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.

Playlist

Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	The Highland Train GoesAtsurō Okamoto		A track marked by a lively melody and exhilarating lyrics...
2	There’s always tomorrowKyu Sakamoto		Bittersweet memories from my youth come flooding back...
3	The Apple SongMichiko Namiki		The song “Ringo no Uta” lit a beacon of hope for Japan in the postwar era…
4	Goodbye, TearsHiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars		A heartwarming portrayal of the sorrow of parting and the courage to look ahead…
5	Ginza Kan-kan GirlHideko Takamine		The representative work of Hideko Takamine released in 1949…
6	a bright red sunHibari Misora		A classic song set against the midsummer sea that portrays a passionate romance. Bea…
7	The person I fell in love withHarumi Miyako		This song, which sings of a heartrending love, was released in 1968...
8	The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka		A famous song that gave hope and dreams to the hearts of the Japanese people after the war...
9	Youth CyclingKazuya Kosaka		Kazuya Kosaka’s “Seishun Cycling” is refreshi…
10	The young coupleKenji Kitahara		Kenji Kitahara's signature song “Wakai Futari” (The Young Couple). 19…
11	Blue ChateauJackey Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets		Released in 1967, it won an award at the 9th Japan Record...
12	Always keep your dreamsYukio Hashi, Sayuri Yoshinaga		Speaking gently to the heart, like a quietly falling rain...
13	One-Way Ticket of LoveMasaaki Hirao		Masao Hirao’s gently resonant high-tone voice...
14	Flamenco of the StarsTeruhiko Saigō		Mr. Teruhiko Saigō, brought to life by Mr. Kuranosuke Hamaguchi…
15	Song of the ThistleHisao Ito		To the thistle flowers blooming in Kirigamine, to the woman I long for…
16	school daysPeggy Hayama		Peggy Hayama’s “Gakusei Jidai” (“Student Days”) is about life at school...
17	Ringo OiwakeHibari Misora		The classic song by Hibari Misora set in the Tsugaru region...
18	The setting sun is crying.The Spiders		A classic song that represents the 1960s. The pain of a broken heart...
19	Tennessee WaltzChiemi Eri		The Tennessee Waltz is a song from the 1950s...
20	Goodbye for today.Ryoko Moriyama		"Kyo no Hi wa Sayonara" was in 1967...
21	That girl and IYukio Hashi		Summary (20 characters): Yuko Hashi’s 1965 smash hit. Vividly conveys summer scenes and the excitement of the swim dance.
22	Beach of MemoriesThe Wild Ones		Summary (20 characters): A classic Group Sounds hit. Surf music released in 1966. A massive hit selling over 1 million copies.
23	It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five		As a milestone of mood kayō (Japanese mood music), it has captured the hearts of many people…
24	18 Years Old Under the SunNana Kinomi		Summary (20 characters): A signature 1963 hit by Nana Kinomi; a bright, youth-themed pop song that evokes nostalgia.
25	You, my beloved.Hisao Ito		As one of the iconic songs representing Showa-era kayōkyoku, Hisao Itō’s...
26	No-No BoyThe Spiders		The youthful radiance portrayed in the Kamayatsu style
27	Journey of the HeartTulip		A classic song that captures the bittersweet emotions of departure.
28	I wanted to see you.Haruo Oka		A 1955 release by Haruo Oka. A signature song of the sailor (madrosu) genre, it became a classic that gave hope to postwar Japan.
29	You are more beautiful than a rose.Akira Fuse		Summary (20 characters): Akira Fuse’s 1979 single. A classic that gently sings of the emotions of a nostalgic encounter.
30	summer vacationTakuro Yoshida		A classic by Takuro Yoshida. A song that paints nostalgic summer vacation memories with a gentle melody.
31	Forever with youYuzo Kayama		Yuzo Kayama’s love song, a masterpiece that resonates in the hearts of youth
32	a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara		Spring in the northern country, a masterpiece that resonates in Yujiro Ishihara’s heart
33	Tokyo CachitoFrank Nagai		Summary (20 characters): A Showa-era classic by Nagai Frank. Set against the nights of Akasaka, it portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban touch.
34	12th graderKazuo Funaki		Kazuo Funaki’s “High School Senior” has been, for many people…
35	Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda		A beautiful melody filled with the fragrance of spring and a fresh...
36	The two are young.Dick Mine		The classic duet by Dick Mine and Reiko Hoshi
37	Traveler,Yuzo Kayama		An anthem cheering on travelers who look ahead while remembering their hometown. A masterpiece in which Yuzo Kayama’s clear, transparent voice deeply resonates with the heart.
38	Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora		A classic that gently sings of life's joy and flow
39	Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida		A classic of the port city Yokohama: wistfulness and the glitter of the metropolis
40	SEPTEMBEREarth, Wind & Fire		Summary (20 characters): Released in 1978. A classic by Earth, Wind & Fire. Its light rhythm makes your body move naturally.
41	Winter LightningAlice		A signature 1977 release by Alice. A classic that fuses folk and rock, it reached No. 2 on the Oricon chart.
42	Sinbad on the ShorePink Lady		Pink Lady’s classic summer hit released in 1977. Disco-style, it sold 1.45 million copies and is loved across generations.
43	I love youYutaka Ozaki		A poignant love song by Yutaka Ozaki. It’s a piano ballad about a forbidden love, and many artists have covered it.
44	Tunnel HeavenThe Dynamites		An iconic anthem of 60s youth rock
45	Ha-ha-haThe Lind & Lindas		A popular song from Kansai GS, featuring an appealing, cheerful melody.
46	At the Rainy TavernDick Mine		A 1954 classic expressing heartbreak and loneliness in jazz, a Showa-era staple covered by many.
