[Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
A collection of Showa-era songs that are now loved across generations.
Hearing those retro sounds brings back memories of youth—many of you might feel the same.
This time, we’re introducing some wonderful classics that are especially recommended for people in their 70s.
From hit songs familiar to many to tracks with lyrics that truly move you, every piece resonates with the heart—you may find yourself humming along before you know it.
Why not spend a relaxing moment accompanied by nostalgic music?
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Recommended for those in their 70s: Songs that really hit the heart. Beloved classic Japanese tunes (111–120)
City LightsMasaaki Sakai
“Machi no Akari” (City Lights) is a medium-tempo ballad released by Masakazu Sakai in 1973.
Akuyu’s delicate lyrics and Keisuke Hama’s melody blend beautifully, making it a classic that resonates with listeners.
The lyrics are striking for the way they evoke loneliness while hinting at new encounters and the budding of love.
Sakai’s clear, expansive vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
It’s a track from the period when, after his time with The Spiders, he was beginning to flourish as a solo artist—one that helped color the music scene of the time.
The song brings back fond memories and reminds us of the importance of human connection.
It’s also a great pick for karaoke.
Recommended for Those in Their 70s: Deeply Moving Good Songs. Beloved Classics of Japan (121–130)
Dream-Chasing SakeJiro Atsumi
Jiro Atsumi’s “Yumeoi-zake” is a bittersweet ballad that gently stains the heart with the pain of lost love.
Released in 1978 as his third single, it became a classic, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon chart the following year.
The lyrics—asking, “Why, why did you abandon me?”—resonate deeply, vividly evoking scenes of a barroom.
Atsumi’s commanding vocals beautifully convey the ache of heartbreak, while also imparting a sense of strength to keep moving forward despite sorrow.
It’s a perfect song to listen to when you want to remember someone dear or reflect on life.
Keiko's Dream Opens at NightKeiko Fuji
Keiko Fuji’s “Keiko no Yume wa Yoru Hiraku” is a deeply moving classic.
Sung in her distinctive husky voice, the lyrics portray a woman who continues to chase her dreams.
After its 1970 release, it became a huge hit, spending 10 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The song was also used as a theme for a Toei film and is beloved by many.
In Fuji’s vocals, you can feel a strength that holds on to hope despite the hardships and sorrows of life.
It’s a song that brings a warm sense of comfort along with nostalgic memories.
Why not listen to it during a calm, unhurried moment?
sunset cloudsMasao Sen
Masao Sen’s “Yuyakegumo” is a moving classic that portrays a deep longing for one’s hometown.
Many listeners have likely resonated with the lyrics, where a determination not to return intertwines with bittersweet feelings.
Nostalgic scenes come to mind—an apricot tree, water in the moat.
Sen’s rich, husky voice beautifully conveys the emotion of reminiscing about a distant home.
It’s no wonder the song has been cherished by many since its 1976 release.
A track that’s sure to make you think of someone.
It’s perfect for spending a calm moment while reflecting on memories with a special person.
Brother ShipsIchiro Toba
Ichiro Toba’s “Kyodai-bune” (Brotherly Boat) is a masterpiece that powerfully sings of the bond among men of the sea.
Although it was his 1982 debut single, it continues to resonate with many people today.
Composed by Toru Funamura with lyrics by Tetsuro Hoshino, the song features moving words that depict the lives of fisherman brothers.
The line “In the troughs of the waves, blooms the flower of life” reflects the strength of the brothers as they face the harsh sea.
Beloved across generations, it was performed seven times on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a wonderful song that evokes nostalgia and a sense of connection with family and comrades.
Sing it at karaoke, and it will surely set your heart ablaze.
It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five
An inspiring ballad that paints the scene of Showa-era rain, Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five’s “Nagasaki wa Kyou mo Ame Datta” (“It Was Raining Again in Nagasaki Today”).
Since its release in 1969, this melody has lingered in many hearts and has been loved across generations.
Its simple yet gripping lyrics seem to wash away the pain of heartbreak along with the teardrop rain.
The rhythm is soothing, wrapping listeners in warmth.
Kiyoshi Maekawa’s gentle vocals feel both nostalgic and fresh—perhaps a secret to its broad appeal across ages.
It quietly stays close to the heart and heals.
Truly a classic perfect for a rainy day.
Yokohama TwilightHiroshi Itsuki
A Showa-era classic known as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.
Set against the twilight of Yokohama, its moving lyrics poignantly sing of a heart-wrenching breakup.
Released in March 1971, it drew a major response, including winning the Vocal Performance Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards.
The port town’s atmosphere and melancholic scenery deepen the sense of heartbreak in this work.
Why not sing it while reminiscing about the past and sharing memories with someone dear?