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 Shōwa-era romance songs (21–30)
The two are young.Dick Mine
This work gently depicts the radiant romance of the early Showa era.
Through call-and-response exchanges between a man and a woman that echo like a mountain yodel, it conveys the fresh feelings of young lovers.
It subtly portrays the couple’s relationship and the delicate nuances of their emotions, conjuring a refreshing scene and making for a superb song.
Released in 1935, it features a captivating, well-synchronized duet by Dick Mine and Reiko Hoshi.
Sing it together at karaoke, and nostalgic memories will naturally come flooding back.
With its soft atmosphere that brings calm, this heartwarming melody evokes blue skies and a gentle breeze, making it a lovely tune that can put a smile on anyone’s face.
Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa
Set against Amagi Pass on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, this masterpiece of enka portrays the passionate emotions of a woman consumed by a forbidden love.
The beautiful natural scenery of Izu is artfully interwoven with her deep attachment to the one she loves, and Sayuri Ishikawa’s emotionally rich singing resonates deeply.
Released in July 1986, the song initially struggled in sales, but it has continued to be cherished by many, including being performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
In 2008, MLB player Ichiro also chose it as his walk-up music, drawing widespread attention.
Steeped in nostalgia and brimming with expressive lyrics, it’s a song that invites listeners into its world and can be enjoyed together with older adults.
Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Takashi Hosokawa
This classic enka song, inspired by the traditional Japanese musical art of rōkyoku, vividly portrays the subtleties of life with deep emotion.
Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful vocals beautifully express life’s joys and sorrows.
Released in 1977, the piece captivated many, earning appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and winning multiple awards, including the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
With its universal themes that resonate with each listener’s life experiences, it’s perfect for recreational activities in care facilities or for enjoying music with family.
We hope everyone can form a circle, sing together, clap along, and share a joyful moment.
Mail boat to the small islandKoichi Aoki
A song by Koichi Aoki that paints nostalgic scenes such as the lighthouse cape and the shade of orange trees.
Through the image of a mail boat carrying letters, it gently portrays the emotional distance between two people separated by the sea.
Marked by a calm, melodious tune and a soft, emotionally rich vocal performance, this work was released in March 1955.
It was later included in the album “Koichi Aoki Complete Collection.” Frequently featured on radio and music programs, it has long been beloved by many.
Filled with feelings for a cherished person, this song is sure to resonate as a piece of treasured memories.
Why not hum along with older listeners and let the conversation blossom with reminiscences of youthful days?
Journey of the HeartTulip
This is a classic song that richly captures the bittersweet feelings before setting off on a journey.
It beautifully expresses both the excitement and loneliness of the last night spent with a loved one before starting a new life.
Listening to it vividly brings back memories from those days.
Released by Tulip in April 1973, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ninjō Ippon Kokoro no Tabi,” as well as in commercials for the Toyota Carina and JR West.
Evoking the romance of nostalgic train travel, the song’s friendly, sing-along melody is part of its charm.
How about humming it together with seniors while clapping along?
A Sign of Spring ~I’ve been mellow~Saori Minami
This song is striking for its clear, translucent vocals filled with warmth.
It delicately portrays the subtle emotions of adult romance, conjuring up a scene of two people slowly talking while sipping wine.
Its gentle, calm melody tenderly envelops the listener’s heart.
Released in January 1978, the song was chosen for Shiseido’s spring campaign and became beloved by many.
It was also used in a DDI (now KDDI) commercial in the 1990s and included on the soundtrack of the 2006 film “The Rainbow Song,” making it a favorite across generations.
With a singable melody you can perform while seated and a slow, soothing tempo, it’s enjoyable even for older listeners.
Soothed by Saori Minami’s gentle voice, you can spend a moment reminiscing about days gone by.
Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta
Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.
It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.
The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.
Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.
How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.