Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart

SubaruTanimura Shinji

Shinji Tanimura - Subaru (with lyrics)

This is a ballad that evokes the vast expanse of the cosmos, highlighted by Shinji Tanimura’s deeply resonant voice.

Its hopeful lyrics and melody strike a chord during life’s milestone moments.

Released in 1980, the piece has been featured on numerous music programs and at various events.

While rooted in folk, it also incorporates classical elements, making it a gem of a masterpiece.

Tanimura also excelled as an educator, becoming a full-time professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2004, and he fostered deep connections with many people through music.

It’s a recommended song for music recreation with seniors as well, offering a calm listening experience at a relaxed tempo.

It would be a lovely time to hum along together while sharing fond memories.

Brother ShipsToba Ichirō

Brother Ship - Ichiro Toba

This is a masterpiece of enka that powerfully expresses the deep bond among fisherman brothers and their devotion to family.

Tetsurō Funamura’s grand melody blends with Tetsurō Hoshino’s moving lyrics, while Ichirō Toba’s rugged vocals bring out the work’s full appeal.

Because Ichirō Toba himself has real-life fishing experience, the pride and spirit of men of the sea come through vividly.

Released in August 1982, the song sold over 290,000 copies on the Oricon charts and won the Newcomer Award at the 16th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.

It has also been performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, earning strong support from enka fans.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and highly recommended for karaoke that stirs the heart.

hometown

hometown (one's native place)

A classic that evokes nostalgic scenes of one’s hometown.

Characterized by lyrics that stir the sense of longing felt by many Japanese people, this beautiful piece has been loved by countless listeners since its release in 1922.

The melody is simple and the range isn’t too wide, so with some familiarity it should be easy to master.

Many people likely sang it in school choirs, making it a song that can be enjoyed together across generations.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

[With Large Lyrics] High School Senior [Rec]

This lyrical song is filled with memories of youth, and Kazuo Funaki’s fresh vocals in a student uniform make a striking impression.

Set to a march-like, approachable melody, it gently recounts the joys and loneliness of school life and the partings with friends.

After its release in June 1963, the work achieved astonishing sales and won the New Artist Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

It was also adapted into a film, starring Kazuo Funaki himself, with scenes shot in his hometown of Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture.

It’s a song meant to be hummed together as you reminisce about nostalgic youthful days.

Let’s sing along with cheerful handclaps.

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

He sings a melancholic song about lost love set in the northern country with Yujiro Ishihara’s distinctive low voice.

As it follows a man searching for his beloved while traveling through Hokkaido cities like Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru, it conveys his heartbreaking emotions.

It was also used as an insert song in the drama “Seibu Keisatsu” and was released in August 1987.

For Yujiro Ishihara, it became his first and only single to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart as well.

As you recall days gone by, try singing it gently and with feeling.

When I turn around, the Sea of JapanItsuki Hiroshi

If I Turn Around, the Sea of Japan – Hiroshi Itsuki

A gem of a song that portrays a person who, despite inner confusion and loneliness, still strives to face forward, set against the desolate winter scenery of the Sea of Japan.

Released in March 2005, this work features lyrics by Hiroshi Itsuki and novelist Hiroyuki Itsuki, from whom the singer’s stage name is derived.

Hiroshi Itsuki’s emotionally rich vocals harmonize beautifully with sentiments of longing for one’s hometown and the resolve not to forget past love, earning the song 14th place on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was also performed at the 56th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and the album “Hiroyuki Itsuki & Hiroshi Itsuki Song Collection ~If You Look Back, the Sea of Japan~” was released.

It is a song that offers comfort to those living away from their hometowns, inviting listeners to reflect on the places of their memories.

Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

There is a classic song that beautifully and poignantly portrays a northern winter landscape and a bittersweet love.

Powerfully sung by Sayuri Ishikawa, the piece recounts the feelings of a woman traveling from Ueno on a night train to Aomori, where she bids a final farewell aboard the Seikan ferry.

Since its 1977 release, it has garnered numerous honors, including the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance, and stands as a monumental work in the enka genre.

Set against the frigid Tsugaru Strait, the image of a woman quietly deciding to part ways amid snow and the roar of the sea is deeply moving.

Please enjoy a wonderful time together, singing along or clapping in rhythm as you savor nostalgic memories.