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.
- Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku
- Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
- Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A roundup of tracks also great for karaoke
- For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- [Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out
- Tear-Jerking Songs Recommended for Women in Their 80s: A Collection of Heart-Stirring Masterpieces
- [For Seniors in Their 80s] Recommended Summer Songs: From Enka and School Songs to Folk Songs
- Breakup songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of classic tracks that capture heartbreaking feelings
- Recommended love songs for women in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic love songs
- Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonal Kayōkyoku and Children's Songs
Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics (21–30)
You are more beautiful than a rose.Akira Fuse
This is a single released in January 1979 that sings about the memories of a wonderful romance.
Woven by Akira Fuse’s clear, expansive vocals, the story vividly depicts the emotional moment of noticing how a cherished person has changed after meeting again for the first time in a while.
The chorus melody is striking, and the gentle, heartwarming tone of the song is truly appealing.
The track was featured in a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial and gained widespread popularity.
It is a classic performed four times on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, first showcased at the 30th Kouhaku.
In 2012, it was also used in a Lotte Fit’s gum commercial.
How about spending some time slowly immersing yourself in the music while flipping through a photo album of memories? It’s a heartwarming song that brings forth a tender feeling of thinking about someone special—highly recommended.
summer vacationTakuro Yoshida
This is a classic song by Takuro Yoshida, written with a gentle, bittersweet melody that traces summer memories in Kagoshima and Hiroshima.
Included on the 1971 live album “Yoshida Takuro On Stage Tomodachi,” the piece vividly paints scenes of a summer vacation that anyone might find nostalgic.
Childhood memories and moments with a cherished teacher are woven together with heartwarming lyrics.
A studio version was released on the 1972 album “Genki Desu.
,” and the song has continued to be beloved by the artist and fans alike.
Inviting listeners to look back tenderly on summers from their youth, it’s a tune you can hum together with older generations, sparking wonderful conversations about treasured memories.
Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics (31–40)
Forever with youYuzo Kayama
A beautiful love song that gently seeps into our hearts, set to a light ballad that carries eternal love and hope for the future.
Featured as the theme song for the films “Young Guy with an Electric Guitar” and “Young Guy in the Alps,” this piece celebrates everlasting love against the backdrop of a sunset, tenderly expressing the sweetness and ache of young romance.
Released in 1965, it became a massive hit, selling over three million copies and receiving a Special Award at the 8th Japan Record Awards.
Yuzo Kayama’s gentle vocals and the beautiful string arrangements are soothing to the soul.
For seniors, it’s a song that will resonate with memories of their youth.
Whether you listen to it quietly on your own or sing it together with family and friends at karaoke, it’s a piece that brings a sense of calm.
a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara
Set against the backdrop of a northern spring, this song tells the story of a bittersweet farewell in love.
Carried by a gentle, lyrical melody, Yujiro Ishihara’s rich vocals vividly portray the lingering feelings of heartbreak.
Released by Teichiku Records in October 1962, the track is also included on the album “Yujiro Ishihara Original 6.” In January 1964, it was used as the theme song for a film of the same name starring Ishihara, captivating the hearts of many alongside the movie.
Even today, it remains a beloved classic that everyone can hum along to and is very popular at karaoke.
With its heartfelt lyrics and approachable melody, it’s the perfect song for singing together and having fun.
Tokyo CachitoFrank Nagai
It’s a classic of mood kayō that has continued to be loved as a Showa-era masterpiece.
Set against the backdrop of nights in Akasaka, the song portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban sensibility.
Frank Nagai’s alluring low voice richly conveys the feelings of a man troubled by love.
Released in October 1960, the single featured “Arcade Blues” on the B-side.
As a leading presence in the mood kayō boom of the time, it was cherished by many.
It’s a song I’d recommend as a fun karaoke pick to sing with friends, along with fond memories.
12th graderKazuo Funaki
Kazuo Funaki’s “High School Senior” is a classic among classics that vividly brings back a page of youth etched in the hearts of many.
It carefully portrays the delicate feelings swaying between sadness and hope on the eve of high school graduation.
The everyday moments with classmates and the memories filled with tears and laughter are treasures forever.
Even if you part ways, keeping this song in your heart will always bind your hearts as one.
Released in 1963, the song sold over a million copies and was also chosen as the theme song for a film of the same name.
For those who remember that era, it’s sure to bring back memories.
Why not listen to it with someone in their 80s and ask them to share their sweet and bittersweet stories from their youth?
Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda
This is a classic song by Seiko Matsuda, distinguished by its beautiful melody, filled with the scent of spring, and her fresh, radiant vocals.
The lyrics wonderfully balance innocent first love with a hint of mature romance, and are sprinkled with seasonal imagery such as a spring-colored train and April rain.
Written by Takashi Matsumoto and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, this gem was released in January 1982.
It was also used in a commercial for Fujifilm’s skincare brand Astalift, which drew attention for featuring Miyuki Nakajima.
It’s a song best enjoyed on a calm spring day by the window, inviting a warm, heartwarming moment along with fond memories.