Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku

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.

I hope you are keeping well in the summer heat.kyandīzu

Summer greetings / CANDIES

This is a fresh and friendly song themed around the classic summer greeting “shochu mimai.” It gently portrays seaside scenes, sunlight, and the bittersweet feelings of a girl in love, vividly evoking the landscapes of summer in Japan.

Released by Candies in June 1977 as a single, it is also known as a commercial song for Suntory Oolong Tea.

With its lively rhythm, bright melody, and clear, transparent harmonies, the piece is easy and fun to hum along to.

It’s perfect as a seasonal greeting or a conversation starter for reminiscing, and it offers a heartwarming time—singing together with older listeners and looking back fondly on the past.

Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii

[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.

Dream PlayUmezawa Fumio

Umezawa Tomio - Yume Shibai (with lyrics)

This song, with its bittersweet melody by Kei Ogura and richly emotional lyrics, moves the hearts of listeners.

Known as one of the most accomplished acting performers in the enka world, Tomio Umezawa established his status as an enka singer with his debut single.

Released in November 1982, the track peaked at No.

8 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.

It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV anime Maison Ikkoku and used in a commercial for Daio Paper’s Elleair, earning affection across a wide audience.

This work is sure to resonate with those who were captivated by theater in their youth or who cherish memories of watching stage performances.

Umezawa’s deeply emotive vocals and acting prowess will remain etched in your heart alongside your own memories.

Kiyoshi’s Soran BushiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi’s Soran Bushi [Official]

A masterpiece that resounds with a superb arrangement of a traditional Hokkaido folk song.

Set to the powerful rhythms once passed down by fishermen, it weaves in the joys and hopes of life.

Kiyoshi Hikawa’s robust vocals blend perfectly with the modern arrangement.

Released as a single in May 2007, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts and won the Gold Award at the 49th Japan Record Awards.

It was performed as the “YOSAKOI Soran Kouhaku Special” at the 58th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, captivating audiences with a dazzling stage.

Ideal for group singing, this song is highly recommended for recreation at day-service centers.

With lively call-and-response, everyone can enjoy a fun time together.