[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 (31–40)
First loveKozo Murashita
This is one of Kozo Murashita’s signature songs, known for its wistful melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Released in February 1983, it became a major hit, ranking sixth on the Oricon year-end chart.
Included on the album “Hatsukoi ~ Asaki Yume Mishi,” it also drew attention with a cover by Hiroko Mita.
Filled with nostalgic memories of school days and the poignant feelings of first love, this piece is a karaoke staple that always gets people going.
It’s the perfect song when you want to reflect on memories with someone special or reminisce about your youth.
In Murashita’s hometown of Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, there is a shopping street called “Hatsukoi-dori” (First Love Street), where a monument to this song has been erected.
Go for it!Ulfuls
This is a fantastic track that gives you confidence and energy.
Its disco-style rhythm, catchy guitar lines, and positive message are compelling, giving you the courage to try without fearing failure.
Released by Ulfuls in December 1995, the song’s exposure on TV and in the media at the time rapidly boosted the band’s popularity.
Included on the album “Banzai,” it led to their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1996, and that same year they also won the Golden Arrow Music Award.
It’s the perfect song for when you need courage to keep facing challenges or want to fire yourself up.
It’s also great for getting hyped together with friends and uniting your hearts as one!
Storm of LoveMomoe Yamaguchi
This is a single released by Momoe Yamaguchi in June 1979, and it sings about female jealousy.
It was used as a Toyota commercial song in which Yamaguchi herself appeared.
It reached No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It was later covered by Junko Mihara.
The Day the Seagulls FlewMachiko Watanabe
This is one of Machiko Watanabe’s signature songs, released in April 1978.
It was a hit that reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts and earned her the Best New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Incidentally, this song is used as the approaching train melody at Horinouchi Station.
Pink sighMariko Takahashi
It is a masterpiece that fuses an exotic, Mediterranean-like atmosphere with an urban, sophisticated sound.
The song dreamily portrays a woman who blossoms like a flower when embraced by her lover, expressing both the beauty and the fragility of love.
Mariko Takahashi’s delicate yet powerful vocals further deepen the work’s unique world.
Released in May 1984 as the commercial song for Sanki’s “Camellia Diamond,” it was also included on the album Triad.
Highly acclaimed—including winning the Lyrics Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards—it became a long-running hit.
With a quiet mood that hints at hidden passion, this is a perfect track for spending peaceful moments with someone special.
[2025] Party-Perfect Songs for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (41–50)
Plastic LoveMariya Takeuchi
The songs by Mariya Takeuchi included on the 1984 album VARIETY have captivated many listeners with their smooth, sophisticated sound and lyrics that portray the complex emotions between lovers.
Takeuchi herself wrote and composed the songs, while the arrangements were handled by Tatsuro Yamashita.
The fusion of their talents created a milestone in the Japanese pop music scene.
Even many years after its release, the work has been rediscovered by younger generations through platforms like YouTube, sparking the city pop boom.
Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Yoko Oginome
This is Yoko Oginome’s seventh single, released in 1985.
At the time, she was a talented singing-and-dancing idol known for her short haircut and toned, curvy physique, scoring hit after hit with disco and Eurobeat-style tracks.
In 2017, the dance club of Tomioka High School performed it as a “bubble-era” dance, leading to a major revival hit.