[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?

Playlist

[Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	That wonderful love once moreKazuhiko Kato, Osamu Kitayama		A song about lost love and the longing for reunion
2	Fallen leaves in the snowAkira Fuse		A song written and composed by Akira Fuse in 1976. It expresses introspective emotions through seasonal imagery. Reached No. 1 as a commercial jingle.
3	Azusa No. 2hunter		A heartwarming train song filled with longing for one’s hometown
4	Sleep on my chestPrincess Kaguya		Kaguya-hime’s classic, a voice that nestles close to the heart
5	Forget-me-not to youYoichi Sugawara		Bittersweet feelings of farewell imbued in a blue flower
6	A deserted seaToi et Moi		A classic song that sings of the autumn sea and the feelings of heartbreak
7	Love MemoryShigeru Matsuzaki		Shigeru Matsuzaki’s “Cape Tour,” a masterpiece that resonates with the heart
8	If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsKyu Sakamoto		A timeless song that touches the heart with peace and friendship
9	As long as the sun is in the skyAkira Nishikino		A timeless youth anthem: Nishikino’s heart-stirring song
10	I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic delivers a positive, uplifting message.
11	Private railway line areaGoro Noguchi		A classic song that sings of the bittersweetness of love, expressing Goro Noguchi’s emotions.
12	There’s always tomorrowKyu Sakamoto		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic gives people energy and courage.
13	Into the DreamYosui Inoue		Yosui Inoue’s classic: a soothing escape from everyday life
14	interaction; friendly contact; bondingMasatoshi Nakamura		A moving song about the bonds between people.
15	Crimson SunHibari Misora		Midsummer sea, a classic by Hibari Misora
16	A café in a student districtGaro		A timeless song of youth that resonates in the heart, letting you bask in memories.
17	Always keep your dreamsYukio Hashi, Sayuri Yoshinaga		The classic duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga resonates in the heart.
18	The youth I walked through with youwind		Classic songs of youth, moving melodies that awaken memories
19	RomanceHiromi Iwasaki		Hiromi Iwasaki’s “Romance” is a timeless song that resonates with the heart.
20	Mischief of the spring breezeMomoe Yamaguchi		The masterpieces of Momoe Yamaguchi heal the heart.
21	Let’s get married.Takuro Yoshida		Takuro Yoshida’s classic song “Let’s Get Married.”
22	The Sweet LifeGoro Noguchi		Sweet Life: Heartbreak and the Emotions of Youth
23	As time goes byKenji Sawada		The nostalgic theme song from a drama starring Kenji Sawada
24	Across this wide fieldRyoko Moriyama		A classic that sings of nature’s beauty and pure love
25	I’m falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto		A moving song that portrays deepening love and bonds
26	Flowersong		The Sumida River is a celebrated masterpiece representing the Meiji era.
27	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng		Teresa Teng “The Flow of Time” – an eternal classic
28	Album of MemoriesLyrics by Toshi Masuko / Music by Tetsuma Honda		A heartwarming song about memories from kindergarten
29	Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta		A classic song that portrays the heartfelt connection between a man and a woman setting off for the big city.
30	The Bride of SetoRumiko Koyanagi		Song of Love and Departure in the Spring of the Showa Era
31	lover; mistress; extramarital partnerTeresa Teng		The masterpiece rich with adult emotion, “Lover,” a representative work of Teresa Teng
32	Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto		Kyu Sakamoto’s “Yoru no Hoshi o” is a heartwarming masterpiece.
33	Battotai (Army Marching Song)Charles Leroux		A rousing marching song of the military band, a prayer for the soldiers
34	Isn’t it fine as long as you’re happy?Naomi Sara		Naomi Sara’s signature song, a heart-touching classic
35	Forever with youYuzo Kayama		“Kimi to Itsu Made mo” is an eternal classic.
36	Yearning for youFrank Nagai		Moved by Frank Nagai’s masterpiece
37	Goodbye, TearsHiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars		'Goodbye, Tears' — a classic of the Showa era, transcending generations
38	BoyhoodYosui Inoue		A nostalgic song brings back memories of my childhood.
39	On the Day of DepartureLyrics by Noboru Kojima / Music by Hiromi Sakamoto		Graduation songs evoke the arrival of spring.
40	TSUNAMISouthern All Stars		Keisuke Kuwata’s heartbreaking breakup ballad, a moving masterpiece
41	Rainy MidosujiOuyang Feifei		Singing about bittersweet memories of love in rainy Osaka
42	In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthChiharu Matsuyama		A song that portrays the powerful will to live, set against the backdrop of Hokkaido
43	Waltz of StarlightMasao Sen		Masao Sen’s soul-stirring farewell song
44	tea pickingMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)		Japanese masterpieces that reflect the seasons and everyday life
45	Aoba Castle Love SongMuneyuki Sato		A masterpiece by Muneyuki Sato, a famous song that colors Sendai
46	The arrival of springRumiko Koyanagi		Rumiko Koyanagi's spring classic, nostalgic memories
47	12th graderKazuo Funaki		The bittersweet classic of youth, Kazuo Funaki’s “High School Senior.”
