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!
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- [Family Song] A gratitude song that lets you feel the importance of family.
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Heart-stirring songs to give for an 88th-birthday celebration (31–40)
Take care.Mitsubishi Michiya
A single by Michiya Mihashi released in 1960.
He also performed it at that year’s Red and White Song Battle.
It was a huge hit, selling 2.2 million copies.
Since the lyrics wish for the health of family living apart, wouldn’t it be perfect for an 88th-birthday celebration?
homeKiyama Yusaku
A song of love from a father to his child.
Yusaku Kiyama’s gentle, embracing voice blends with a heartwarming melody to vividly portray the bond between parent and child.
Through its calm tone, it conveys a parent’s feelings as they stay close to their child’s growth and the importance of cherishing the small joys of everyday life.
Released in February 2008, it was used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Uta-Suta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and later that year Kiyama performed it at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Beloved at important life moments such as graduations and weddings, this song is a perfect choice when you want to express gratitude to someone special or deepen your family bonds.
GIFTMr.Children
Mr.Children’s music is known for its heartfelt messages and sweeping melodies.
This work was created as a theme song for the Olympics, but it celebrates the brilliance of all people, not just the winners.
It sings of the value of each person’s effort and existence, moving many listeners.
Released in July 2008, it was used in NHK’s broadcasts of the Beijing Olympics and is also included on the album SUPERMARKET FANTASY.
It’s the perfect song for celebrating someone important to you or encouraging yourself.
With its universal message and moving melody, it will surely resonate with your heart.
From me to yousakuramaya
This song conveys, from a child’s perspective, gratitude toward grandparents and the wish for them to stay healthy.
Its powerful vocals over an enka-style sound further emphasize the message in the lyrics.
Because it depicts simple, relatable memories, it’s likely to prompt listeners to reflect on their own.
By delivering straightforward words like those in this song—hoping they live a long life—let’s encourage them to keep living energetically from here on out.
summitSanjo Yutaka
As we’ve walked the long road of life, we’ve likely overcome many difficulties.
This song likens such a life to a great mountain, prompting us to reflect on our past and our future.
The lyrics mention that the summit is not the end and even speak of the descent, powerfully conveying that the peak is merely a milestone and that life continues beyond it.
It’s a song that, set to the robust style of enka, encourages us to look back on what’s come before and to stride forward with strength into the life ahead.
Heart-Stirring Songs to Give for an 88th Birthday Celebration (41–50)
Time passes…Itsuki Hiroshi
This song depicts a quiet reflection on the many events experienced along a long journey.
The gentle, piano-centered sound is striking, and the overlap with Hiroshi Itsuki’s powerful vocals is truly moving.
Another noteworthy point is how it portrays overcoming hardships; precisely because life wasn’t only happiness, the gratitude toward those who offered support comes through even more clearly.
The song conveys a strong determination about one’s path forward, while also powerfully singing of hope for future generations.
Life’s journeyMisora Hibari
This song portrays the feelings toward a life walked by one’s own will and the emotions of having struggled through to reach the present.
The powerful lyrics layered with lively sounds leave a strong impression, conveying the joy of having lived with intention.
By clearly depicting the long journey of life that wasn’t only filled with happiness, it also communicates a desire to praise oneself for making it this far.
Through the many words that urge you to believe in yourself and dash through life, the song strongly evokes hope for the future that lies ahead.