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
- Ranking of popular songs for senior citizens
- [Celebration Song] A heart-brightening playlist of celebratory songs to color your special day
- [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 Give for an 88th Birthday Celebration (1–10)
Celebration Song for the 88th BirthdayAsō Keiko
A truly auspicious song by Keiko Aso, whose role model is the singer Hibari Misora.
This track is included on the 2016 release “Shimotsuma no Machi.” The lyrics—such as “What’s the greatest happiness at eighty-eight? It’s having people who celebrate your eighty-eighth birthday together with you”—express gratitude to those around you no matter how old you are, resonating widely.
The intro, which kicks off with a classic enka-style “jaka-jaka-jan…,” will lift your spirits, too.
From the title alone, this is the song for a beiju (88th-birthday) celebration! I’d love to hear it performed at a party.
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu
It’s a heartwarming classic that sings of the beauty of gazing up at the stars in the night sky and the hope in life.
Kyu Sakamoto’s warm voice resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in 1963, the song won the Composer’s Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards and has become a popular piece covered by many artists.
It is also known as the theme song of a musical and was used in the film of the same name in which Sakamoto himself starred.
If you sing it at an 88th-birthday celebration, it will bring a sense of peace.
Humming along with family and friends will surely create a wonderful moment of heartfelt connection.
Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo
Ikuzo Yoshi’s singing voice sinks deep into the heart in this timeless song.
It beautifully captures the cold of a snowy country and the ache of unrequited love, gripping the listener from the first note.
Released in February 1986, it became a million-seller and earned a spot in that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
This track cemented Yoshi’s status as an enka singer and has been covered by many artists.
Sung at an 88th-birthday celebration, it would resonate even more, layered with a lifetime of experiences.
It’s a heartwarming piece you’ll want to dedicate with feelings for someone special.
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
Celebrated as a classic that sings of eternal love and happiness, it has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
It depicts two people’s hearts becoming one by the window at dusk, and its lyrics—imbued with hope for the future—are memorable for lines like “Tomorrow will surely bring wonderful happiness.” Released in December 1965 and used as the theme song for the film ‘The Young General of the Electric Guitar,’ it became a massive hit, selling over three million copies.
It has appeared multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has been covered by numerous artists, continuing to be cherished across generations.
This is a recommended song for deepening bonds with someone special or when you want to feel a heartwarming sense of comfort.
Mother on the QuayFutaba Yuriko
A song born in the chaos after the war has, over time, been deeply etched into the hearts of many.
Depicting a mother who waits unceasingly for her son to return from Siberian internment, this work expresses a mother’s unconditional love and strength, stirring the listener’s heart.
Released in 1971, the song became a million-selling hit.
It went on to secure the singer’s place in the spotlight, including an appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a perfect piece to listen to at an 88th-birthday celebration with family and close friends.
Its lyrics, which resonate across generations, invite reflection on the weight of life and the bonds of family.
As time goes bysawada kenji
Known as one of Kenji Sawada’s signature songs, this track was released in August 1975 and was used as an insert song for the TBS drama “Akuma no Youna Aitsu” (A Devilish Fellow).
With lyrics by Yū Aku and composition/arrangement by Katsuo Ōno, it topped the Oricon weekly chart for five consecutive weeks and recorded an astonishing 916,000 copies sold in total.
The lyrics, which depict the love between a man and a woman and the passage of time, resonate deeply with listeners, while Sawada’s powerful yet warm vocals further enhance its appeal.
It might be the perfect song to sing together with family and friends in celebration of an 88th birthday.
With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira
This memorable song, featuring Asahi Kobayashi’s powerful vocals, became a classic after being used as the commercial theme for Ajinomoto General Foods’ “Maxim.” Released in November 1985, it reached No.
12 on the Oricon charts and sold approximately 376,000 copies in total.
With a melody crafted by Eiichi Ohtaki and lyrics by Yū Aku, the piece achieves a superb harmony that has endeared it to a wide audience.
Its lyrics, which evoke a lively, forward-leaning spirit, and its pleasant rhythm make it perfect for karaoke.
Bringing a sense of ease to the heart, this work both brightens gatherings and serves as a fitting choice to celebrate beautiful moments together.
signpostFukuyama Masaharu
A heartwarming song filled with love for a late grandmother and gratitude for the “relay of life” passed down through generations.
Masaharu Fukuyama’s gentle melody and lyrics resonate deeply with listeners.
Originally released in June 2009, the song was performed at the 2021 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and, in response to fans’ requests, re-released in 2022 with a new arrangement.
It’s a perfect choice for expressing appreciation to grandparents or parents, or as a gift for someone important at a milestone in life.
Silver Roaddaakudakkusu
This is a song whose touching melody and lyrics evoke a wintry scene with snow dancing in the air.
The lyrics, which liken life’s harsh journey to a beautiful silver road, kindle a light of hope in the listener’s heart.
The warm harmonies of the Dark Ducks further enhance the song’s appeal.
Holding their first concert on March 22, 1957, and releasing as many as six albums that same year, the Dark Ducks achieved record-setting success.
This work has long been cherished as one of their signature songs.
Listen to it together with a grandfather or grandmother celebrating their 88th birthday, and it will surely bring back the joys and memories of a lifetime.
Saizansu MamboToni Tani
This is a signature song by Tony Tani—known as the model for Iyami from Osomatsu-kun—who was a comedian, musician, and movie star active in the 1950s.
Using an abacus as percussion, this light and witty number is perfect for celebrating an endearing, playful grandpa or grandma’s 88th birthday (beiju).