47	The pier where that girl is cryingMichiya Mihashi		Summary (20 characters): A 1955 smash hit depicting love and scenery in a port town. Mitsuya Mihashi’s beautiful singing voice is memorable.
48	Because the moon is so very blueTsutoko Sugawara		A poignant walk along the tree-lined path while looking up at the blue, gleaming moon...
49	Playback Part 2Momoe Yamaguchi		Let’s dance to Showa-era classics and relive nostalgic memories.
50	Aoba Castle Love SongMuneyuki Sato		A masterpiece by Muneyuki Sato, a famous song that colors Sendai
51	A Love Story in GinzaYujiro Ishihara · Junko Makimura		Summary (20 characters): Released in 1961. A blockbuster duet song depicting a poignant romance between a man and a woman set in Ginza.
52	Snow CountryIkuzo Yoshi		The scenery of the northern country and the heart-stirring singing voice of Yoshikazu Ikuzō
53	The Song of KemekoThe Darts		A classic song that portrays the youth of first love, with pure lyrics
54	Tokyo RhapsodyIchiro Fujiyama		A classic song from the Showa era: Ichiro Fujiyama’s “Tokyo.”
55	The Izu DancerHibari Misora		Hibari Misora, the famous song from the film based on a work by Yasunari Kawabata
56	BoyhoodYosui Inoue		A youthful poem embraced by the timeless songs of Yosui Inoue
57	Mail boat to the small islandKoichi Aoki		Evocative scenes that stir nostalgia, like the lighthouse cape or the shade of orange trees…
58	Waltz of StarlightMasao Sen		Masao Sen’s signature song “Hoshikage no Waltz” is heartrending...
59	spring thunderbutterbur sprout		This is the season when you can feel the arrival of spring. With that sense of the season...
60	My GiftOf course		A famous song by Kazumasa Oda that makes you feel the arrival of spring
61	Premonition of Spring ~I’ve been mellow~Saori Minami		Summary (20 characters): Featuring Saori Minami’s gentle vocals, it portrays mature romance and is a song loved across generations.
62	My Pure LadyAmi Ozaki		A 1977 song by Ami Ozaki. A classic rendered in a springlike bossa nova style, gently portraying the tender feelings of first love.
63	My heart is stop-motionTomoko Kuwae		A classic song that portrays springtime encounters and the thrill of love
64	Sleep on my chestPrincess Kaguya		A 1973 hit that sings of love for a sweetheart with gentle melody and lyrics. It’s also well-loved as a commercial jingle.
65	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng		Teresa Teng’s soul-stirring masterpiece
66	When I turn around, the Sea of JapanHiroshi Itsuki		Singing of the loneliness of the Sea of Japan and the shape of life
67	I’m falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto		A moving song that portrays deepening love and bonds
68	TouchHiromi Iwasaki		Yoshimi Iwasaki’s “Touch” was released in March 1985. Its clear, airy vocals and bittersweet melody are captivating, and it’s also beloved as a cheer song for high school baseball.
69	The City of Love, SapporoYujiro Ishihara		A famous song by Yujiro Ishihara that portrays the scenery of Sapporo and first love. Its lyrics, where memories and love intersect, have continued to be cherished by many people.
70	Brother ShipsIchiro Toba		Summary (20 characters): A classic enka depicting the bond of fisherman brothers. Toba Ichiro’s deep, rugged vocals are compelling.
71	Let’s get married.Takuro Yoshida		Takuro Yoshida’s heartwarming spring classic
72	Love VacationThe Peanuts		Summer seaside romance, memories of youth
73	school daysPeggy Hayama		A timeless song that sings of youthful memories, resonating in the heart.
74	On the Day of DepartureLyrics by Noboru Kojima / Music by Hiromi Sakamoto		Graduation songs evoke the arrival of spring.
75	Northern SpringMasao Sen		A masterpiece that gently conveys northern landscapes and feelings for one’s hometown with a warm, tender vocal.
76	Temptation of the Spring BreezeKyoko Koizumi		A 1983 hit by Kyoko Koizumi, elegantly portraying a young girl's faint love as she awaits the arrival of spring.
77	Parting at 22wind		The Wind’s debut song, cherished as a timeless anthem of youth
78	Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto		“Look Up at the Night Stars” is by Kyu Sakamoto...
79	Lingering Snowdolphin		Spring farewell song, a masterpiece by Iruka
80	SaraiYuzo Kayama		A heartwarming classic that captures feelings for one’s hometown
81	spring hazeHiromi Iwasaki		Summary (20 characters): A 1979 classic depicting cherry blossoms and a bittersweet love, sung with Hiromi Iwasaki’s translucent voice.
82	Come, spring.Yumi Matsutoya		A celebrated song of spring, a masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya
83	Mischief of the spring breezeMomoe Yamaguchi		Summary (20 characters): Theme song of Momoe Yamaguchi’s 1974 classic “The Izu Dancer.” A gentle piece expressing the stirrings of spring love.
84	GraduationChiharu Matsuyama		Chiharu Matsuyama’s spring melody, the singing voice of youth
85	A Letter Waiting for SpringTakuro Yoshida		Heartfelt exchanges through letters and songs of memories
86	Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta		A bittersweet song about long-distance love, nostalgic memories
87	Words of FarewellKaientai		“Okuru Kotoba” is a song of springtime farewells and bonds.
88	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi		An anthem from Momoe to brighten life’s milestones
89	Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama		Ichirō Fujiyama’s “Blue Mountains” carries both hope and a touch of melancholy…
90	A rose has bloomed.Mike Maki		Released by Mike Maki in 1966...