Recommended summer songs for people in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic summer tunes [2025]

Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Tokiko Kato

Shiretoko Travel Sentiments (Song) by Tokiko Kato

As a classic song celebrating Hokkaido’s magnificent landscapes, it has long been cherished by many.

Released by Tokiko Kato in 1970, the piece delicately depicts the natural beauty of the Shiretoko Peninsula and the feelings of the people who live there.

The lyrics also weave in the Ainu word “pirika,” conveying respect for the region’s culture.

In 1971, it topped the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks and was performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

When sung during recreational activities or karaoke time at facilities, it is sure to offer a heartwarming moment filled with nostalgic memories.

Waltz of StarlightMasao Sen

Waltz of Starlight - Masao Sen

Masao Sen’s signature song, which portrays the bittersweet pain of parting, is a masterpiece that delicately captures the feelings of a man and woman who love each other yet cannot be together.

The protagonist’s anguish as he steps aside for the other’s happiness, and the decision born of deep love, resonate deeply.

Although this piece was originally the B-side of a single released in March 1966, through Sen’s steady promotional efforts it reached No.

1 on the Oricon year-end chart in 1968 and became a massive hit with total sales of 2.

5 million copies.

Its wistful waltz melody and soul-stirring vocals are sure to profoundly move listeners with rich life experience.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing together, wrapped in fond memories.

Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto

Kyu Sakamoto – Look Up at the Stars in the Night (with lyrics)

Beloved as a song for gazing up at the night sky, this piece resonates as a warm cheer for those facing hardships.

With lyrics by Rokusuke Ei and music by Taku Izumi, it has long been cherished in the enveloping voice of Kyu Sakamoto.

Released as a single in May 1963, it was originally written as the theme song for a musical.

It is also a celebrated masterpiece that won the Japan Record Award for Composition.

Though born as a message of encouragement for young people studying at night school, it is a song that transcends generations to bring hope and courage.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together during recreation time at the facility.

Sinbad on the ShorePink Lady

[MV] Pink Lady - Nagisa no Sindbad (with lyrics)

It’s a classic summer hit by Pink Lady that you can enjoy while picturing the blue sea and the shining sun.

Released in June 1977, this track blends disco-style rhythmic sounds with powerful vocals to brilliant effect, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart right after its release and ultimately topping the year-end chart as well.

With total sales of 1.

45 million copies, it has been loved across generations, being featured as the theme song for the TV program “Otona no Natsuyasumi” and used in commercials for Fuji Photo Film.

It’s a refreshing song that invites you to hum along with family and friends, accompanied by fond memories.

festivalSaburō Kitajima

Matsuri ~ Saburo Kitajima Lyrics/Score Edition

This is a song that powerfully sings of the scenes and emotions of traditional Japanese festivals.

Its grand lyrics—expressing gratitude for the blessings of the mountains and bountiful catches, as well as the bonds between parents and children—leave a strong impression.

Vivid imagery depicts men tightening white fundoshi as they head to the festival, and seafaring men raising flags as they row their boats out to sea.

Released in November 1984, the piece features lyrics by Saburo Kitajima with Rei Nakanishi, and composition by Joji Hara.

It was performed six times on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen, serving as the grand finale five of those times, and has become a year-end tradition.

Saburo Kitajima’s uniquely powerful vocals and dynamic staging make it a wonderful work to enjoy together with older audiences.

Soran Bushifolk song

Soran-bushi, audio source, normal, sports day, play event, performance, etc.

The work songs that Hokkaido fishermen used to sing between tasks are now loved by many as some of Japan’s representative folk songs.

Their powerful calls and lively rhythms are brimming with energy that makes your heart leap, and they have a lasting charm that stays with you.

Over the years, new allure has been added by numerous singers, including Fuyumi Sakamoto, Yoshimi Tendo, and Takio Ito.

Sayuri Ishikawa also presented her own arrangement on her 2019 album “Tami.” These songs are perfect for moments when you can sing along together—chatting with family and friends, or at community events where people gather and connect.

They’re sure to offer a heartwarming time, wrapped in a sense of nostalgia.

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner's Song)folk song

Tanko Bushi – With Guide [Let’s All Dance! Bon Odori]

It is a folk song from the Chikuho region, cherished as a hallmark of summer in Japan.

Born in the Meiji era from songs sung by women during coal sorting at mines, it spread nationwide in the early Showa period through radio broadcasts.

Its familiar melody, depicting coal mine labor and everyday life, remains a staple for Bon Odori dances.

In August 2024, BEGIN released a new arrangement incorporating Brazilian samba rhythms, but the traditional choreography—characterized by movements that mimic mining work—makes it easy to dance together with older adults.

Since 2006, Tagawa City in Fukuoka Prefecture has hosted the Tanko-bushi Festival every summer, and the song continues to be passed down across generations.