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

As time goes byKenji Sawada

As Time Goes By — Kenji Sawada

This is the theme song from the 1975 drama “Akuma no Yōna Aitsu,” starring Kenji Sawada.

Those who watched the series at the time may find it nostalgic.

The song portrays a deep sense of life’s melancholy and the quiet act of surrendering to the flow of time together with a loved one.

When you want to push forward but your heart can’t keep up, its melody doesn’t force encouragement; instead, it gently stays by your side—a tune that truly resonates.

Listening to this piece while reflecting on the days you’ve walked through would be wonderful.

The Sweet LifeGoro Noguchi

Goro Noguchi – Sweet Life

Goro Noguchi’s “Amai Seikatsu” (Sweet Life) is a hit released in 1974 that portrays the emotions of a cohabiting couple whose relationship falls apart.

Delicately expressing both the bittersweetness of youth and the harshness of reality, this song resonates across generations.

In particular, for those in their seventies, it may be a piece that brings back memories of youthful romance.

Please take some time to listen to it quietly on your own.

Across this wide fieldRyoko Moriyama

Across this wide field

This song, which marked Ryoko Moriyama’s debut, is a moving classic that sings of the beauty of vast, unspoiled nature.

It expresses pure, selfless love through a desire to offer a field full of flowers, a night sky full of stars, and a sea full of boats to someone dear.

Released in January 1967, the piece resonated with many people and was even included in music textbooks.

In 2000, it was featured as the ending theme of the game “Boku no Natsuyasumi,” and it continues to be cherished across generations.

It’s a song that delivers an even deeper emotional impact when you listen while thinking of someone special.

I'm falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Falling in Love with You Again (with lyrics)

Fuyumi Sakamoto delivers a richly emotive performance of this classic song portraying the rediscovery of love for one’s partner.

The irreplaceable moments of everyday life—like the breath you feel in your palm as they sleep, or the morning light—soak gently into the heart along with the tender melody.

You can feel the warmth of a love that deepens as two people overcome failures and hurts together.

Released in January 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku” (Pirates of Asia), the song drew major attention after being featured in a commercial for Sanwa Shurui’s iichiko shochu.

It reflects on the bonds with someone precious, felt anew amid the calm flow of time.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with your spouse or family as you reminisce together.

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng

Let yourself go with the flow of time

Teresa Teng, a treasure of Taiwan, sang “Toki no Nagare ni Mi wo Makase,” a smash hit from 1986.

Takashi Miki’s composition and Toyohisa Araki’s lyrics meld with Teng’s soul-stirring voice, leaving a deep imprint on many people’s memories.

It’s as if the lyrics speak directly of profound feelings for a loved one.

Listening to the song evokes the past while conveying a universal message that fits any era.

Above all, it’s a masterpiece cherished by countless artists around the world.

Even today, it reminds us—through music—of the joy of being alive.

The Bride of SetoRumiko Koyanagi

The Bride of Seto

Seto no Hanayome, suffused with warmth and wistfulness like a harbinger of spring, is a work that richly preserves the spirit of the Showa era.

Delivered by Rumiko Koyanagi in 1972, this song gently yet powerfully gives voice to the feelings of a bride setting off to join her beloved.

The episodes that color a page of that time will add fresh hues to listeners’ memories.

Truly one of the Showa era’s unfading masterpieces.

As you listen, you can bask in the gentle spring sunlight, quietly look back on the past, and savor the present.

lover; mistress; extramarital partnerTeresa Teng

Aijin

Teresa Teng has many songs with adult themes, and among them the classic “Lover” is especially known for its mature, bittersweet character.

As one of her signature works, it’s still frequently sung at karaoke today.

While the song features a richly expressive vocal line, its range is surprisingly narrow, staying mostly in the mid or mid-high register.

The development of the melody is also typical of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), making it a very singable piece, especially for those of a certain age.