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

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.

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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Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu

Pinky and the Killers — The Season of Love (with lyrics)

This song is distinguished by a bossa nova rhythm that heralds the start of summer.

Riding on a melody that captures the joy of new love, it’s become a classic summer tune brimming with lightness and nostalgia.

The fresh vocals and performance by Pinky & The Killers gently wrap youthful memories in warmth.

Released in July 1968, the song spent 17 consecutive weeks at number one on the Oricon charts.

It was also featured in the 2009 film Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, making it beloved across generations.

On a hot summer day, why not hum along with older adults while reminiscing in a cool room? You can also expand the fun by doing light exercises or clapping along to the beat.

Flamenco of the StarsSaigō Teruhiko

Stellar Flamenco, Teruhiko Saigō

This song, set to a passionate flamenco rhythm, expresses the tender feelings of young love.

Released in 1966, it gained wide support alongside Teruhiko Saigō’s powerful vocals.

It attracted attention as an innovative attempt to incorporate flamenco elements into Japanese kayōkyoku.

As one of his signature songs, it has been included in numerous music albums.

In recent years, it has also become familiar as an insert song on the variety show “Can I Charge My Battery? Tetsurō Degawa’s Journey.” Well known among seniors, this piece is one that can be enjoyed with a sense of nostalgia.

With its warm vocals and captivating melody, it will keep you smiling even on hot summer days.

As long as the sun is in the skyNishikino Akira

As Long as There Is a Sun in the Sky / Akira Nishikino (with lyrics)

This song, distinguished by its bright and refreshing melody, is a signature work by Dan Nishikino that sings of eternal love and hope.

Released in 1971, it became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the weekly Oricon charts, and was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its central message—“Let’s keep looking forward and walking ahead”—offers wonderful encouragement that resonates particularly with older adults.

Filled with nostalgia, it’s also perfect for recreational activities that get people moving in an enjoyable way.

It’s a song that everyone can sing together to feel energized and share a truly delightful time.

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.

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto – Look Up at the Stars in the Night (with lyrics)

Beloved as a song for gazing up at the night sky, this piece resonates as a warm cheer for those facing hardships.

With lyrics by Rokusuke Ei and music by Taku Izumi, it has long been cherished in the enveloping voice of Kyu Sakamoto.

Released as a single in May 1963, it was originally written as the theme song for a musical.

It is also a celebrated masterpiece that won the Japan Record Award for Composition.

Though born as a message of encouragement for young people studying at night school, it is a song that transcends generations to bring hope and courage.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together during recreation time at the facility.