[Sing for your health!] Popular songs among seniors. Also recommended for recreational activities.

Second-son crowShirane Kazuo

Second Son Crow milkye326 (Original: Kazuo Shirane)

“Jinanbo Karasu” is known as a big hit by Kazuo Shirane.

It’s a memorable song that was also used as a movie theme.

The lyrics capture the bittersweet feelings of a second son setting out on a journey.

They depict walking through sleet, budding romance, and the choices one makes in life.

For older listeners, it may be a song that brings back memories of their youth.

Shirane’s powerful voice and the deeply emotional melody resonate in the heart.

It’s fun to hum along together, and it can also spark conversations as people look back on the old days.

Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko

1949 BBC Tokyo Boogie-Woogie / Shizuko Kasagi

Tokyo Boogie-Woogie is widely loved, even among older adults, as one of Shizuko Kasagi’s signature songs.

Its lyrics capture the sense of liberation and joy that followed the war.

Set to a boogie-woogie rhythm, it conveys the fun of enjoying the music and dance that were in vogue on the streets of Tokyo.

Released in 1947, the song was a massive hit, selling 270,000 records at the time.

It’s also perfect for senior exercise.

You can enjoy it even while seated—just clap along and hum the tune.

With its upbeat groove, it’s the kind of song that leaves you feeling refreshed in both body and mind after moving to it.

Hey, Nakamura-kun!Wakahara Ichirō

Ichiro Wakahara - Hey, Nakamura-kun (with lyrics)

Ichiro Wakahara’s “Hey, Nakamura-kun” is a song that brings back nostalgic Showa-era scenes.

It humorously depicts the everyday life and friendships of office workers, and it’s hard not to smile.

It carries a wish for Nakamura, who has just married and begun his newlywed life, to keep spending time with his old friends.

Many listeners will likely feel a twinge of nostalgia at the phrase, “Back when we first joined the company, we were always together.” For older people, it could also be a prompt to reminisce about their youth.

It might be nice to sing it together and let the stories of the old days flow.

The boatman is dear.Otomaru

Beloved boatman — a popular song, a nostalgic tune

Onimaru’s “Sendō Kawayaya” has a melody and lyrics that truly resonate.

It depicts a nighttime seaside scene and a budding love for a boatman, which may evoke nostalgic memories for older listeners.

Since its release in 1935, the song has been beloved for many years.

More recently, it was featured in the 2020 NHK morning drama series Yell.

It’s lovely to listen to on a quiet night, and also fun to hum along with others.

Its gentle mood makes it perfect for times when you want to relax.

Ginza Kan-kan GirlTakatamine Hideko

Hideko Takamine “Ginza Kankan Musume”

“Ginza Kankan Musume” is a classic song released by Hideko Takamine in April 1949.

Set in postwar Ginza, it portrays the strength of an independent woman.

The lyrics depict various scenes, such as remaining unfazed even in the rain and sipping Calpis.

It sold an impressive 500,000 copies and was loved by many.

For older listeners, it’s a song that likely brings back fond memories.

It’s lovely to recall the atmosphere of Ginza in those days while listening to it.

Its rhythmic feel also makes it a fun choice for background music during exercise.