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

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

Yujiro Ishihara’s “Kita no Tabibito” (Traveler of the North) is a classic that symbolizes the end of the Showa era.

The lyrics, which portray the harsh cold and loneliness of the northern lands, really touch the heart.

The red light found at the tip of the cape is like a lover who keeps waiting.

The mists of Hakodate and the snowy scenery of Otaru are depicted beautifully, and just listening makes you feel as if you’re traveling.

Ishihara’s voice, steeped in melancholy, is also captivating.

Released in 1987, the song was his final work and has been beloved by many.

How about humming it together, along with nostalgic Showa memories? It’s sure to warm your heart.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

Created as the theme song for an NHK morning drama, this piece is a gentle, hope-filled song.

Through springlike scenes such as winter daphne and sudden showers, it poignantly sings of parting from a loved one and the wish to meet again.

Yumi Matsutoya’s warm voice resonates deeply in the heart, stirring fond memories.

Released in October 1994, the song topped the Oricon chart and became a major hit, selling over 1.16 million copies.

It’s a perfect song to sing together with seniors while sharing nostalgic stories.

Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko

Life is full of ups and downs.

A gem of a melody that gently sings of the joys and hardships of life.

Its lustrous vocals warmly embrace the strength to live, forged by overcoming struggles and difficulties.

Once you hear it, it resonates in your heart—a work brimming with hope.

Released by Chiyoko Shimakura in 1987, this song became a major springboard for her appearance in the 1988 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen after achieving 30 consecutive appearances.

This memorable piece also features lyrics that beautifully align with the life experiences of older adults.

Humming it together at events like Respect-for-the-Aged Day gatherings can create a heartwarming moment to share.

Forever with youKayama Yūzō

Yuzo Kayama – Forever With You (with lyrics)

A gem of a love song that conveys feelings for a cherished person through a warm, tender vocal—combining gentle expressions of affection with a dramatic arc.

Centered on themes of eternal love and happiness, it tenderly wraps the lovers’ vows in beautiful Japanese lyrics.

Yuzo Kayama’s guitar tones and emotionally rich voice create a sublime melodic line that resonates deeply with listeners.

Written in 1965 as the theme song for the film “Young Guy with an Electric Guitar,” it became a hit with over three million singles sold.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Young Guy of the Alps” and received the Special Award at the 8th Japan Record Awards.

Share a soothing moment together, humming along to this song of memories and enjoying a peaceful time.

It’s also a perfect piece to spark communication among older adults.

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri

Sayuri Ishikawa “Amagi-goe” LIVE Ver. (from Sayuri Ishikawa On Stage: Utazammai 2015 at Hakataza)

Along with “Tsugaru Strait Winter Scenery,” Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Amagi-goe” can be considered one of her signature songs.

It’s been performed many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and is especially familiar to older listeners.

It’s also a popular karaoke number across generations, so give it a try! The key to this song is, above all, its punchy lyrics and sultry vocal style.

It may be on the difficult side with elements like falsetto and kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), but thanks to enka’s characteristically relaxed melody, it might be easier to boldly take on than you think.

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Melancholy TrainMitsubishi Michiya

Melancholy Train by Michiya Mihashi

A gem of a classic, woven from a universally memorable melody and a line steeped in nostalgia.

Michiya Mihashi’s expansive vocals—honed through his background in folk songs—richly convey the poignant sorrow of parting from a loved one.

With its universal themes that touch on the subtleties of life and lyrics that resonate deeply, the song invites empathy from many.

Since its 1956 release, it has been a massive hit, selling over 2.5 million copies, and was even adapted into a film the following year.

It is also a memorable piece that marked his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

This work is perfect for enjoying together while sharing a sense of connection.

We hope you’ll hum or clap along as you bask in nostalgic memories.

Hawaiian Airlines flightUtsumi Kiyoshi

Hawaiian Airlines Flight, Kiyoshi Utsumi

The songs of Kiyoshi Utzumi, which captivated many fans in the late 1940s through the 1950s, are gem-like works that express nostalgia for and longing toward a beautiful southern paradise.

Their gentle melodies and wistful vocals vividly depict the scenery and atmosphere of Hawaii.

Released in 1950, this piece became a beloved classic that tenderly embraced the dreams and hopes of the Japanese people at the time.

Included on the album “Japanese Popular Song Stars (19): Kiyoshi Utzumi,” it continues to be cherished across generations.

Brimming with warm nostalgia, this song is perfect for music activities that foster enjoyable interaction with seniors, creating shared moments of calm and comfort.