[2025] Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 50s: A collection of nostalgic classics

Love Story Comes SuddenlyKazumasa Oda

Kazumasa Oda - Love Story Suddenly

Singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda, who rose to popularity with his high-toned voice tinged with transience and his playful character, continues to be highly active today.

“Love Story wa Totsuzen ni,” written as the theme song for the quintessential trendy drama Tokyo Love Story, was originally included as the B-side to his sixth single, “Oh! Yeah!” Its airy, urban arrangement still feels timeless even now.

It’s a pop tune whose massive success makes perfect sense—the opening guitar alone brings back iconic scenes from the drama.

There's always tomorrowKyu Sakamoto

Kyu Sakamoto – There’s Always Tomorrow

Here is Kyu Sakamoto’s smash-hit single released in 1963.

For many people in their 50s, the name Kyu Sakamoto also brings to mind the JAL plane crash.

Later, in 2000—a time of economic downturn—the song was used in a canned coffee commercial for its message of dreaming about a brighter future, covered by popular Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians, and became a revival hit.

Just listening to this song seems to give you a sense of humor and a positive outlook, doesn’t it?

Unstoppable ha~haEikichi Yazawa

Eikichi Yazawa - Tomaranai ha~ha

Eikichi Yazawa, affectionately known as Eikichi “Ei-chan,” is still going strong as a full-fledged rock star in the 2020s.

His concerts are famous for the electric atmosphere—like the iconic “Ei-chan call”—and equally famous is the “towel throw.” Even people who aren’t particularly into Yazawa’s music have at least heard about fans tossing towels, right? The song that gave birth to this “towel throw” tradition is Stoppenai Ha~Ha (Can’t Stop Ha~Ha), released in 1986.

Its tight beat, hard-driving guitars, and instantly memorable hooks make it easy to imagine the live crowd going wild just by listening.

Naturally, it’s a surefire hit at karaoke gatherings for people in their 50s, so try recreating the Yazawa world by everyone twirling towels—within reason so you don’t bother those around you!

Sentimental JourneyIyo Matsumoto

Sentimental Journey

The debut song by Iyo Matsumoto is a classic that gives voice to the feelings of a 16-year-old girl.

It truly represents the so-called “Flower Class of ’82.” Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s sweet, heartrending melody blends beautifully with Reiko Yukawa’s deeply insightful lyrics, together capturing listeners’ hearts and never letting go.

Released in October 1981, the song won numerous newcomer music awards.

It has since been covered by various artists and remains beloved to this day.

For those in their 50s, it’s a track that revives memories of their youth—and if you sing it at karaoke, it’s sure to bring the whole room together!

Time, stop.Eikichi Yazawa

Time, stop.

Eikichi Yazawa, who has continued to lead Japan’s rock scene.

One of the songs he created as a tie-in with Shiseido is “Toki yo Tomare” (Stop, Time).

In the song, he uses the titular phrase to sing of a man’s love, wishing that a moment of happiness could last forever.

The sound—muscular yet somehow gentle—made a huge impact on music fans of the time who weren’t familiar with rock.

It’s also fun to compare it with the self-cover version he released later.

It's nothing good.Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi

It's nothing good.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, whose songs about burning manly passion are supported by men of his generation.

His track “Rokuna Mon Ja Nee,” released in 1987, became a major hit as the theme song for the drama Oyako Zigzag, in which Nagabuchi himself starred.

It’s a well-known song that many people have heard, not only those who remember the era but also thanks to its huge success.

It creates a rugged, cool vibe yet also gets everyone fired up as a karaoke song—by the chorus it turns into a big sing-along.

It’s a number I highly recommend to anyone who’s been feeling stressed out lately.

Minna no UtaSouthern All Stars

Southern All Stars – Everyone’s Song [Live at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL, 2018]

Here is a moving classic by Southern All Stars, released in 1988 to mark the 10th anniversary of their debut.

Although the band had been on hiatus since 1985, this song became a memorable track that essentially marked their comeback.

Starting with this song, producer and arranger Takeshi Kobayashi joined as a supporting member for Southern All Stars.

It also drew attention when Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.

Children covered it.

It’s a track that you can’t help but get excited about.