[2025] Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 50s: A collection of nostalgic classics
When we think of people in their 50s today, many likely spent their formative years during Japan’s musical golden era: late-1970s to 1980s TV shows like “The Best Ten,” the late-80s band boom, and the early-90s J-POP and trendy drama boom.
In this article, we’ll introduce high-energy songs that 50-somethings can enjoy and feel nostalgic about.
In the midst of busy, demanding daily life, music can bring back memories you’d almost forgotten.
We hope this article can be that spark for you!
It can also serve as a helpful guide for younger generations when choosing songs for karaoke with people in their 50s.
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- Famous songs we’d like women in their 50s to sing (by age group)
- [2025] A roundup of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back those days
- Time-travel back to your memories just by listening! Spring songs recommended for people in their 50s
- [For Men in Their 40s] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
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[2025] Uplifting Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (91–100)
Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta
Here’s a song released by Hiromi Ohta in 1975.
The lyrics written by Takashi Matsumoto alternate between a man who has gone to the city and a woman who remained in the countryside.
That structure was very rare and memorable.
The “Cotton Handkerchief” may symbolically represent a woman living innocently in a rural area.
The song has remained very popular among artists since then, with many cover versions available, so it might be fun to compare different recordings.
Swaying feelingsZARD
ZARD was a music unit that ended its activities following the sudden passing of vocalist Izumi Sakai.
Their 8th single, “Yureru Omoi,” used in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercial, became a million-seller and is widely known as one of ZARD’s signature songs.
The gentle vocals and clear, transparent ensemble offer a soothing experience just by listening.
It’s a refreshing pop tune that we especially hope people in their 50s—the generation that grew up with it—will sing at karaoke.
God of RomanceKohmi Hirose
Kohmi Hirose is a singer-songwriter who has garnered attention on YouTube for her high level of musical sophistication and eccentric personality.
Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” used as the commercial song for the ski goods retailer Alpen, became a massive hit that led to her nickname “Queen of Winter.” The lyrics’ storyline reflects the era in which it was released and will likely feel nostalgic to those of that generation.
It’s also a great pick for karaoke, but since it’s quite a high-pitched song, be sure to sing it in a key that suits your voice.
GoodbyeOf course
It’s a song that represents the 1970s.
Many people were comforted and moved to tears by Kazumasa Oda’s beautifully resonant voice.
The bittersweetness of the lyrics is a hallmark of the song, and I imagine many men related to it as well.
With winter and snow as its themes, it tightened listeners’ chests even more.
For those in their 50s for whom this song was their youth, it’s surely unforgettable.
A timeless classic that continues to be sung.
Blue Coral ReefSeiko Matsuda
This is one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs, evoking a refreshing tropical breeze and the blue ocean.
Released in July 1980 as her second single, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It was also used in a commercial for Glico’s “Yorell” ice cream, leaving a lasting impression on many people.
With a dreamy yet familiar melody, Matsuda’s soaring vocals beautifully depict a romance in the tropics.
It’s the perfect song for those who feel nostalgic about summer memories and their youth.
It was recently in the spotlight again when NewJeans’ Hanni covered it in 2024, and it’s sure to be a hit across generations at karaoke!
I'm glad I met you.Kyoko Koizumi
As a prominent member of the celebrated “Hana no ’82-nen Gumi,” Kyoko Koizumi made a dazzling debut, and this is a passionate song in which she took on lyric-writing for the first time.
Released by Victor Musical Industries in May 1991, the track topped the Oricon charts and became a massive hit, achieving million-seller status.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Papa to Natchan,” starring Koizumi herself, and its lyrics—linked to the drama’s worldview—captured the hearts of many.
Delicately portraying encounters and farewells with a loved one, as well as the preciousness of the time shared, the song’s words are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.
For people in their 50s, it’s a nostalgic, heartwarming tune that brings back memories of their youth.
Why not sing it at karaoke to express your gratitude to someone special?
Your eyes are 10,000 voltsTakao Horiuchi
Released in 1978 as the autumn campaign song for a cosmetics company, this track was the first solo release by Takao Horiuchi of the band Alice.
It was decided on short notice as a solo piece because Shinji Tanimura was having throat problems and Alice couldn’t release a song at the time, but it has since become one of Horiuchi’s signature numbers.
The chorus is easy to harmonize with, so it’s guaranteed to liven up any karaoke session.
Even those born after this song came out can make a good impression by adding harmonies to their boss’s singing.