[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.
- [2025] Japanese Karaoke Songs That Men in Their 50s Get Excited About
- Recommended for women in their 50s! A curated selection of classic and popular karaoke hits that will get the crowd going
- [50s] Karaoke Songs That Get the Crowd Going: 2025 Rankings
- [60s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]
- [2025 Edition] Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s to Sing at Karaoke
- [For men in their 40s] That nostalgic song you can enjoy at karaoke!
- 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]
- [For Women in Their 40s] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
- [2025] Recommended Japanese songs for karaoke for men in their 50s
- [2025] Songs You Can Add Chants to at Karaoke: A Roundup of Crowd-Pleasers
[2025] Upbeat Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (21–30)
Sailor Suit and Machine GunHiroko Yakushimaru
Speaking of Hiroko Yakushimaru, she’s now an actress who often plays motherly roles.
“Sailor Suit and Machine Gun” is the theme song of the film of the same title in which she starred for the first time.
It brings back memories, doesn’t it? There are probably very few people in their 40s and 50s who don’t know it.
With its soaring high notes and gentle delivery, it’s a number I’d love to hear women sing at karaoke.
It’s also great for class reunions.
Listening to OliviaAnri
Released in 1978, this was Anri’s debut single.
Ami Ozaki wrote both the lyrics and the music.
Although it didn’t become a major hit as a single, its romantic melody, evocative lyrics, and easy-to-sing tune have kept it beloved as a karaoke staple.
By the way, “Olivia” refers to the singer Olivia Newton-John.
[2025] Uplifting Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (31–40)
You’re My Only Shinin’ StarMiho Nakayama
A signature song that represents Miho Nakayama’s career, this track was released in February 1988.
Crafted by Toshiki Kadomatsu, the song showcases the delicate expressiveness unique to a singer-songwriter.
The lyrics, which liken eternal love to the stars, are romantic and memorable.
It also drew attention as an insert song for the TBS drama “Mama wa Idol.” It reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts and won the Gold Prize at the 30th Japan Record Awards that year.
As a smash hit emblematic of the 1980s, it continues to be loved by many.
It’s the perfect song for livening up a karaoke session or singing with feelings for someone special.
RunnerBakufū Slump
The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.
Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.
Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.
This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.
Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.
Full of memoriesH₂O
A gem-like ballad filled with memories of youth.
Its melody gently embraces bittersweet first love and the journey of growing up, resonating deep in the heart.
Released in March 1983, it was also used as the ending theme for the anime “Miyuki.” After being featured on TBS’s “The Best Ten,” it became a major hit, reaching No.
7 on the Oricon chart.
This song marked a turning point for H2O and greatly influenced their subsequent musical career.
Beloved as a graduation song, it’s a popular choice for music classes and choir competitions.
It’s especially recommended for times when you want to look back on nostalgic memories or before parting with someone important.
wicked womanMiyuki Nakajima
One of Japan’s most iconic singer-songwriters, Miyuki Nakajima, released a song that became a massive hit: “Akujo” (“Bad Woman”).
This track portrays a complex romantic situation in which a woman realizes her boyfriend has someone on the side, and she deliberately plays the role of a “bad woman” to push him away.
Her self-sacrificial actions are sure to tug at your heartstrings.
Be sure to pay attention to the twist at the end as you listen.
While it’s fundamentally a bittersweet song, it’s so widely known that it’s bound to spark lively conversation.
TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS
A rock tune that stays close to each listener and keeps delivering a powerful message.
With its straightforward spirit and energetic performance, this is a signature work by THE BLUE HEARTS that truly breaks through.
Hidden within are hints for finding your own way of life—guidance for the road of life.
After its release in November 1988, it ranked for five consecutive weeks on a TBS music program, and starting in January 1989 it was also chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “High School Graffiti.” This track has become a staple at sporting events as well, used as a cheer song in high school baseball and as walk-up music by many professional baseball players.
It’s recommended for times when you’re feeling down, ready to take a new step forward, or standing at a crossroads in life.
It’s a song that’s sure to give you courage and hope.