For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.
If you’re in your 90s today, you’re probably very familiar with the music that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s.
The songs we heard as children or during our school years tend to stay with us forever, don’t they?
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of popular songs from the youthful days of those in their 90s—tracks that feel nostalgic and familiar.
If you have someone in their 90s in your life—whether a family member or someone you know through a senior care facility—please consider sharing the songs we’re about to introduce with them.
They’ll surely be delighted as the music brings back fond memories of their younger days.
- Lively songs recommended for people in their 90s—fun songs for everyone to listen to and sing together.
- Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- Recommended cheer songs for people in their 90s: a collection of timeless tracks that support life
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for women in their 90s: A roundup of tracks to try at karaoke
- [For Seniors] Recommended spring songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Shōwa-era spring tunes
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- For People in Their 90s: Dance Tracks and Exercise Songs That Make Moving Your Body Fun!
- Recommended autumn songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era autumn tunes
- Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku
- A collection of moving, tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 90s—heartfelt tunes that resonate with the soul.
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 90s: A roundup of tracks to sing at karaoke
- [For people in their 90s] Recommended Christmas songs: from nostalgic school songs and hymns to timeless classics
- An encouraging song we want people in their 80s to hear. A cheer song from the Showa era.
[For Seniors] Recommended Youthful Songs for People in Their 90s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics (21–30)
Tokyo CachitoFrank Nagai
It’s a classic of mood kayō that has continued to be loved as a Showa-era masterpiece.
Set against the backdrop of nights in Akasaka, the song portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban sensibility.
Frank Nagai’s alluring low voice richly conveys the feelings of a man troubled by love.
Released in October 1960, the single featured “Arcade Blues” on the B-side.
As a leading presence in the mood kayō boom of the time, it was cherished by many.
It’s a song I’d recommend as a fun karaoke pick to sing with friends, along with fond memories.
Let's get married.Takuro Yoshida
This work is memorable for its translucent, beautiful melody and sweet, poignant vocals.
Released in 1972, the song marked a major turning point in the history of folk music.
Centered on acoustic guitar, its warm sound creates an atmosphere that gently envelops feelings of love.
While poetically depicting springtime scenes, Takuro Yoshida expresses sincerity and pure affection.
Simple yet profound in its message, this classic reached a peak of No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Its heartwarming, gentle tone and tender vocal timbre enrich everyday moments.
It’s a song to savor slowly on a blossoming spring day, reminiscing with those of the same generation as memories come into full bloom.
[For Seniors] Recommended Youthful Songs for People in Their 90s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics (31–40)
Ringo OiwakeHibari Misora
The Showa-era classic “Ringo Oiwake” brings back memories of our youthful days.
Hibari Misora’s dignified voice vividly evokes the spirit of Tsugaru—its land and its people—stirring feelings for a distant hometown and a late mother.
Released in May 1952 as the B-side to the single “Ringo-en no Shōjo” (The Apple Orchard Girl), this song has been covered by artists in Japan and abroad and has long been cherished.
Why not listen to this timeless, unfading masterpiece together with someone in their nineties and fondly look back on those days? It’s sure to bring back special memories.
Lingering Snowdolphin
Sung by Iruka, this piece has been handed down as a classic of spring and resonates deeply with listeners.
Depicting a scene of parting in early spring, it beautifully portrays lingering attachments and the loneliness of growing up.
Written and composed by Shozo Ise and given a rich, full arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was released on the album “Iruka no Sekai” in March 1975 and later as a single in November of the same year, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a perfect song to spark conversations with older adults, offering a wonderful time to share nostalgic memories and vivid, heartfelt scenes together.
Parting at 22wind
The debut song by the folk duo Kaze is a heartwarming classic, as gentle as the spring sunshine.
The lyrics vividly portray the pure love and parting of youth, while the tender acoustic guitar melody weaves a beautiful harmony.
Since its release in 1975, it has been covered by many artists and even adapted into a film by director Nobuhiko Obayashi in 2007, remaining beloved across generations.
In NHK’s “SukiUta — Kouhaku Everyone’s Survey,” it ranked 71st for the White Team.
It’s a perfect song for savoring slowly when you want to bask in nostalgic memories, and it could also spark lively conversations among older listeners about their experiences from back in the day.
Lill Returning from ShanghaiKen Tsumura
Ken Tsumura’s “Lili Returning from Shanghai” can truly be called a masterpiece among Showa-era classics, depicting the story of a woman who continues to wait for her beloved despite a dark fate.
Upon its release in 1951, it became a record-breaking hit, and the following year it was adapted into a film of the same name.
In Nyuzen, Toyama Prefecture, a monument was erected in honor of Tsumura, and the song is even used as the station arrival melody.
Why not hum it together with older folks, reminiscing about the good old days of youth?
TouchHiromi Iwasaki
An anime theme song that captures the bittersweetness of youth was released in March 1985.
It’s a wonderful track featuring Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals and a melody that resonates deeply.
The lyrics convey the feelings of a girl in love with her childhood friend, leaving a lasting impression with its sweet, heartrending portrayal of adolescence.
The song drew major attention as the opening theme for the anime Touch and reached No.
12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It has also become widely used as a cheer song for high school baseball, a staple performed in the stands.
With a melody everyone can hum along to, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke with friends.