Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese hits

Before anything else, from atop the roadThe explosively popular group “Sepia”

Issei Fubi Sepia “Dear Sir/Madam, From Above the Road” [Official]

Set to the resounding beat of powerful drums and flutes, this work captivates with spirited chants reminiscent of Issen Fubi Sepia’s festival calls and an energetic performance.

It masterfully overlays the laws of nature with the truths of life, singing the importance of living positively.

Released in June 1984, it became a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

It was also featured in commercials for Suzuki’s Love THREE scooter and Kirin Beer’s Kirin Shochu Tanrei Straight, earning love from a wide audience.

A classic packed with the essence of their street-performance origins, it’s a song you’ll want to hear when you feel lost in life or are ready to take a new step forward.

Sneaker BluesMasahiko Kondo

Sneaker Blues - Masahiko Kondo

A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.

With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.

Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.

Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.

Pink sighMariko Takahashi

Pink sigh

It is a masterpiece that fuses an exotic, Mediterranean-like atmosphere with an urban, sophisticated sound.

The song dreamily portrays a woman who blossoms like a flower when embraced by her lover, expressing both the beauty and the fragility of love.

Mariko Takahashi’s delicate yet powerful vocals further deepen the work’s unique world.

Released in May 1984 as the commercial song for Sanki’s “Camellia Diamond,” it was also included on the album Triad.

Highly acclaimed—including winning the Lyrics Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards—it became a long-running hit.

With a quiet mood that hints at hidden passion, this is a perfect track for spending peaceful moments with someone special.

The Maiden with Flaxen HairVillage Singers

The flaxen-haired maiden Village Singers

It’s a single released by the Village Singers in February 1968, which peaked at No.

7 on the Oricon chart.

It was also used as the theme song for the youth information program “Young 720.” Hitomi Shimatani’s cover version is well known as well.

ULTRA SEVENThe Echoes

ULTRASEVEN (Toshiba Records Ver.)

Ultra Seven is one of the most popular entries in the Ultra Series, and it began airing in 1967.

The Echoes’ song “ULTRA SEVEN” is an insert track that was used in scenes such as when the Ultra Guard mobilizes.

Stars on EarthMiyuki Nakajima

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

Miyuki Nakajima’s powerful vocals are perfectly matched with the majestic sound.

This work gently illuminates the presence of people who usually go unnoticed yet live earnestly, likening them to “stars.” Released in July 2000 as the theme song for NHK’s popular documentary series “Project X: Challengers,” it gradually drew attention alongside the program’s broadcast.

At the 2002 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was performed via a live relay from the Kurobe Dam and achieved the highest singer-specific viewership rating of the show.

Aim for dynamic, powerful singing like Miyuki Nakajima’s.

Small snackPurple Shadows

Purple Shadows / Chiisana Snack (1968) — Viewing No. 36

This single by The Purple Shadows, released in March 1968, reached a peak position of No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

A film of the same name was also made that year.

It was later covered by Haruomi Chikada & Haruophone.