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

Song of the ThistleHisao Ito

Song of the Thistle

Azami no Uta is a moving, beautiful song that overlays the image of a beloved woman onto the thistle blossoms blooming on the Kirigamine Highlands.

Hisao Ito’s lyrical voice resonated deeply in the hearts of the Japanese people in the postwar era.

Delicately portraying a man’s yearning for the woman he loves, its melody—like a breeze sweeping across the plateau—envelops the listener.

It is a classic that colored the youth of those now in their eighties, and it still brims with a timeless charm today.

Why not listen to it together with your family and friends? You’re sure to spend a wonderful time.

Ringo OiwakeHibari Misora

Ringo Oiwake

A classic hit by Hibari Misora set in the Tsugaru region.

Released in May 1952, this song reflects on one’s hometown and past memories through the image of apple blossoms scattering in the wind.

The longing for a distant home and family, as well as the sorrow of parting, are powerfully conveyed by Hibari Misora’s resonant voice, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

It has been covered and remade by numerous artists both in Japan and abroad, showcasing its far-reaching influence.

It’s a perfect song to listen to or sing together with seniors, sparking conversations filled with fond memories.

school daysPeggy Hayama

school days

Peggy Hayama’s “Gakusei Jidai” (“Student Days”) is a memorable song with a nostalgic tone that feels like a snapshot of school life, paired with lyrics that vividly capture the feelings of a down-to-earth young girl.

Released as a single in 1964, it was written and composed by Seiji Hiraoka.

It’s said that Aoyama Gakuin, the school Hayama herself attended, served as the model.

The bright, upbeat lyrics are sure to gently warm the listener’s heart.

Humming along with family or friends while reminiscing about your own youthful days might make the conversation flow.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy Peggy Hayama’s clear, translucent singing voice.

The setting sun is crying.The Spiders

The Spiders / The Sunset Is Crying (1966)

A classic song that represents the 1960s.

Its poignant lyrics, which mirror the pain of heartbreak against the setting sun, resonate deeply with listeners.

Born as an insert song for the film “Goodbye, Tears,” it became a massive hit with officially over 1.

2 million copies sold.

It’s a track brimming with the full charm of The Spiders.

In 1967, a film of the same name was also produced, featuring the band members.

It portrays the story of young people who stake their youth on their band activities, expanding the song’s world through both music and visuals.

Why not enjoy it along with fond memories? Singing it together with older adults can make for a warm, heartwarming time.

Tennessee WaltzChiemi Eri

Tennessee Waltz

Tennessee Waltz is a song that became a huge hit in Japan in the 1950s.

Originally released in the United States in 1948, it was covered by Chiemi Eri in 1952 with Japanese lyrics, sparking the jazz boom in Japan at the time.

The song, which portrays a bittersweet love, tells the story of a beloved person being taken away by a friend.

Alongside nostalgic memories, it is a work that gently evokes the joys and sorrows of life.

Goodbye for today.Ryoko Moriyama

Goodbye for today.

“Konnichi no Hi wa Sayonara” (Today Is the Day We Say Goodbye) is one of Ryoko Moriyama’s signature songs, released in 1967.

It’s a classic that gently sings of the loneliness of parting and the hope of meeting again.

With its bright, forward-looking lyrics, it has captured many hearts as a quintessential folk song.

Loved across generations, it’s a national favorite often sung at graduation ceremonies and other occasions.

Its universal message—about friendship, farewells, and hope for the future—continues to shine across time.

Having accompanied people at life’s turning points, this song is likely a special one even for those in their 80s.

Why not sing it together with someone dear to you, reminiscing about your youthful days?

That girl and IYukio Hashi

Yukio Hashi / That Girl and Me (Swim, Swim, Swim) (1965)

It’s a lively, heart‑thumping tune by Yukio Hashi that captures the feeling of summer’s arrival.

Just listening to it conjures up vivid scenes of the bustling summers of that era.

The bright melody conveys the beaming smiles of young people and the heat of excitement as they enjoyed the swim dance that was popular at the time.

Released in June 1965, this was Hashi’s 68th single.

It became a major hit, selling 710,000 copies in less than two months, and he performed it on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It was even adapted into a film and used in a swimsuit commercial that aired in households across the country.

For older listeners, it likely brings back the thrill of those summers along with fond memories.

If everyone hums along together, smiles will come naturally and conversation is sure to flow.