems to seep into the listener’s heart.

Depicting a scene of parting in early spring, it beautifully portrays lingering feelings and the loneliness of growing up.

Written and composed by Shozo Ise and given a rich, weighty arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was released in March 1975 on the album “Iruka no Sekai,” then as a single in November of the same year, reaching No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a perfect song to spark conversation with older adults.

You’ll likely enjoy a wonderful time sharing nostalgic memories and evocative scenes that resonate in the heart.

SaraiYuzo Kayama

Yuzo Kayama - Sarai (with lyrics)

This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.

It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.

The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.

It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.

spring hazeHiromi Iwasaki

spring haze

With a beautiful singing voice reminiscent of Showa-era idols, she performed a classic that resonates in the hearts of older listeners.

Against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in half bloom, the song delicately portrays the bittersweet love of a young couple.

It carefully expresses the feelings of a woman determined to pursue love despite her father’s opposition.

Hiromi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals vividly capture a fleeting spring moment with cherry blossoms in bloom.

Released in February 1979, this work was beloved by many, even making its first appearance in the Top Ten on TBS’s “The Best Ten.” Even today, it remains a much-loved song brimming with the atmosphere of spring’s arrival.

It’s especially recommended to listen to during cherry blossom season together with older adults—letting them reminisce about the past while feeling the coming of spring.

Come, spring.Yumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

The celebrated song that gently sings of the arrival of spring was released in 1994 by Yumi Matsutoya and became a major topic as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series.

Its sweet, wistful vocals and lyrics filled with feelings for a loved one deeply resonate with many listeners.

Elegantly portraying spring scenes—such as the scent of daphne and sudden showers—it beautifully expresses nostalgic memories and the hope of reunion.

After its release, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart and became a massive hit, selling over 1.

16 million copies.

It was also used for the Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival and in commercials for the Yomiuri Shimbun, making it familiar to an even wider audience.

Its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics are perfect for sparking conversations about memories with older adults.

Please enjoy a richly satisfying moment together while feeling the arrival of spring.

Mischief of the spring breezeMomoe Yamaguchi

Momoe Yamaguchi – Prank of the Spring Breeze

With the arrival of spring, a timeless masterpiece was born.

The lyrics gently express tender first love and poignant emotions, portraying the delicate feelings of a girl walking through the city in the spring breeze.

Momoe Yamaguchi’s pure, clear voice beautifully conveys the wavering heart of a young woman.

Released in March 1974, the song was used as the theme for the film “The Dancing Girl of Izu,” and became a major topic of conversation.

Together with the film, which showcased Yamaguchi’s charm as an actress to the fullest, it remains deeply etched in many people’s hearts.

It’s a perfect song for spending a peaceful moment in the warmth of spring or reminiscing about cherished memories.

Why not enjoy it with older listeners, sharing nostalgia while feeling the arrival of spring?

GraduationChiharu Matsuyama

Graduation / Chiharu Matsuyama

With a gentle singing voice that warmly watches over new chapters in life, this spring melody has echoed across Hokkaido.

Chiharu Matsuyama’s beautiful ballad invites us to look back on our youthful days while filling us with hope for the future.

The soulful guitar tones and clear, soaring vocals are sure to bring back many memories.

Released in 1979, the song was created as the theme for STV’s program “Graduation at Kushiro High School.” It was also included on the album Seishun (Youth) and continues to be cherished as a classic folk song.

Why not spend a heartwarming time reminiscing together with older adults, letting nostalgic stories blossom?