[For Seniors] Speaking of July, it’s this song! A selection of tunes to enjoy the hot summer

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.

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boys' Time / Yosui Inoue (with lyrics)

This song is wrapped in a nostalgic, gentle melody.

Together with Yosui Inoue’s characteristically tender vocals, it brings back memories of a pure and innocent childhood.

It might even spark lively conversations about cherished childhood memories.

Released in September 1990, the song drew major attention as the theme for the Toho film of the same name.

In 1991, it was used in a commercial for Sony’s “Handycam 105,” reaching No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It is also included on the album Handsome Boy and has been loved by many for years.

It’s a great choice for music recreation with seniors, offering an approachable tune that anyone can hum along to.

The Sun of the DowntownBaishō Chieko

Chieko Baisho / Downtown Sun

This song is filled with the nostalgic charm of Showa-era downtown life, featuring a warm, gentle voice that tenderly embraces everyday people’s lives.

Its lyrics portray those who face forward and live like the shining sun, while the melody—tinged with a wistfulness reminiscent of Russian folk songs—resonates deeply.

Released in 1962 as Chieko Baisho’s debut single, it won the New Artist Award at the 4th Japan Record Awards the following year.

A film of the same title was also produced, directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Baisho.

It is recommended for older listeners who feel fond nostalgia for the warm, humane atmosphere of the downtown districts, so different from the upscale Yamanote area.

We hope everyone will take their time to enjoy the song together, letting it spark lively conversations about memories from days gone by.

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.

Waltz of StarlightSen Masao

Waltz of Starlight

Masao Sen’s “Hoshikage no Waltz” is one of the signature masterpieces of the Showa-era enka scene.

Its lyrics, which portray a heartrending love, blend beautifully with the waltz rhythm, and even more than 50 years after its release, the song has lost none of its luster and continues to be loved by many.

Released in March 1966, the track gradually gained popularity thanks to proactive promotion to cable radio networks nationwide, and ultimately became a massive hit, selling over 2.5 million copies.

For older listeners, it may be a trigger to reminisce about their youth.

Why not sing it and bask in that nostalgic feeling?

A quiet lakeside

Quiet Lakeside [Children’s Song] Vocals, Chorus, and Performance by akiurara [Pop-style Arrangement] With Lyrics | With Romaji | Shizukana kohan (cover) DTM/DAW

This is a charming piece with a simple, natural atmosphere—a round that everyone can sing together at a relaxed pace.

Born at a campground by Lake Nojiri, its melody musically evokes the calls of cuckoos and owls, conjuring a soothing moment in the forest.

Composed in 1936, it was later included on the Dark Ducks’ 1958 album “Picnic Song,” and has been loved by many ever since.

Featured in commercials for Kikkoman and S&B Foods, this familiar work invites you to enjoy it while picturing cool summer scenery.

It’s also perfect for sing-along activities with seniors, offering a heartwarming time that brings back fond memories.

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Look up at the stars in the night (Kyu Sakamoto)

Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ue o Muite Arukō (Sukiyaki)”—literally “Look Up at the Night Stars”—is a classic that celebrates the wonder of gazing up at the night sky, bringing hope and comfort to people’s hearts.

Since its 1963 release, the song has been loved by many, conveying through its beautiful melody the courage to face life’s hardships and challenges, and the importance of supporting one another.

It’s a song that older listeners can also enjoy singing at a relaxed pace as they reminisce about the past.

Why not spend a little time looking up at the night sky and savoring those small moments of happiness?