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

A hill with a view of the harborAiko Hirano

Hill with a View of the Harbor / Aiko Hirano

A postwar masterpiece that gently sings of a beautiful port town.

With its wistful melody and emotionally rich lyrics, Aiko Hirano superbly conveys the stirrings of love and the ache of parting.

On a hill overlooking the harbor, as cherry blossoms fall, the delicate feelings of someone thinking of a departing lover are vividly depicted, giving the song a universal appeal that anyone can relate to.

Since its release in April 1947, it became Victor’s first hit of the postwar era, selling a total of 450,000 copies.

Many artists, including Naomi Chiaki, Mina Aoe, and Hibari Misora, have covered it.

It’s a perfect song for the season when spring is in the air, offering a heartwarming moment filled with nostalgia.

It is a wonderful piece for seniors to share a calm, reminiscence-filled time together.

Parting at 22wind

Parting at 22 / Kaze (with lyrics)

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.

Goodbye once moreKiyohiko Ozaki

Sayonarawo Mouichido

A ballad distinguished by its rich vocal power and expressive nuance, this is a song by Kiyohiko Ozaki released in July 1971.

It’s not just a typical heartbreak tune; it tells of choosing to part ways out of love, set to a beautiful melody that sings of hope for the future.

Its deeply affecting vocals resonate with listeners, and the emotive melody portrays mature love within a calm atmosphere.

Released following the massive hit of the previous single “Mata Au Hi Made,” it reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts and sold a total of 444,000 copies.

In 1999, it was sung on screen by Naoto Takenaka in the film “Nodojiman,” and it has continued to be loved across generations.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with cherished companions, drawing on the depth of your life experiences.

I've come a long way, when I think about it.Kaientai

Thinking about it, I've come a long way / Kaientai (with lyrics)

A masterwork by Kaientai that gently portrays life’s milestones—from an autumn scene where cosmos flowers sway, to memories by the Chikugo River, and on to life today.

Its nostalgic melody and heartwarming lyrics resonate deeply with those living away from their hometowns.

Released as a single in September 1978, the song was composed by Yasuyo Yamaki and delivered in Tetsuya Takeda’s gentle voice.

It was chosen as the theme song for a film released the same year and later used in a 1981 television drama starring Ikko Furuya.

This is a piece to be enjoyed while basking in memories, letting time flow unhurriedly.

Becoming a Thousand WindsMasafumi Akikawa

Masafumi Akikawa “A Thousand Winds” Music Video

As a masterpiece of beautiful Japanese ballads, Masafumi Akikawa’s singing voice has left a deep impression on many hearts.

With the powerful, soaring tone characteristic of a tenor, this gem of a song gently conveys the preciousness of life and feelings for loved ones.

Released in May 2006, it became an extraordinary hit for a classical singer, creating a major buzz that included Akikawa serving as the closing performer for the White Team at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

In 2007, it was also selected as the theme song for a Fuji TV documentary drama.

Singing about the feelings one has for someone dear, this work continues to be cherished across generations as a song that resonates in many moments of life.

The morning I had forgottenJunko Yamamoto

Wasurete Ita Asa

The folk group Akai Tori’s July 1971 single is like a mental landscape that gently reflects the youth of those days.

Junko Yamamoto’s clear, translucent voice and the beautiful harmonies soothe the listener’s heart.

Included on the album Akai Tori II, the song features a calm arrangement that evokes the fresh air of morning.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to pause amid busy days to reflect on yourself, or when you feel like immersing yourself in precious memories.

A Letter Waiting for SpringTakuro Yoshida

Takuro Yoshida / A Letter Waiting for Spring (’79, 17th single), I'm Fine (’80, 20th single)

This is a gem of a melody by Takuro Yoshida, warmly depicting a heartfelt exchange through letters that gently convey the feelings and memories of a man and a woman.

The image of two people far apart, drawing close to each other through their letters, carries a nostalgic sentiment that many have felt.

Accompanied by a calm guitar tone, the feelings of a couple trying to connect while awaiting the arrival of spring leave a lingering resonance.

Released in October 1979, it reached No.

52 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was also included on the album “ONLY YOU 〜since coming For Life〜,” and has long been loved by many.

It’s a perfect song for those moments when you want to relax and enjoy music while looking back on memories with someone special.