48	Listening to OliviaAnri		Healing a Heartbreaking Breakup and Anri’s Singing Voice
49	SubaruShinji Tanimura		Shinji Tanimura’s moving masterpiece, with a grand sense of the cosmos
50	Oh, sake!Ikuzo Yoshi		Ikuzo Yoshi’s masterpiece: an enka song that profoundly portrays life
51	Lullaby of the Holy MothersHiromi Iwasaki		Hiromi Iwasaki’s classic, a soothing ballad filled with motherly love
52	Love RadiantHibari Misora		Hibari Misora’s “Ai San San” is a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart.
53	koinobori (carp streamers)Monbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)		Koinobori, a song wishing for children's growth
54	Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)Miyuki Kawanaka		A heartwarming classic that sings of the love and bond between a married couple.
55	Tangled HairHibari Misora		Hibari Misora sings of love and prayer at Shioyasaki.
56	Please give me wingsRed bird		An inspiring classic that sings of youths' dreams and hopes
57	A hill with a view of the harborAiko Hirano		A timeless classic steeped in the melancholy of a port town, gently singing of a tender heart in love.
58	Parting at 22wind		The Wind’s debut song, cherished as a timeless anthem of youth
59	Goodbye once moreKiyohiko Ozaki		Kiyohiko Ozaki’s beautiful ballad of love and parting
60	I’ve come a long way, when I think about it.Kaientai		A nostalgic classic by Kaientai, Thoughts of Home
61	Becoming a Thousand WindsMasafumi Akikawa		Akikawa Masafumi’s ballad, a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart
62	The morning I had forgottenJunko Yamamoto		A timeless song whose red bird’s singing heals the heart
63	Miracle of LoveHide and Rosanna		A timeless song that heals the heart, singing of deep love and hope
64	A Letter Waiting for SpringTakuro Yoshida		Heartfelt exchanges through letters and songs of memories
65	atonementTeresa Teng		A masterpiece that portrays the poignant emotions of farewell and love.
66	Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa		Tokyo Station Melody: Hope in Life and the Journey
67	Sometimes like a child without a motherCarmen Maki		The famous song by Shuji Terayama and Carmen Maki resonates in the heart.
68	youthKoichi Morita and Top Gallant		The classic song “Seishun Jidai” portrays the anguish and emotions of youth.
69	Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora		A classic that gently sings of life's joy and flow
70	LetterSaori Yuki		Saori Yuki’s “Tegami,” a classic song of farewell and love
71	Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida		Ayumi Ishida’s classic, Memories of Youth
72	The Color of WinterMomoe Yamaguchi		Momoe Yamaguchi’s pure-love ballad that sings of a heartrending romance
73	Ringo OiwakeHibari Misora		Scenes of Tsugaru, a classic song by Hibari Misora
74	Sky RestaurantHi-Fi set		A bittersweet reunion song at a high-rise restaurant
75	school daysPeggy Hayama		A timeless song that sings of youthful memories, resonating in the heart.
76	The Highland Train GoesAtsurō Okamoto		The travel sentiment of a highland train, a song that resonates in the heart
77	Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Tokiko Kato		A poignant love classic set in Shiretoko
78	Kanda RiverKosetsu Minami & Kaguyahime		A classic song depicting the pure cohabitation life of young people
79	Scat at DawnSaori Yuki		Yuki Saori’s “Scat at Dawn”
80	I’m appearing under my former name.Akira Kobayashi		A classic hit song that captures the feelings of bar hostesses, a major success
81	scarecrowMasashi Sada		Hometown of the Showa era, a masterpiece by Masashi Sada
82	Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Capo		A classic springtime song that conveys the importance of living naturally
83	SaraiYuzo Kayama		A heartwarming classic that captures feelings for one’s hometown
84	YosakuSaburō Kitajima		A moving song that sings of rural landscapes and the warmth of its people
85	Longing for RainAki Yashiro		A masterpiece of Showa-era enka, a voice that resonates with the heart
86	Song of the Four SeasonsLyrics and music by: Toyohisa Araki		A masterpiece that depicts the beauty of the four seasons and the emotions of people
87	The Izu DancerHibari Misora		Hibari Misora, the famous song from the film based on a work by Yasunari Kawabata
88	When I turn around, the Sea of JapanHiroshi Itsuki		Singing of the loneliness of the Sea of Japan and the shape of life
89	Cape TourKotaro Yamamoto and the Weekend		A heartbreak song by Kotaro Yamamoto
90	Journey of the HeartTulip		Showa-era classic “Kokoro no Tabi,” an eternal masterpiece
91	A solitary journey to MichinokuJoji Yamamoto		A classic enka ballad of love and farewell by Joji Yamamoto
92	wintering swallowMasako Mori		Masako Mori’s gem of a ballad, brimming with emotion
93	Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama		A masterpiece that beautifully sings of postwar hope and a new era
94	It’s Tokyo, Mother.Chiyoko Shimakura		A postwar mother-daughter memory, a classic song that colors Tokyo
95	a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara		Spring in the northern country, a wistful song resounding through the acacia trees
96	applauseNaomi Chiaki		'Kassai' expresses the singer’s sense of loss and strength.
