Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
Among the popular kayōkyoku and hit songs of the Showa era, there are many masterpieces that portray pure, straightforward feelings of love.
In this article, from among those beloved tunes, I’ll introduce recommended songs mainly from the 1950s to the 1960s—pieces that are likely most familiar to people in their 90s.
I’m sure you’ll find songs that, when you listen, will bring back memories from those days.
If you’re reading this, please share the songs introduced here with someone in their 90s close to you, and try listening together to the ones they know!
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Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of iconic Showa-era romance songs (1–10)
Let's meet in Yurakucho.Frank Nagai
Frank Nagai’s “Let’s Meet in Yurakucho” is a classic brimming with the atmosphere of the Showa era.
Its lyrics, depicting a rendezvous in Yurakucho, convey the bittersweet stirrings of love born amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Released in 1957, the song captured many hearts by vividly portraying the romantic lives of young people at the time.
When you hear this piece, sung in Frank Nagai’s enchanting low voice, it may bring back nostalgic memories.
It’s a song to enjoy at a leisurely pace while recalling the places you shared with someone special.
Tokyo NightclubFrank Nagai, Kazuko Matsuo
Released in 1959, “Tokyo Night Club” by Frank Nagai and Kazuko Matsuo is a classic that pioneered duet songs in Japan.
Its appeal lies in the call-and-response style of a man and woman singing in turn, passionately depicting their feelings against the backdrop of nighttime Tokyo, creating a piece that resonates with many listeners.
It was also Kazuko Matsuo’s debut song and became a major hit, greatly influencing later duet songs.
With its mood-rich melody and sophisticated lyrics, it evokes adult romance and the atmosphere of the city at night, making it a recommended track for older listeners who feel nostalgic for the nightlife of that era.
A Love Story in GinzaYujiro Ishihara · Junko Makimura
The duet song “Ginza no Koi no Monogatari” by Yujiro Ishihara and Junko Makimura was released in 1961.
Its lyrics, set in Ginza, poignantly depict the tender love of a young couple and leave a strong impression.
You can really feel the subtle shifts in the lovers’ emotions.
It’s also known as the theme song for the film of the same name, and it became a massive hit, selling 3.
35 million copies.
Yujiro Ishihara was hugely successful as an actor, but he was also a formidable singer who performed over 500 songs.
Why not listen to it with someone special and enjoy a touch of nostalgia?
Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of iconic Shōwa-era romance songs (11–20)
Song of the Black LilyShigeko Orei
Shigeko Orii’s “Kuroyuri no Uta” (Song of the Black Lily) is a classic that expresses the joys and sorrows of love, based on Ainu tradition.
Its profound lyrics, which use the black lily as a symbol, and Orii’s powerful vocals resonate deeply.
Released in December 1954, the song was created by a stellar team: lyrics by Kazuo Kikuta and music by Yuji Koseki.
As a representative enka song of the Showa era, it has continued to be cherished by many.
Why not listen to it with someone special, along with fond memories? You’re sure to share a heartwarming moment.
Coffee RumbaSachiko Nishida
Sachiko Nishida’s “Coffee Rumba” is an appealing song with a bright, lively rhythm.
Its lyrics celebrate the aroma and color of coffee and the joy of drinking it, brimming with hope about forgetting an old romance and finding a new one.
Released in 1961, it became a huge hit and has been covered by many artists.
It’s perfect for a morning coffee break, and just listening to it will lift your spirits.
Along with a sense of nostalgia, it’s a wonderful song that older listeners can also enjoy.
Forever with youYuzo Kayama
Yuzo Kayama’s “Kimi to Itsumademo” is a song released in 1965 that became a massive hit, selling over three million copies.
Its lyrics, which sing of eternal love and happiness, along with Kayama’s warm, heartfelt vocals, have resonated with many people.
It was also used as the theme song for the film “The Young Chief of the Electric Guitar,” which further boosted its popularity.
This heartwarming track evokes memories of the pure feelings of first love in one’s youth.
It might be nice to listen to it together with older adults and reminisce about those days.
Only youTeruhiko Saigō
Teruhiko Saigō’s debut song “Kimi Dake o” is a kayōkyoku released in 1964 that depicts the tender feelings of youthful love.
Its pure devotion to a beloved person resonates in the heart alongside his gentle vocals.
Selling over 600,000 copies, it became a masterpiece that catapulted Saigō to stardom.
With romantic lyrics and a pleasant melody, it surely captivated the youth of the time.
It’s recommended when you want to feel nostalgic or to listen to with someone special—it will surely warm your heart.