Good songs recommended for people in their 50s: classic and popular J-pop tracks.

Goodbye DayKisugi Takao

Goodbye Day

Takao Kisugi is one of the composers who defined the 1980s.

He wrote numerous classic songs such as “Silhouette Romance” and “Slow Motion,” and for a time he was also active as a singer-songwriter.

Among Kisugi’s many works, the one I especially recommend is “Goodbye Day.” It’s a piece where his signature ‘Kisugi style’ is in full bloom, but on top of that, it has a smooth finish and a very singable vocal line with a narrow range.

There are plenty of long tones, but the melodic contours are very gentle, so a man in his 50s should be able to sing it without any trouble.

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Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Song of Life (Official Music Video)

A gem of a ballad woven by Mariya Takeuchi’s delicate and graceful voice.

With beautiful melodies and gentle piano phrases, it engraves in the heart the preciousness of life and the miracle of human encounters.

The melody that brings to mind bonds with loved ones and the warm, embracing vocals gently heal the listener’s heart.

Originally released in 2009 under the name Mana Kana as an insert song for the NHK morning drama series “Dandan,” it was later released in 2012 as a self-cover by Mariya Takeuchi.

It has also been cherished as the theme song for the NHK docudrama “Kaitakusha-tachi” (The Pioneers).

Loved as a piece that accompanies life’s important moments—such as weddings and graduations—it is a heartwarming song that makes you want to feel grateful for each irreplaceable day before you.

Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi

Happy ending

Eiichi Ohtaki was a music producer who gained popularity for his unique style that mixed American pop with Showa-era kayōkyoku.

He was one of the artists who laid the foundation for city pop, a Japanese music genre renowned worldwide, and he also left behind several masterpieces as a singer-songwriter.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is Shiawase na Ketsumatsu (A Happy Ending).

While the track features a soaring vocal style reminiscent of Tatsuro Yamashita, its vocal range is quite narrow and the melodic contours are gentle, making it easy to sing well regardless of your voice type.

However, because it contains many long sustained notes, you should be careful with your breathing—despite not requiring a powerful volume.

Be sure to steady your breath before each entrance and sing with that awareness.

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stationTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Station [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]

A song by Mariya Takeuchi that tells a poignant story of unexpectedly reuniting with a former lover at a station at dusk.

The pain and nostalgia of a past romance seep into the heart, carried by her clear, translucent voice.

Originally written in 1986 as the theme song for the film “Goodbye Mama” and provided to Akina Nakamori, it was self-covered by Mariya Takeuchi the following year.

Rearranged by her husband Tatsuro Yamashita, the piece blossomed into an elegant sound centered on piano and strings.

Its universal narrative, themed around the breakup and reunion that many experience in love, gently stirs the listener’s memories.

It is a gem of a song best enjoyed in the quiet mood of twilight, as you reflect on cherished memories with someone dear.

I am a piano.Takada Mizue

I am the Piano — Mizue Takada.flv

This song was included on Southern All Stars’ album “Tiny Bubbles,” released in March 1980.

It was covered by Mizue Takada in July of the same year and went on to receive various awards, including the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards.

Love SongGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Love Song

A crystal-clear melody flows through the lounge.

This is a message song GReeeeN delivered in May 2007.

Its warm tones gently embrace feelings for someone dear, and its lyrics, conveying straightforward affection, quietly stir the heart.

The track was selected as the ending theme for NTV’s “Uta Sta!!” and Fuji TV’s “Ken Shimura no Daijoubuda II,” and it also drew attention as the song for Hoyu’s “Beauteen” commercial.

It peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and achieved CD sales of 300,000 copies.

A rich, resonant piece that accompanies moments spent with someone special in a calm space wrapped in soft light.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.

Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.

Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.