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 (81–90)
A Letter Waiting for SpringTakuro Yoshida
This is a gem of a melody by Takuro Yoshida, warmly depicting a heartfelt exchange through letters that gently convey the feelings and memories of a man and a woman.
The image of two people far apart, drawing close to each other through their letters, carries a nostalgic sentiment that many have felt.
Accompanied by a calm guitar tone, the feelings of a couple trying to connect while awaiting the arrival of spring leave a lingering resonance.
Released in October 1979, it reached No.
52 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was also included on the album “ONLY YOU 〜since coming For Life〜,” and has long been loved by many.
It’s a perfect song for those moments when you want to relax and enjoy music while looking back on memories with someone special.
Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta
Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.
It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.
The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.
Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.
How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.
Words of FarewellKaientai
Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.
Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.
Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.
Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi
This song, which sings of departure and hope, is a classic that resonates with many older listeners.
Momoe Yamaguchi’s gentle yet powerful voice gives listeners a push forward.
Released in November 1978, it was also used as a campaign song for Japan National Railways.
It is often performed at life’s milestones, such as graduation and weddings, and is loved across generations.
March brings the feeling of spring’s arrival.
In this season of new beginnings, why not listen to this song, bask in nostalgic memories, and feel hope for tomorrow?
Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama
Ichiro Fujiyama’s “Blue Mountain Range” is a classic whose appealing lyrics evoke both hope and wistful melancholy, paired with a warm melody.
Born as the theme song for the 1949 film Blue Mountain Range, it has long been loved in the voices of Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara.
The lyrics, which depict the arrival of spring, also include hopeful imagery, making it a song that gives you energy when you listen to it!
A rose has bloomed.Mike Maki
“Bara ga Saita” (The Roses Bloomed), released by Mike Maki in 1966, is a classic song that sings of the beauty and hope of letting flowers bloom in the heart.
With lyrics and music by Kuranosuke Hamaguchi and arrangement by Hitoshi Kosugi, the song became a major hit and led to an appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Inspired by the rose episode in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, it tells how, even if the roses in the garden have withered, beautiful roses continue to bloom within one’s heart.
Mike Maki’s gentle voice comforts listeners, offering courage and hope.
The song has been covered by many artists.
It’s a lovely piece that makes you want to keep beautiful flowers blooming in your heart through every stage of life.
In conclusion
We introduced many songs mainly from around the 1950s to 1960s that will help people in their 80s relive their youthful days.
I’m sure many of the songs will sound familiar and bring back fond memories.
Please enjoy listening to and singing these songs together with someone in their 80s, and have a wonderful time.