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Uplifting songs recommended for women in their 90s: energizing power songs that boost vitality

For people in their 90s, many likely enjoy early Showa-era songs, as well as popular tunes and enka.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of uplifting songs—drawn from beloved hits that represent the Showa period—that we recommend for women in their 90s.

We’ve gathered tracks with encouraging messages and lyrics that can be a source of comfort, along with bright, cheerful songs that lift the spirits.

If you’re reading this, we hope you’ll recommend the following picks to someone in their 90s.

We’d be delighted if this article helps bring a bit of encouragement to everyone.

Uplifting songs recommended for women in their 90s: energizing power songs (11–20)

Kiyoshi's Zundoko SongKiyoshi Hikawa

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]
Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi Hikawa Kiyoshi

Hikawa Kiyoshi’s “Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi” is a moving song that rides a rhythmic groove to sing about an unyielding will in the face of hardship and love for one’s mother.

Released in February 2002, it has become a bon-odori staple and a karaoke favorite.

This song gives you the courage to keep looking forward, and it’s sure to resonate with those who, tossed by life’s rough seas, still want to believe in a bright future.

Let Hikawa’s powerful vocals give you a push on the back—let’s face today with energy!

school daysPeggy Hayama

Peggy Hayama - Student Days (with lyrics)
Peggy Hayama in her student days

Some people may be wondering, “Is Peggy Hayama half-Japanese?” but she was fully Japanese.

Peggy Hayama is a stage name, inspired by a friend she met through a crossed telephone line who said, “Your voice feels like ‘Peggy.

’” It’s funny how inspiration can come from anywhere.

Her hit song “Gakusei Jidai” (“Student Days”) was originally titled “Daigaku Jidai” (“College Days”), but the title was reportedly changed after Peggy said, “I didn’t attend college.” It’s a song filled with nostalgia and many fond memories of youth.

Flowers will bloom.

Flowers Will Bloom – Flowers Will Bloom Project (with Japanese lyrics)
Flowers will bloom.

This song was planned and produced as the theme song for NHK’s Great East Japan Earthquake Project, with lyrics by film director Shunji Iwai from Sendai.

For those who experienced the disaster, it may bring back difficult memories, and it also served as a source of support during the recovery.

There is also a video from the “Flowers Will Bloom Project,” featuring singers, entertainers, and athletes connected to Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate Prefectures.

With its easy-to-understand melody and singable chorus, it’s fun for everyone to sing together.

It’s also recommended as a choral piece for events.

Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Capo

Like a Wildflower – Da Capo #LikeAWildflower #DaCapo #TheNakedGeneral’sWanderingTales
Like a wildflower — Da Capo

A timeless song with a simple, gentle warmth brings a refreshing breath of spring that makes you want to hum along.

In words anyone can understand, it conveys the importance of living naturally, like flowers blooming in the fields.

Da Capo released this heart-touching piece in July 1983.

Beloved as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Naked General’s Travelogue,” its lyrics inspired many by giving courage to face life’s challenges.

Since 1992, the song has also been included in elementary school music textbooks, and it continues to be sung across generations.

Please enjoy this piece—one that evokes fond memories and the calm arrival of spring—together with older adults.

SaraiYuzo Kayama

Yuzo Kayama - Sarai (with lyrics)
Sarai Kayama Yūzō

This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.

It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.

The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.

It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.

Choo-choo trainLyrics by Kaoru Tomihara / Music by Shin Kusakawa

This is a memorable piece crafted by Kaoru Tomihara and Shin Kusakawa that brings back nostalgic memories.

Its charm lies in the lively melody that evokes the passing scenery outside the window and the rhythmic sounds of a train in motion.

Released in 1937, the song has been cherished by many and was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” As a masterpiece representing children’s songs around the world, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Masako Kawada.

How about livening up a music recreation session by sharing stories about trains? It could be a wonderful time to share the nostalgic views from train windows in your memories, especially together with older adults.

Uplifting songs recommended for women in their 90s: Energizing power songs (21–30)

The two are young.Dick Mine

The famous call-and-response of “You.” “What is it?” from the song Futari wa Wakai was released in 1935 as the theme song for the film The Peeked-at Bride and became a major hit as a duet by Dick Mine, a former jazz singer, and Reiko Hoshi, a former Takarazuka Revue dancer.

Beyond being a vocalist, Dick Mine was known as a multitalented figure—guitarist, actor, lyric adapter, and arranger—who also looked after his juniors, including Frank Nagai and James Miki, and is said to have nurtured talents who later became prominent actors, such as Hitoshi Ueki and Makoto Fujita.

As a pioneer of contemporary Japanese entertainment, he can be said to have had a profound influence on later generations.