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Uplifting songs recommended for a man in his 90s—positive tunes to boost his spirits

In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of uplifting songs recommended for men in their 90s.

Focusing on Showa-era enka and popular songs that defined the time, we’ve selected many great recommendations.

Some songs have lyrics that will bring back memories of student days and youth, while others rekindle dreams and passions from younger years.

As you listen, you’ll likely feel energy welling up in your heart once again.

If you’re reading this article, please be sure to recommend the songs introduced here to the men in their 90s in your life.

Uplifting songs for men in their 90s to listen to. Recommended positive songs (21–30)

Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa

Ah, Ueno Station — Hachiro Izawa
Ah, Ueno Station — Hachiro Izawa

That nostalgic melody echoing from the station that serves as Tokyo’s gateway.

It’s a classic enka song imbued with the feelings of those who left their hometowns to seek new horizons during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth.

Hachirō Izawa’s powerful yet gentle voice warmly envelops the anxieties and hopes of the youth of that era, as well as their love for their families.

Since its release in May 1964, this work has continued to resonate with many and is still cherished today as the departure melody at Ueno Station.

A gem of a song that tenderly gives voice to the complex emotions everyone feels when taking a new step in life.

It’s a track to enjoy while reminiscing and talking with someone dear to you.

CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi – Kanpai [With Lyrics]
Cheers, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi

This is a renowned song that has continued to resonate with many as an anthem celebrating life’s new beginnings.

Originally released in September 1980 on the album “Kampai,” it vividly depicts a celebratory scene lit by candlelight and carries a warm message of encouragement for a friend taking their first step forward.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s powerful vocals deliver hope and courage for the future.

In 1988, it was re-recorded and released as a single, becoming a major hit that reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

In the early 1990s, it was also featured in commercials for Kirin Lager Beer, further boosting its recognition.

To this day, it remains a timeless song passed down through the years, often chosen to convey heartfelt feelings to loved ones at important milestones in life, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

What a nice bath.The Drifters

This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.

The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.

The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.

Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.

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.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsKyu Sakamoto

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)
If You're Happy and You Know It by Kyu Sakamoto

Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.

It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.

Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).

Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.

A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.

It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.

Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?

Tokyo Boogie-WoogieShizuko Kasagi

Shizuko Kasagi – Tokyo Boogie-Woogie [Music Video]
Tokyo Boogie-Woogie Kasagi Shizuko

This classic song by Shizuko Kasagi, a major influence on the Showa-era music scene, stands as a landmark of Japanese pop that brought brightness and vitality to postwar Japan.

Set to the buoyant rhythm of boogie-woogie, it paints a heart-thumping world filled with the joy and hope of youth.

Released by Nippon Columbia in January 1948, it became a record-breaking hit, selling 270,000 copies in its first year.

Its inclusion in the film Drunken Angel helped it win affection across a wide audience.

Etched in people’s hearts alongside memories of the Showa period, this work has the power to evoke nostalgic recollections.

It’s likely to be a treasured song to hum together with older listeners, sharing the happy memories of those days.

Don't give upZARD

"Don't Give Up" Music Video
Don't Give Up, ZARD

This hit song by ZARD, emblematic of the 1990s, is an uplifting anthem marked by Izumi Sakai’s gentle vocals and positive message.

Its lyrics, which convey compassion and courage, and its up-tempo yet warmly embracing melody resonate deeply.

Released in January 1993, it was chosen the following year as the entrance march for the Spring High School Baseball Tournament, and it has been broadcast annually on Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” This track is a go-to favorite for livening up karaoke with friends.

Its universally known melody and Sakai’s clear voice evoke moving feelings that transcend generations.