Recommended Cheer-Up Songs for People in Their 70s: A Collection of Uplifting Tunes

GraduationChiharu Matsuyama

Graduation / Chiharu Matsuyama

With a gentle singing voice that warmly watches over new beginnings in life, this spring melody has echoed across Hokkaido.

Chiharu Matsuyama’s beautiful ballad lets us look back on our youthful days while filling us with hope for the future.

The soulful guitar tones and clear, expansive vocals are sure to bring back many memories.

Released in 1979, this work was created as the theme song for STV’s program “Graduation of Kushiro High School.” It was also included on the album “Seishun” (Youth) and has continued to be cherished as a folk classic.

Why not spend a heartwarming time with older adults, sharing nostalgic stories as you listen together?

On the Day of DepartureLyrics by Noboru Kojima / Music by Hiromi Sakamoto

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest

There is a song that many older adults are fond of, often associated with the arrival of spring and graduation.

Born at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture, it was originally created as a gift for graduating students, but it has since become a standard song sung at schools nationwide.

Featuring hopeful lyrics and a bright melody, it carries courage and determination for a new beginning.

It also garnered attention when it was used in a commercial featuring SMAP.

It’s a lovely song that lets you look back on nostalgic memories while feeling hope for the future.

Why not listen to it together with older adults as an opportunity to reflect on life’s milestones?

I'm going to Tokyo.Ikuzo Yoshi

Yoshi Ikuzo “I’m Goin’ to Tokyo” [From the video cinema “I’m Goin’ to Tokyo ~Pure Heart Edition~”]

Ikuzō Yoshi’s signature song “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda” (“I’m Goin’ to Tokyo”).

It tells the story of a young man who decides to leave a small rural village with nothing and head for the Tokyo he’s always dreamed of.

When it was released in 1984, its self-deprecating lyrics drew mixed reactions, but today it’s become a long-loved classic, even ranking in the top 10 of JASRAC’s copyright royalty distribution list.

What’s embedded in this song is more than simple yearning to move to the big city: it depicts the disparity between countryside and metropolis, the gap between ideals and reality, and the earnest determination of the protagonist as he meets it all with a smile.

It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to when you’re at a crossroads in life—a power anthem that will give you a gentle push forward.

Let's say farewell to tearsKensaku Morita

Kensaku Morita, “Let’s Say Goodbye to Tears,” 1973

A classic song filled with the bittersweetness of youth and a forward-looking spirit.

Released in March 1971, it drew attention as the theme song for the TV drama “Ore wa Otoko da!” Kensaku Morita’s refreshing vocals and Yū Aku’s deeply resonant lyrics are a perfect match, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to overcome the worries and setbacks of youth and step toward the future.

This work has long been cherished as one of Kensaku Morita’s signature songs.

It is likely beloved by older listeners as well, remembered as a song that encouraged them at various moments in life.

It’s a wonderful track that, along with a sense of nostalgia, awakens the youthful spirit sleeping in your heart.

Hello from countries around the worldHaruo Minami

Haruo Minami, 'Hello from the Countries of the World'

Haruo Minami was born in 1923 in Niigata Prefecture and, after a postwar career as a rokyoku narrative singer, moved into the enka world as a vocalist.

With traditional Japanese attire as his trademark, he delivered songs that resonated with the hearts of the Japanese people through his beautiful voice.

His signature song is “Sekai no Kuni kara Konnichiwa” (“Hello from the Countries of the World”).

Created as the theme song for Expo ’70 in Osaka, it carries a message of friendship and welcome to people around the globe.

It invites listeners to deepen their understanding of foreign lands and cultures and to feel the power of connecting with the world through heartfelt smiles.

It is especially recommended for older adults to enjoy in various settings.

CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Cheers

This song is filled with support and congratulations for those reaching life’s milestones.

At moments of new beginnings, it offers wishes for happiness and the courage to live.

Included on the album “Kampai,” released in September 1980, it is often sung at important life events such as weddings and graduations.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s powerful vocals and the message about the importance of believing in love and moving forward resonate deeply.

When you face difficulties, why not listen to this song to lift your spirits? Along with memories of your youth, it will surely give you the courage to walk positively through life.

Song of DepartureTsunehiko Kamijo & Rokumonsen

Song of Departure

“Departure Song” is a piece born from the collaboration between Tsunehiko Kamijō and the folk group Rokumonsen.

Its hopeful lyrics—urging you to “fly beyond the galaxy”—leave a strong impression and give you the courage to take a step toward a new beginning.

Upon its release in 1971, it became a major hit, and by 1974 it had even been included in high school music textbooks, attesting to its influence.

Despite being produced under a tight deadline, it went on to win the Grand Prix at the World Popular Song Festival, making the behind-the-scenes story as fascinating as the song itself.