Good songs recommended for people in their 50s: classic and popular J-pop tracks.

Before anything else, from atop the roadIsseifubi Sepia

Issei Fubi Sepia “Dear Sir/Madam, From Above the Road” [Official]

Set to the resounding beat of powerful drums and flutes, this work captivates with spirited chants reminiscent of Issen Fubi Sepia’s festival calls and an energetic performance.

It masterfully overlays the laws of nature with the truths of life, singing the importance of living positively.

Released in June 1984, it became a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

It was also featured in commercials for Suzuki’s Love THREE scooter and Kirin Beer’s Kirin Shochu Tanrei Straight, earning love from a wide audience.

A classic packed with the essence of their street-performance origins, it’s a song you’ll want to hear when you feel lost in life or are ready to take a new step forward.

Runnerbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump “Runner” MUSIC VIDEO (HD)

The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.

Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.

Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.

This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.

Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.

Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Song of Life (Official Music Video)

A gem of a ballad woven by Mariya Takeuchi’s delicate and graceful voice.

With beautiful melodies and gentle piano phrases, it engraves in the heart the preciousness of life and the miracle of human encounters.

The melody that brings to mind bonds with loved ones and the warm, embracing vocals gently heal the listener’s heart.

Originally released in 2009 under the name Mana Kana as an insert song for the NHK morning drama series “Dandan,” it was later released in 2012 as a self-cover by Mariya Takeuchi.

It has also been cherished as the theme song for the NHK docudrama “Kaitakusha-tachi” (The Pioneers).

Loved as a piece that accompanies life’s important moments—such as weddings and graduations—it is a heartwarming song that makes you want to feel grateful for each irreplaceable day before you.

Setting Sail SASURAITerao Akira

Sasurai

Singer Akira Terao, who gained immense popularity with his calm vocals, is not only an accomplished actor but has also left behind many classic songs as an artist.

Among them, the one I especially recommend for men in their 50s as an easy song to sing is Shukkō SASURAI (Setting Sail: Wanderer).

It’s one of Terao’s pieces with a particularly mature, understated vibe, composed primarily in a low vocal range throughout.

There are no sudden jumps in pitch and no parts that require belting, making it an exceptionally easy song for men in their 50s to sing.

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Goodbye DayKisugi Takao

Goodbye Day

Takao Kisugi is one of the composers who defined the 1980s.

He wrote numerous classic songs such as “Silhouette Romance” and “Slow Motion,” and for a time he was also active as a singer-songwriter.

Among Kisugi’s many works, the one I especially recommend is “Goodbye Day.” It’s a piece where his signature ‘Kisugi style’ is in full bloom, but on top of that, it has a smooth finish and a very singable vocal line with a narrow range.

There are plenty of long tones, but the melodic contours are very gentle, so a man in his 50s should be able to sing it without any trouble.

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Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi

Happy ending

Eiichi Ohtaki was a music producer who gained popularity for his unique style that mixed American pop with Showa-era kayōkyoku.

He was one of the artists who laid the foundation for city pop, a Japanese music genre renowned worldwide, and he also left behind several masterpieces as a singer-songwriter.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is Shiawase na Ketsumatsu (A Happy Ending).

While the track features a soaring vocal style reminiscent of Tatsuro Yamashita, its vocal range is quite narrow and the melodic contours are gentle, making it easy to sing well regardless of your voice type.

However, because it contains many long sustained notes, you should be careful with your breathing—despite not requiring a powerful volume.

Be sure to steady your breath before each entrance and sing with that awareness.

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MelodyTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki “Melody” Live at Tokyo International Forum 1997/11/22

A gem of a ballad that gently envelops nostalgia for the past and feelings for what has been lost.

Koji Tamaki’s delicate vocals resonate deeply in this piece, where straightforward lyrics and a simple melody blend beautifully.

Carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, it quietly sings of the resolve to face forward while holding cherished memories close.

Released in May 1996, the song has been covered by many artists over the years and has grown in esteem.

A heartwarming track that pairs perfectly with a leisurely night drive or a quiet moment alone in thought.