[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)
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[2025] Party-Perfect Songs for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (41–50)
Wine Red HeartSafe zone
He is now active as Koji Tamaki.
Anzen Chitai was the name of his band when he debuted.
“Wine Red no Kokoro” became a big hit.
It’s difficult to sing at karaoke, so I think many people practiced it at home.
It’s a karaoke number I’d like men in their 40s and 50s to sing.
[2025] Uplifting Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (51–60)
CHA-CHA-CHAAkemi Ishii
Akemi Ishii, a singer who was scouted while working part-time as a club vocalist, made her debut soon after.
Her first single, “CHA-CHA-CHA,” known as a cover of a Finzi-Contini song, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Danjo 7-nin Natsu Monogatari” (Seven Men and Women: Summer Story).
Its atmosphere evokes the nightlife vibe, making it perfect for karaoke.
For those in their 50s—the generation who lived through that era—it’s a pop tune you’ll want to keep in your repertoire, one that lets you sink into the memories of the time.
Don't give up on your dreamsTakako Okamura
It opens with a poignant farewell scene, and you can almost picture the protagonist walking up a slope that stretches into the dry sky.
Takako Okamura’s gentle voice delivers a message that resonates in the heart.
Released in 1987, this song was also used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s information program “Time 3.” It has garnered broad support, even taking the top spot in a popularity poll during Asahi Broadcasting’s high school baseball coverage.
Though the lyrics were born from a broken heart, the song has long stood by many as a universal anthem of encouragement.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at life’s turning points—when stepping into a new environment or seeing off someone dear.
Friday ChinatownYasuha
This song, set in a Chinatown and brimming with exotic charm, sings of its allure.
Released in September 1981 as Yasuha’s debut, it’s notable for its uniquely coined title.
From the perspective of a woman visiting Chinatown as a tourist, it depicts the joy of melting into the neon-lit night streets and foreign atmosphere, vividly conjuring scenes in the listener’s mind.
Included on the album “TRANSIT,” it was also reissued on vinyl in June 2022.
Rediscovered amid the city pop boom, it has drawn attention from fans both in Japan and abroad.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel a touch of exoticism along with a sense of nostalgia.
Season in the SunTUBE
As a refreshing classic that evokes the end of summer, it continues to resonate with many people.
Known as one of TUBE’s signature songs, it was released in June 1986 and was also used in a Kirin Beer commercial.
It features an urban vibe that conjures images of the Shonan coast and a distinctive sound shaped by maj7 chord progressions.
The lyrics, expressing the bittersweetness of summer romance, poignantly capture a fleeting moment of youth and convey a desire to stop time and let a beautiful instant last forever.
Hanni from NewJeans delivered a stunning cover on a Japanese TV program, bringing renewed attention to this masterpiece not only among its original generation of fans but also younger audiences.
Make a kiss with your eyes!The Venus
It’s a single released by The Venus in July 1981.
You’ll recognize it right away when you listen—the original piece is Beethoven’s piano composition “Für Elise.” In the same year, it was used as a campaign song for Kanebo.
Night of 15Yutaka Ozaki
In the 1980s, Yutaka Ozaki—revered as a guru who captured the hearts of young people—released “15 no Yoru” (“15 Night”).
Though he is no longer with us, this smash hit number expresses the feelings of youth with striking directness.
Those in their 40s and 50s probably sang it passionately at karaoke when they were young.
It’s a wonderful song that I hope will continue to be passed down forever.