Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
When it comes to songs familiar to people in their 80s, wouldn’t it be the kayōkyoku and enka hits from the Showa era? Many songs from that time have been loved across generations, and there are countless timeless classics that still shine today.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide array of moving, heartfelt songs all at once—Showa masterpieces as well as school songs and children’s songs.
From songs about deep love to ones about family and hometown, these are sure to resonate with people in their 80s.
Please do recommend the songs we introduce to the 80-somethings around you.
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- Recommended Autumn Songs for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Seasonal Kayōkyoku and Children's Songs
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Good songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of tracks with moving, heartfelt lyrics (11–20)
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
“Mata Au Hi Made” is one of Japan’s classic songs, sung by Kiyohiko Ozaki.
This gem, created by the golden duo of Yu Aku and Kyohei Tsutsumi, features memorable lyrics that portray a mature love, caring for one’s beloved right up to the moment of parting.
Its melody moves within a narrow range, making it easy to sing—another part of its appeal.
Even after many years since its release, its timeless message remains fresh and continues to be cherished by people of all ages.
Since its 1971 debut, it has won numerous awards and has been sung in a wide variety of settings, from school entrance and graduation ceremonies to sports cheers.
Why not sing this nostalgic tune—one that those in their eighties once hummed in their youth—together with your grandchildren or great-grandchildren?
A Hazy Moonlit Night
“Oborozukiyo,” a quintessential Japanese school song with lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano and music by Teiichi Okano.
Released in 1914, this beloved piece warmly depicts the beauty of a spring night.
You can almost see the rapeseed fields at sunset, the misty mountains, and a landscape woven from a gentle breeze and moonlight.
The lights and temple bells drifting from the village and the croaking of frogs evoke the arrival of spring.
Its calm, tender melody even sounds like a lullaby.
The song was included in school music textbooks for many years and won 4th place in the 1989 poll “Songs of Japan and Hometown Songs You Choose.” For those in their 80s, it’s a tune to enjoy with fond memories, one that stirs thoughts of home.
threadNakajima Miyuki
A signature song by Miyuki Nakajima that beautifully expresses the ties of life.
Although it was included on the 1992 album “EAST ASIA,” it gained widespread attention after BANK BAND’s 2004 cover.
The lyrics, which liken encounters between people to threads weaving a fabric, are striking, celebrating the miracle of human connections.
It has been used as a theme song for dramas and films and is a staple at weddings.
It might be nice for older adults to listen to it together with their families and reminisce.
It’s sure to spark reflection on the important encounters in one’s life.
Cape ErimoMori Shinichi
Set against Cape Erimo in Hokkaido, this song weaves together the feelings of young people with vocals that resonate deep in the heart.
Shinichi Mori’s husky voice vividly conveys the bittersweet emotions of a young man.
Released in January 1974, it won both the 16th Japan Record Award and the 5th Japan Music Award that same year.
At the 25th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, it closed the show for the White Team, and it has continued to be performed on Kohaku ever since.
The empty local scenery and the longing for the big city—this work conveys the inner conflict of youth torn between opposing feelings.
It’s a song recommended for times when you want to look back on life at a gentle, unhurried pace.
Please give me wingsakai tori
Akaitori captivated many with their deeply moving, beautiful harmonies.
Released in 1971, this work is a gem that sings of a longing for freedom.
The dream of freely flying through the sky on white wings expresses a universal wish shared by all.
Since 1976, it has been included in music textbooks and continues to be loved across generations.
Its English version was played at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, earning high international acclaim.
Why not hum it together with your family and loved ones as you reminisce? It will surely warm your heart.
The Apple SongNamiki Michiko
Noriko Namiki’s beloved song “Ringo no Uta” (The Apple Song) is an immortal masterpiece that brought hope and brightness to postwar Japan.
The sight of her singing, with a clear voice, of a young girl’s delicate feelings entrusted to an apple is deeply moving.
When it was released in 1945, this song breathed the joy of living once again into the hearts of people who were utterly exhausted.
Its gentle, embracing melody has not faded and continues to shine even today.
It is a piece I would especially love those in their 80s—who have overcome life’s hardships—to sing close to their hearts.
Savoring the slow passage of time while letting your thoughts drift back to those days is a lovely thing, too.
Good Songs Recommended for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Tracks with Touching, Heartfelt Lyrics (21–30)
From the northern innMiyako Harumi
This is one of Harumi Miyako’s signature songs, portraying a bittersweet woman’s love that tightens the heart in the cold of winter.
The image of the heroine, alone at an inn in the north, continuing to knit a sweater while thinking of the one she parted from, is deeply moving.
Lyricist Yū Aku is said to have depicted the act of knitting as a “ritual to bring closure to a breakup.” Even in her grief, you can feel a core strength as she tries to put her feelings in order.
Released in December 1975, it achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Cable Radio Award the following year.
Total sales reached 1.45 million copies, and it has been covered by many singers, including Sayuri Ishikawa and Yoshimi Tendo.
As the season’s cold air sinks into your bones, why not hum it together at a New Year’s gathering?