97	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenEigo Kawashima		Eigo Kawashima’s classic—a moving masterpiece that sings of life’s emotions.
98	From the northern innHarumi Miyako		From the northern inn, a classic of poignant love and loneliness
99	Farewell in MayYosui Inoue		Introduce/In this article, we introduce Yosui Inoue’s classic songs that capture the refreshingly pleasant seasons.
100	Spring somewhereLyrics by Muneharu Momota / Music by Shin Kusakawa		The charm and emotion of the spring classic “Soushunfu (Early Spring Ode)”
101	Has the plum blossomed?Hibari Misora		Hibari Misora’s short songs capture the spirit of Japan.
102	Life won’t give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeEiko Segawa		A classic that depicts the bond between a married couple, conveying the strength of love.
103	Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa		A timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart, expressing deep love and conflict.
104	Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa		Sayuri Ishikawa’s classic: winter scenery and a heartrending feeling
105	This roadLyrics: Hakushu Kitahara / Music: Kosaku Yamada		A masterpiece that expresses the beauty of the four seasons
106	Come, spring.Yumi Matsutoya		A celebrated song of spring, a masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya
107	GraduationChiharu Matsuyama		Chiharu Matsuyama’s spring melody, the singing voice of youth
108	Lingering Snowdolphin		Spring partings, bittersweet memories of youth
109	Tokyo Boogie-WoogieShizuko Kasagi		The enduring appeal of music loved across generations
110	Flying to IstanbulMayoyo Shōno		A classic of exotic breakup songs
111	Words of FarewellKaientai		“Okuru Kotoba” is a song of springtime farewells and bonds.
112	Good-bye, My LoveAnn Lewis		The charm of Ann Lewis, a classic singer of the Showa era
113	The Camellia Sasanqua InnEisaku Okawa		A wistful love infused in the winter flower, the sasanqua camellia
114	Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki		Ozaki’s masterpiece—an affecting song about an adult breakup
115	era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima		Miyuki Nakajima: a heartwarming classic that resonates in spring
116	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi		An anthem from Momoe to brighten life’s milestones
117	Northern SpringMasao Sen		A classic song that portrays the spring scenery of the northern country and a longing for one’s hometown
118	Traveler,Yuzo Kayama		Yuzo Kayama’s classic that resonates with travelers’ hearts
119	Lonely-for-Company TavernHiroshi Miyama		A wistful tavern song, yearning for human connection
120	City LightsMasaaki Sakai		Masakazu Sakai’s classic song: the lyrics and scenes of love
121	Dream-Chasing SakeJiro Atsumi		Jiro Atsumi’s famous song “Yumeoi-zake”: the pain of a broken heart
122	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightKeiko Fuji		Keiko Fuji’s classic hit, a masterpiece that sings of dreams and hope
123	sunset cloudsMasao Sen		A moving classic that sings of longing for one’s hometown
124	Brother ShipsIchiro Toba		A powerful song of brotherhood, born of life at sea
125	It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five		Timeless ballads—masterpieces that resonate in the heart on rainy days
126	Yokohama TwilightHiroshi Itsuki		A hit song by Hiroshi Itsuki that sings of heartbreak set in Yokohama.
127	Dotonbori SentimentYoshimi Tendo		The charm of a warm song that portrays the city of Osaka
128	cherry blossom frontRumiko Koyanagi		A masterpiece that depicts spring scenery and emotions: Sakura Front
129	Life is full of ups and downs.Chiyoko Shimakura		Life has many ups and downs; timeless songs that resonate with the heart
130	Snow CountryIkuzo Yoshi		Yoshi Ikuzo’s “Yukiguni” is a moving masterpiece.
131	Northern fishing groundsSaburō Kitajima		Northern fishing grounds, Saburo Kitajima’s soulful song
132	March of 365 StepsKiyoko Suizenji		Kiyoko Suizenji’s classic song resonates with the heart.
133	Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara		Northern Traveler: Yujiro Ishihara’s Timeless Song That Resonates in the Heart