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

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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Close your eyesHirai Ken

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.

Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.

Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.

In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] In the Sun and Dust / CHAGE and ASKA

A gem of a melody that portrays the dreams and setbacks of youth—and the strength to overcome them.

Released to the world by CHAGE and ASKA in January 1991, this work captures the persistence of those who keep pursuing their dreams, set to a 16-beat rhythm infused with a Western pop sensibility.

The chorus, simple yet striking, has a familiar charm that makes you want to sing along.

A single cut from the album “SEE YA,” it was featured in Nissin Foods’ “Cup Noodles Red Zone” campaign and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s TIME3, becoming a major hit with cumulative sales exceeding 500,000 copies.

It’s a song that gently pushes you forward when you want to keep running toward unseen dreams—or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.

lipsGLAY

GLAY / Lips

An erotic number that captures both aching infatuation and passionate love.

Swept up by irresistible desire, the protagonist’s heart grows increasingly unsettled by feelings for their partner—expressed powerfully against GLAY’s signature, high-velocity sound.

The striking guitar riff and melody sung in a higher key further accentuate the emotions swirling within.

Released in May 1997, the song was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP” from April to June of the same year, and became a major hit as the band’s first Oricon No.

1.

It’s the perfect track for cranking up the energy with friends at karaoke or letting your feelings out.

A person who loves springGLAY

GLAY / A Person Who Loves Spring

A gem of a ballad born from the inspiration of witnessing people endure Iceland’s harsh winter while longing for spring.

It poetically depicts the changing of the seasons and human emotions, and its heartwarming melody—woven by delicate piano tones and the band’s dynamic groove—leaves a strong impression.

Included on the album “BELOVED,” released in November 1996, this GLAY number also gained popularity the following year as the B-side to the single “Kuchibiru,” and has been featured on numerous classic releases, including the best-of album “DRIVE-GLAY complete BEST.” It’s a song we especially recommend to those who, while awaiting the arrival of spring, hold dear the feelings they have for someone special.