Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics

The Song of KemekoZa Dātsu

The Darts / Kemeko’s Song (1968)

Released on February 1, 1968, this work carries the sweet-and-sour scent of youth.

Born from a ninth grader turning his feelings for a classmate into verse, it sets a refreshing melody to a tale of tender love for a girl gifted in chemistry.

The bright, comical tune overlays lyrics brimming with pure affection for a girl smiling in the laboratory, striking a chord with students of the time.

The Darts’ vocal version reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart and sold a total of 600,000 copies.

It has been featured on Fuji TV’s “Owarai Tag Match” and the anime “Kemeko Deluxe!”, and has been covered by numerous artists.

Embracing the memory of first love that everyone has known, this song continues to resonate with the hearts of eternal boys and girls.

Lingering Snowiruka

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

Sung by Iruka, this song has been passed down as a classic of spring, a work that seems to seep into the listener’s heart.

Depicting a scene of parting in early spring, it beautifully portrays lingering feelings and the loneliness of growing up.

Written and composed by Shozo Ise and given a rich, weighty arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, it was released in March 1975 on the album “Iruka no Sekai,” then as a single in November of the same year, reaching No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a perfect song to spark conversation with older adults.

You’ll likely enjoy a wonderful time sharing nostalgic memories and evocative scenes that resonate in the heart.

school daysPegī Hayama

school days

A song filled with youthful memories comes back to life in the voice of Peggy Hayama.

Released in 1964, this piece richly portrays student life at a mission school.

Prayers in the chapel, memories with friends, studying in the library, and fleeting first love—nostalgic scenes come vividly to mind.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1965 and went on to become a million-seller.

Beloved as a standard song for graduations and reunions, it may prompt older listeners to reflect on their own school days.

Why not hum along, together with your cherished memories?

On the Day of DepartureSakushi: Kojima Noboru / Sakkyoku: Sakamoto Hiromi

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest

There is a song that many older adults love, often associated with the arrival of spring and graduation season.

Originally created at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture as a gift to graduating students, it has since become a standard performed at schools across Japan.

With hopeful lyrics and a bright melody, it conveys courage and determination for a new beginning.

It also gained attention when it was used in a commercial featuring SMAP.

It’s a wonderful song that lets you look back on nostalgic memories while feeling hopeful about the future.

Why not listen to it together with older adults as an opportunity to reflect on life’s milestones?

SaraiKayama Yūzō

Yuzo Kayama - Sarai (with lyrics)

This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.

It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.

The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.

It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.