[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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[2025] Uplifting Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (181–190)
Kiyoshi's Zundoko SongKiyoshi Hikawa
If you’re looking for a song to get everyone hyped together, “Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi” is a great pick.
It’s a track released in 2002 by enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa.
Although it’s relatively recent, it was a huge hit, so most people have probably heard it.
The song’s biggest draw is the chorus, where everyone can join in with call-and-response and clapping.
I’d love for you to try it together with a group.
It also sounds fun to listen to it alongside other versions of Zundoko-bushi.
Goodbye, Humanitytama
This was the debut single by the Japanese band Tama, released on May 5, 1990.
Tama burst onto the scene as the 14th champion of the hit show Ikasu Band Tengoku (nicknamed Ikaten), which sparked the band boom of the time.
I clearly remember how their distinctive musical style and look stood out even among the bands of that era.
Many people in their 50s might share similar experiences and memories.
When it comes to singing this song, whether you’re a good singer or not doesn’t matter! Let’s all sing it together and get fired up while reminiscing about our younger days!
Suddenly, SinbadSouthern All Stars
This song is the debut single by Southern All Stars, who have now become a truly legendary band, and it was released in 1978.
The title and the lyrics are largely unrelated; it’s said to quote the phrase “Katte ni Shinbad” from a Ken Shimura comedy bit that mashed up Kenji Sawada’s then-popular song ‘Katte ni Shiyagare’ and Pink Lady’s ‘Nagisa no Sindbad.
’ It’s a real crowd-pleaser, so singing it at karaoke will never bring the mood down.
Highly recommended.
The rattlesnake is comingTunnels
With its cheerful, upbeat sound, this opening theme for the Fuji TV variety show “Tunnels’ Thanks to Everyone” captured the hearts of viewers.
Released by Tunnels in January 1992, the song brilliantly fuses Yasushi Akimoto’s clever wordplay with Tsugutoshi Goto’s lively melody.
At first glance it seems like a simple, fun story, but its lyrics are appealingly dual-layered, allowing for deeper, more adult interpretations.
Reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts for the first time and selling 1.
409 million copies, the song has been loved across borders, with covers in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
It’s the perfect track to liven up parties and gatherings, delivering a joyful moment that gets your body moving.
I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki
A masterpiece that vividly portrays the feelings of youth is included on the 1983 album “Seventeen’s Map.” Accompanied by a beautiful piano melody, it sings of the poignant love between two who are far too young, moving the hearts of many.
It is said that Yutaka Ozaki completed the song in just a day or two, a testament to his remarkable talent.
In March 1991, it was re-released as a single and reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It also gained wide support as it was featured in a JR Tokai commercial.
This is a song you’ll want to listen to when reminiscing about someone dear or when you wish to feel pure love.
Carmen ’77Pink Lady
A 1977 hit song known for its choreography that dynamically shows off long, slender arms and legs, and its powerful sound.
The concept is that a pure-hearted girl is pretending to be “Carmen,” stretching just a bit beyond her years as she falls into a passionate, fiery love—when you listen now, it feels adorable, doesn’t it? She’s fallen for a slightly older man, and to make him notice her, she’s putting on the act of being a slightly sexy woman.
So please sing it with a playful touch, leaning into those prim and proper little “desu!” and “masu!”-like emphases that only a girl like her would make.
SWEET MEMORIESSeiko Matsuda
It’s her biggest hit among her slow ballads, released in 1985.
As a quintessential idol, she put her mature-woman persona front and center with this song, which surprised Seiko fans.
The commercial set in a jazz bar with an animated penguin singing the song also became a hot topic at the time because the singer’s name wasn’t shown on screen, leaving people wondering who was singing it.
The English lyrics in the second verse, delivered in her sweet voice, were also part of its charm.