[Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.

Longing for RainAki Yashiro

Aki Yashiro / Love in the Rain

This masterpiece, hailed as a monument of Showa-era enka, was released as a single in April 1980, born from the golden duo of lyricist Yu Aku and composer Keisuke Hama.

The lyrics poignantly capture the heartache of a woman after a breakup, seamlessly blending with a bright, rhythmic melody in exquisite balance.

Aki Yashiro’s sultry voice and distinctive phrasing are captivating, giving the song a familiar charm that anyone can hum along to.

The work won the 22nd Japan Record Award and was also featured in commercials for Vidal Sassoon and BOSS.

With its gentle, soothing atmosphere and memorable choreography, it’s a song that can be enjoyed while moving together with seniors.

It’s perfect for group recreation or karaoke, where everyone can sing and have fun together.

Song of the Four SeasonsLyrics and music by: Toyohisa Araki

Song of the Four Seasons | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Those who love spring are people with pure hearts

A celebrated song that beautifully portrays Japan’s four seasons, it was created by Toyohisa Araki during a hospital stay as an expression of gratitude to the nurses.

With gentle imagery, it reflects the feelings of those who love each season—pure of heart, strong of heart, deep of heart, and broad of heart—overlaying them with friends, parents, and lovers through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

First recorded in 1972, it became a major hit with Yoko Seri’s version after it was featured on Nippon Broadcasting in June 1976.

Its warm vocals and melody are sure to resonate with listeners.

Singing it together with older adults can create a wonderful time to share memories of the changing seasons and of cherished people.

It’s perfect for enjoying in the mild cheer of spring, with a calm and peaceful feeling.

The Izu DancerHibari Misora

The Izu Dancer

This is the song Hibari Misora sang as the theme for the 1954 film based on a novel by Yasunari Kawabata.

In the movie, Misora herself plays the lead role, and the wistful melody blends beautifully with her emotionally rich vocals to create a gem of a track.

Upon the film’s release, the song quickly became a major talking point, and Misora’s powerful yet delicate singing captivated many hearts.

As a classic that represents the Showa era, it’s sure to stir nostalgic memories of youth.

Why not reminisce about those days with friends who lived through the same era, listening together to Misora’s voice? You’re sure to enjoy a delightful time.

When I turn around, the Sea of JapanHiroshi Itsuki

If I Turn Around, the Sea of Japan – Hiroshi Itsuki

A gem of a song that portrays a person who, despite inner confusion and loneliness, still strives to face forward, set against the desolate winter scenery of the Sea of Japan.

Released in March 2005, this work features lyrics by Hiroshi Itsuki and novelist Hiroyuki Itsuki, from whom the singer’s stage name is derived.

Hiroshi Itsuki’s emotionally rich vocals harmonize beautifully with sentiments of longing for one’s hometown and the resolve not to forget past love, earning the song 14th place on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was also performed at the 56th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and the album “Hiroyuki Itsuki & Hiroshi Itsuki Song Collection ~If You Look Back, the Sea of Japan~” was released.

It is a song that offers comfort to those living away from their hometowns, inviting listeners to reflect on the places of their memories.

Cape TourKotaro Yamamoto and the Weekend

Cape Tour / Kotaro Yamamoto & The Weekend (with lyrics)

Gently enveloping the ache of heartbreak, this song features Kotaro Yamamoto’s soft vocals that sink deeply into the heart.

Released in June 1974 as his debut single, it became a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon singles chart.

Loved by many, it was even adopted as the station melody on the Keikyu Kurihama Line.

The scenes woven from the loneliness of traveling alone, the courage to look ahead, and thoughts of a cherished person soothe the soul alongside the calm melody.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to rest your heart and linger in warm nostalgia.

Journey of the HeartTulip

TULIP “Kokoro no Tabi” (Lyric Video)

The classic song that colored the Showa era, “Kokoro no Tabi.” In 1973, it became a huge hit for Tulip, sung in a sweet voice by guitarist Tatsuya Himeno.

It topped the Oricon charts and sold about 870,000 copies.

Its fresh, innovative structure—starting directly with the chorus—made it a staple at live shows, where audience call-and-response would ring out.

It has been widely covered and often heard in commercials as well.

An enduring masterpiece that brings back nostalgic days and makes you want to hum along even today.

Be sure to experience the charm of “Kokoro no Tabi.”

A solitary journey to MichinokuJoji Yamamoto

Joji Yamamoto “Michinoku Solo Journey” Music Video (full ver.)

Joji Yamamoto’s “Michinoku Hitoritabi” is a classic enka song released in 1980.

With medium tempo and lyrics about parting from a loved one that truly resonate, it vividly conveys deep affection and the turmoil of farewell through Yamamoto’s powerful vocals, striking a chord with many listeners.

It was a million-selling hit and has been loved across generations, even appearing in NTT East Japan commercials.

It’s a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for a leisurely moment—give it a listen, and it’s sure to warm your heart.