Songs to give for an 88th-birthday celebration (Beiju). Heartwarming classics and popular tunes.
There are various terms corresponding to different ages for longevity celebrations, such as kanreki and koki, but do you know how old “beiju” refers to?
Beiju is 88 years old in traditional Japanese age counting.
It is said to come from the fact that the character for “rice” (米) can be broken down into the components for eighty-eight (八十八).
In this article, we’ve compiled classic Japanese songs that you’ll want to sing or gift for a beiju celebration.
Our lineup centers on timeless enka and kayōkyoku, while also including recent J-pop.
We hope you’ll find songs that the whole family—especially the grandchildren—can sing together to celebrate your grandpa’s or grandma’s beiju!
- Songs to gift for longevity celebrations: heartwarming classics and popular tunes about life
- [Thank You] A song for grandpa and grandma: a classic that makes you want to express your gratitude
- [Celebration] A compilation of Japanese songs that elderly people will enjoy
- Songs to give as gifts for a 70th birthday celebration: heartwarming classics and popular hits
- [For Seniors] Introducing recommended songs to give on Respect for the Aged Day
- Famous songs that celebrate special occasions. Recommended popular tracks.
- Ranking of popular songs for senior citizens
- [Grandpa & Grandma] Timeless Songs to Gift to Seniors
- A classic from the good old days! A famous birthday song born in the Showa era.
- [For Seniors] Songs Everyone Can Sing Together! A Roundup of Recommended Crowd-Pleasers
- [For Seniors] Crowd-Pleasers! A Collection of Classic Karaoke Songs
- [Family Song] A gratitude song that lets you feel the importance of family.
- [For Seniors] Popular Karaoke Songs That Everyone Can Enjoy Together
Heart-Stirring Songs to Gift for an 88th Birthday Celebration (21–30)
Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio to Yoshinaga Sayuri
It’s a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga, released on September 20, 1962.
It became a nationwide smash hit with total sales exceeding 2.6 million copies and won the Grand Prize at the 4th Japan Record Awards.
With its bright, positive feel that hints at a hopeful future, it’s perfect for a beiju (88th birthday) celebration.
Cape ErimoMori Shinichi
This is Shinichi Mori’s 29th single, released on January 15, 1974.
Since it was composed by Takuro Yoshida, the version sung by Yoshida is also popular.
Wouldn’t it be perfect for a grandparent with a birthday in the spring?
applausechiaki naomi
Chiaki Naomi’s 13th single, released on September 10, 1972.
Although it may not evoke a celebratory image due to lyrics that reflect on a deceased lover, its content resonates with someone turning 88 who has experienced many farewells.
Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Hosokawa Takashi
Originally performed by Yukiko Ono, this song has become an enka standard covered by many singers.
Famous versions include those by Takashi Hosokawa and Kiyoko Suizenji.
It’s a popular hit with total sales exceeding 1.4 million copies.
With its bright, lively melody and a touch of earthiness, it’s perfect for celebrating the 88th birthday of grandparents who persevered through the Showa era.
You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko
Released on March 25, 1972, this is Akiko Wada’s 11th single.
With lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Koichi Morita, it’s a dramatic ballad from a powerhouse duo.
It’s the perfect number for a beiju (88th birthday) celebration, conveying the feeling of “I’m so glad I met you.”
festivalKitajima Saburō
A single by Saburo Kitajima released in 1984.
It’s a classic, manly enka song brimming with vigor and the buoyant spirit of a booming economy.
The lyrics portray a legacy passed from father to child, making it a perfect choice for a son to celebrate his father’s 88th birthday.
Why not liven things up with this lively number?
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
First released in 1961, it has been reissued many times, released in the United States, and reached No.
1 on the Billboard chart in 1963.
The lyrics were written by Rokusūke Ei, and the music was composed by Hachidai Nakamura.
It is one of the most famous songs in Japan—truly a national anthem-like number.
A timeless masterpiece perfect not only for 88th-birthday celebrations but for all festive occasions.