[For Seniors in Their 80s] Recommended Summer Songs: From Enka and School Songs to Folk Songs

The sea is in love.Za Riganīzu

The Sea Is in Love (The Liganes)

The signature song of The Riganies, celebrating the blue sea and a summer romance.

Released in July 1968 as their debut single, it stayed on the Oricon charts for 13 weeks and sold around 57,000 copies.

As a pioneering example of college folk, it drew attention and won strong support among students.

Set to a simple folk-style melody, the song earnestly recounts a love for the sea with an unaffected vocal delivery.

The spoken lines inserted in the interlude leave a striking impression, and as you listen, memories of youthful days may come flooding back.

It’s a track that lingers in the heart alongside summer memories—why not listen to it with someone special?

Sugarcane fieldSakushi sakkyoku: Terashima Naohiko

Sugarcane Field (♪ zawawa zawawa~) by Himawari ×9 [Chorus] Full Version with Lyrics | 8/15 End of War Memorial Day

This is an anti-war song imbued with a deep wish for peace, overlaying memories of the Battle of Okinawa with the sound of sugarcane swaying in the wind.

It was conceived when Naohiko Terashima visited Okinawa in 1964 and was told about the remains of the war dead at Mabuni Hill.

Premiered in 1967, it became widely beloved after Naomi Chiaki sang it on NHK’s music program “Minna no Uta” in 1975.

Told from the perspective of a girl who lost her father in the war, the song features the symbolic sound “zawawa” repeated 66 times, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a recommended piece for those who have experienced war or for moments when you want to reflect on peace.

coconutSakushi: Shimazaki Tōson / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Toraji

Coconut (♪ From a distant island whose name I do not know ~) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics [One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs]

This is one of Japan’s representative art songs: a poem written in 1898 by the renowned poet Shimazaki Tōson, set to a beautiful melody by Toraji Ōnaka.

Centered on the theme of a coconut that drifted ashore from a distant southern island, the piece delicately portrays feelings for one’s hometown and the journey of life.

Completed as a song in 1936, it has been passed down through performances by many singers, including Ichirō Fujiyama and Hibari Misora.

Its gentle, lyrical melody is widely beloved in schools and choral activities.

With lyrics rich in imagery that evoke a summery seaside and a moving, beautiful melody, it is recommended as a song that can awaken fond memories among older listeners.

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

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.

A quiet lakeside

Quiet Lakeside [Children’s Song] Vocals, Chorus, and Performance by akiurara [Pop-style Arrangement] With Lyrics | With Romaji | Shizukana kohan (cover) DTM/DAW

This is a charming piece with a simple, natural atmosphere—a round that everyone can sing together at a relaxed pace.

Born at a campground by Lake Nojiri, its melody musically evokes the calls of cuckoos and owls, conjuring a soothing moment in the forest.

Composed in 1936, it was later included on the Dark Ducks’ 1958 album “Picnic Song,” and has been loved by many ever since.

Featured in commercials for Kikkoman and S&B Foods, this familiar work invites you to enjoy it while picturing cool summer scenery.

It’s also perfect for sing-along activities with seniors, offering a heartwarming time that brings back fond memories.

The Sun of the DowntownBaishō Chieko

Chieko Baisho / Downtown Sun

This song is filled with the nostalgic charm of Showa-era downtown life, featuring a warm, gentle voice that tenderly embraces everyday people’s lives.

Its lyrics portray those who face forward and live like the shining sun, while the melody—tinged with a wistfulness reminiscent of Russian folk songs—resonates deeply.

Released in 1962 as Chieko Baisho’s debut single, it won the New Artist Award at the 4th Japan Record Awards the following year.

A film of the same title was also produced, directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Baisho.

It is recommended for older listeners who feel fond nostalgia for the warm, humane atmosphere of the downtown districts, so different from the upscale Yamanote area.

We hope everyone will take their time to enjoy the song together, letting it spark lively conversations about memories from days gone by.

Flamenco of the StarsSaigō Teruhiko

Stellar Flamenco, Teruhiko Saigō

This song, set to a passionate flamenco rhythm, expresses the tender feelings of young love.

Released in 1966, it gained wide support alongside Teruhiko Saigō’s powerful vocals.

It attracted attention as an innovative attempt to incorporate flamenco elements into Japanese kayōkyoku.

As one of his signature songs, it has been included in numerous music albums.

In recent years, it has also become familiar as an insert song on the variety show “Can I Charge My Battery? Tetsurō Degawa’s Journey.” Well known among seniors, this piece is one that can be enjoyed with a sense of nostalgia.

With its warm vocals and captivating melody, it will keep you smiling even on hot summer days.