Lovely birthday

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

Heart-Stirring Songs to Give for an 88th Birthday Celebration (41–50)

summitSanjo Yutaka

[Full MV] Toyo Sanjo “Summit” [Official]

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.

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Time passes…Itsuki Hiroshi

"Time Flows On..." by Hiroshi Itsuki

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.

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Life’s journeyMisora Hibari

Hibari Misora - Life’s Journey (Jinsei Ichiro) - March 5, 1970

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.

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SubaruTanimura Shinji

[Shinji Tanimura “Subaru”] Recital 2023 “THE SINGER” to be held on Friday, April 14, at Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater, Large Hall!

SubaruTanimura Shinji

This is a single by Shinji Tanimura released on April 1, 1980.

It sold 600,000 copies, yet it’s a timeless masterpiece known by everyone in Japan.

It’s a powerful number, perfect for celebrating the 88th birthday of a venerable elder who has walked a straight path through life.

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In conclusion

These days, living to 88 isn’t all that rare, but when you think about all the experiences they’ve accumulated over such a long life and how that led to us, their grandchildren, it’s really amazing, isn’t it? Even if you don’t know the song I introduced this time, if you sing it with heart, your grandpa and grandma will surely be delighted!