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

school daysPegī Hayama

Peggy Hayama - Student Days (with lyrics)

Some people may be wondering, “Is Peggy Hayama half-Japanese?” but she was fully Japanese.

Peggy Hayama is a stage name, inspired by a friend she met through a crossed telephone line who said, “Your voice feels like ‘Peggy.’” It’s funny how inspiration can come from anywhere.

Her hit song “Gakusei Jidai” (“Student Days”) was originally titled “Daigaku Jidai” (“College Days”), but the title was reportedly changed after Peggy said, “I didn’t attend college.” It’s a song filled with nostalgia and many fond memories of youth.

Crimson SunMisora Hibari

Crimson Sun

This work, which evokes both the passion of a blazing sun and the transience of a passing summer, left a striking impression as a new facet of Hibari Misora, the queen of the kayō music world.

In its lyrical world, a love that flares up against the backdrop of midsummer seas is skillfully depicted alongside a poignant premonition that it will one day come to an end.

Originally included as a track on the album “Song Is My Life: Celebrating 20 Years of Hibari Misora’s Career,” the piece received such an overwhelming response that it was released as a single in May 1967.

Its innovative sound, backed by Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets, drew major attention and went on to sell over 1.4 million copies.

As a song emblematic of summertime in the Shōwa era, why not give it a listen during a seaside drive or when you’re in the mood to bask in slightly more grown-up summer memories?

Pineapple Princesstashiro midori

Pineapple Princess - Midori Tashiro

How about lending an ear to that bright tune that beckons you to a tropical paradise? As the lively sound of the ukulele begins to flow, it’s as if the sweet-and-tart scent of pineapple gently spreads through your heart.

Listen closely to the singing, and you can picture the scene of the protagonist dancing with joy on a sun-sparkling island.

Sung by Midori Tashiro in 1961, this song is a cover of American singer Annette’s number and was extremely popular in Japan at the time.

Give it a listen, and you may forget the summer heat and feel refreshed.

For older listeners, it will surely bring back happy memories of their youth and brighten their hearts.

That girl and IHashi Yukio

Yukio Hashi / That Girl and Me (Swim, Swim, Swim) (1965)

It’s a lively, heart‑thumping tune by Yukio Hashi that captures the feeling of summer’s arrival.

Just listening to it conjures up vivid scenes of the bustling summers of that era.

The bright melody conveys the beaming smiles of young people and the heat of excitement as they enjoyed the swim dance that was popular at the time.

Released in June 1965, this was Hashi’s 68th single.

It became a major hit, selling 710,000 copies in less than two months, and he performed it on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It was even adapted into a film and used in a swimsuit commercial that aired in households across the country.

For older listeners, it likely brings back the thrill of those summers along with fond memories.

If everyone hums along together, smiles will come naturally and conversation is sure to flow.

Hawaiian Airlines flightUtsumi Kiyoshi

Hawaiian Airlines Flight, Kiyoshi Utsumi

The songs of Kiyoshi Utzumi, which captivated many fans in the late 1940s through the 1950s, are gem-like works that express nostalgia for and longing toward a beautiful southern paradise.

Their gentle melodies and wistful vocals vividly depict the scenery and atmosphere of Hawaii.

Released in 1950, this piece became a beloved classic that tenderly embraced the dreams and hopes of the Japanese people at the time.

Included on the album “Japanese Popular Song Stars (19): Kiyoshi Utzumi,” it continues to be cherished across generations.

Brimming with warm nostalgia, this song is perfect for music activities that foster enjoyable interaction with seniors, creating shared moments of calm and comfort.