[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
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- [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
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[2025] Uplifting Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (51–60)
MarionetteBOØWY
If the level of digital tech and the rise of social media in the 2020s had been transplanted directly into BOØWY’s peak era, I truly believe—without a shred of doubt—that BOØWY would have been world-class artists.
Anyone in a band admired BOØWY, and everyone—from slightly wild older guys to studious girls with glasses—loved them.
BOØWY is the one band you just can’t describe as “like so-and-so.” They had plenty of hits like “Wagamama Juliet” and “ONLY YOU,” but above all, “Marionette” is a monumental pillar of Japanese rock.
The lyrics with that “Live the way you want” vibe really moved me.
Just the intro of Tomoyasu Hotei’s guitar was enough to send a live crowd into a frenzy! I could spend an entire night talking about BOØWY while listening to this song!
I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro
This song poignantly portrays a woman’s bittersweet feelings as she changes herself for love.
Her determination and inner conflict to be reborn for her lover are depicted in contrast to the upbeat melody.
Maki Ohguro’s powerful vocals vividly express the protagonist’s pain and wavering emotions.
Released in December 1993, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.
Within about three months of its release, it became a million seller and has been included on multiple albums, such as “Toward the Eternal Dream” and “BACK BEATs #1.” It’s a song I especially recommend to those who can relate to the struggle between staying true to oneself and being in love.
Its heartrending melody and down-to-earth lyrics gently embrace the complex emotions of romance.
crimsonX JAPAN
It’s one of X JAPAN’s signature songs, known for its hard sound and dramatic staging.
Included on the band’s major-label debut album BLUE BLOOD, it was later released as a re-cut single.
Marked by intense energy and passionate performance, YOSHIKI’s piano and HIDE’s guitar solo are particularly striking.
The lyrics, expressing love, death, and the deep sorrow of parting, resonate with many people.
It’s an essential number at their live shows, uniting the entire venue in excitement.
For those who spent their youth in the late ’80s to early ’90s, it’s a memorable song that evokes nostalgia.
Message of RougeYumi Matsutoya
Yuming—aka Yumi Matsutoya—her song “Message in Rouge.” Every time I listen, I get excited and happy.
It’s such a cute track with a rock ’n’ roll rhythm and vocals.
If you sing it at karaoke while dancing, you might just feel like Yuming herself.
It’s a nostalgic number I recommend for women in their 50s.
[2025] Uplifting Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (61–70)
Lingering Snowdolphin
It’s a classic that represents 1970s folk songs.
Although it’s a cover of a song originally performed by the folk group Kaguyahime, her version became a huge hit and is still sung today.
The plain and simple lyrics are highly relatable, and above all, her voice and singing style fit the song perfectly.
There are many songs that depict the drama of leaving a small rural station to head for Tokyo, but among them, Nagori Yuki is especially vivid—you can close your eyes while listening and the scenes unfold right before you.
Do whatever the hell you want.Kenji Sawada
This was Kenji Sawada’s 19th single, released on May 21, 1979.
Sawada has many hit songs, but in terms of name recognition, this one might be the most famous.
The move where he throws his hat far away while singing the chorus was also very striking.
Some of you might even remember tossing your school cap to imitate “Julie” and getting scolded by teachers or parents! Of course, the song itself is also extremely well-crafted, so it’s still a lot of fun to listen to today.
Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa
Speaking of Sayuri Ishikawa, she is one of Japan’s leading enka singers.
Her smash hit “Amagi-goe” is a song that can be enjoyed by people from their forties to seniors.
I’m sure many used to sing it passionately at karaoke.
It feels great when you nail that final high note.
It’s also a recommended number for family karaoke.