Lively songs recommended for people in their 90s—fun songs for everyone to listen to and sing together.
When you want to enjoy music with people in their 90s around you—such as family members or residents at a care facility—it can be hard to decide which songs to choose.
You might think, “Songs from the Showa era could work,” but it’s still difficult to imagine exactly which songs people in their 90s would like.
So in this article, I’ll introduce plenty of songs recommended for people in their 90s!
This time, we’re focusing on lively, crowd-pleasing tunes—songs that are widely known among people in their 90s and that make listeners feel happy and uplifted.
They’re perfect not only for listening together, but also for singing along as a group.
I hope you find this helpful!
Songs that will get people in their 90s excited: fun songs for everyone to listen to and sing together (1–10)
Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama
Blue Mountain Range is a classic Showa-era song that beautifully captures the brilliance and nostalgia of youth.
Since its release in 1949, it has been covered by many singers and proudly took first place in NHK’s “200 Unforgettable Songs of the Showa Era.” Its lyrics, which intertwine the grandeur of nature with life’s journey, resonate deeply with listeners.
Loved by people of all ages, this song is perfect for singing together in unison.
Why not take your time and sing it while reminiscing about days gone by? It’s sure to fill you with warmth.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi
This is a classic song imbued with a striking message about embarking on a new life on a fresh, pleasant morning.
Expressed through Momoe Yamaguchi’s clear, transparent vocals, the piece was released as a single in November 1978 and is also known as a campaign song promoting travel by Japan National Railways.
Conveying the courage to face forward and the resolve to take a new step, the song can help share cherished moments through memorable performances with older adults.
Moreover, as it portrays the warmth of family bonds and the gentle journey of life, it is a song that everyone can enjoy singing together in nursing homes and day-service centers.
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.
Smiling BackCandies
This is a song with a nostalgic, dramatic atmosphere that warmly wraps around your heart.
Released in February 1978, the final single by Candies sparked a huge response, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
With its bright, upbeat melody and lyrics that resonate deeply, the song is perfect for humming along to and for sharing fond memories.
We hope it helps everyone spend a delightful time together, accompanied by feelings of nostalgia.
Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida
It’s a classic that captures the beautiful scenery of Yokohama’s port town.
Ayumi Ishida’s clear, expansive vocals blend perfectly with the melancholic melody, creating a warm, heart-touching piece.
It eloquently portrays the exotic atmosphere unique to a port city and the quiet moments shared with a lover, making it a nostalgic listen for older audiences as well.
Released in December 1968, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and won the Composer’s Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards.
It was performed three times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and since 2008 it has also been used as the approach melody at Keikyū Line’s Yokohama Station.
It’s perfect for peaceful moments or for enjoying together while reminiscing about fond memories.
The Apple SongMichiko Namiki
The song begins with a quiet scene of gazing at a red apple and sings of the delicate feelings of a young girl entrusted to that apple.
It was recorded right after the war in 1945 by Michiko Namiki and Noboru Kirishima, and released in January 1946.
With lyrics by Hachiro Sato and music by Tadashi Manjome, it became a hit that symbolized postwar Japan.
Michiko Namiki’s bright, uplifting voice expresses the joy and hope of being freed from the pressures of wartime.
It’s surely a memorable tune for those in their nineties.
It’s also recommended to sing it together and enjoy reminiscing about those days!
YosakuSaburō Kitajima
This song celebrates the quiet life of a mountain village and the kindness of its people.
Its powerful melody and heartwarming story, which express Japan’s traditional values and an honest way of living, have moved many listeners.
Saburo Kitajima’s warmly human vocals leave an even deeper impression of that world.
Released in March 1978, the song has remained beloved across generations.
It’s a perfect piece for everyone to hum together during music time at care facilities or to liven up seasonal events.