Songs to give for an 88th-birthday celebration (Beiju). Heartwarming classics and popular tunes.

king (shogi piece)Murata Hideo

king (shogi piece)

A single by Hideo Murata released in November 1961.

It became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies.

The song is modeled after the shogi player Sankata Sankichi, and its lyrics, which sing of a man’s way of life, seem perfect for celebrating Grandpa’s 88th birthday, don’t they?

The Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki

Released in 1945 by Michiko Namiki and Noboru Kirishima, this song became the first postwar hit in Japan.

It served as a spiritual anchor for the Japanese people after the war and was beloved as a national song.

If you celebrate a beiju (88th birthday) with it, wouldn’t Grandpa and Grandma be delighted?

Crimson SunMisora Hibari

Crimson Sun

This is a single by Hibari Misora and Jackie Yoshikawa & The Blue Comets, released on May 25, 1967.

It became a million-seller, with 1.4 million copies sold.

It’s a powerful celebratory song that you’ll want to give to grandparents who are forever lively and young at heart.

existenceWANIMA

WANIMA “Existence” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO / Flower Cupid Mother’s Day CM song

A heartwarming song woven with feelings for a grandmother, perfect for Mother’s Day.

Released by WANIMA in March 2025, the piece was written specifically as the Mother’s Day campaign commercial song for the flower gift service “Hana Cupid.” Drawing on vocalist KENTA’s experience of being raised by his grandmother, it gently sings of memories in a seaside town and the bonds with loved ones.

Even within its powerful rock sound, the warmth of the vocals stands out, resonating with heartfelt gratitude toward someone special.

Together with the commercial featuring actor Shohei Miura, the song has become a hot topic, and many people on social media are saying, “I want my mother to hear this.” It’s gaining attention this year as a track to give alongside a Mother’s Day present.

Let’s say farewell to tearsMorita Kensaku

Kensaku Morita, “Let’s Say Goodbye to Tears,” 1973

This is Kensaku Morita’s sixth single, released on March 25, 1971.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “Ore wa Otoko da!” in which he starred, and both the show and the song were big hits.

With its powerful, youthful energy, it’s a perfect choice to celebrate the 88th birthday of grandparents, wishing them continued health and vitality.

As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira

7. As Long as the Sun Is in the Sky / Akira Nishikino (cover) by Deja Vu @ Nerima BE born 2017-05-21

This is Akira Nishikino’s third single, released on February 10, 1971.

It became a big hit, selling over 300,000 copies.

It’s a powerful number that you’d want to give as a celebration for your grandparents’ 88th birthday—someone so special you love dearly and will love forever.

Northern SpringSen Masao

Spring in the Northern Country / Masao Sen (with lyrics)

A single by Masao Sen released on April 5, 1977.

It won the Long Seller Award at the 21st Japan Record Awards.

The lyrics, filled with a sense of longing for one’s hometown, are perfect for a family living apart from their grandparents to celebrate an 88th-birthday beiju.