RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

Recommended cheer songs for people in their 90s: a collection of timeless tracks that support life

For people in their 90s, many likely enjoy enka and popular songs that represent the Showa era.

In this article, we’ll focus on uplifting anthems among those songs and introduce some recommended picks.

There are many wonderful tracks about life that can serve as a source of strength.

If you’re reading this, please consider recommending the songs we introduce to the 90-year-olds close to you.

They may well rekindle the passion and vitality of their younger days!

Recommended motivational songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic tracks that support life (21–30)

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki

Era - Live 2010–11 (from Tokyo International Forum Hall A)
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki

March brings the feeling that spring has arrived.

Among Miyuki Nakajima’s songs, there is one that fits this season perfectly.

This piece sings of life’s joys and sorrows, of meetings and partings.

Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at the Popular Song Contest.

Its gentle melody and profound lyrics speak to the listener’s heart.

It has been featured at graduation ceremonies and in music textbooks, and is loved across generations.

It is also a familiar song for older adults.

Why not hum it together with your family and friends, along with nostalgic memories? It will surely warm your heart.

SaraiKayama Yūzō

Yuzo Kayama - Sarai (with lyrics)
SaraiKayama Yūzō

This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.

It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.

The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.

It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)
If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu

Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.

It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.

Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).

Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.

A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.

It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.

Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)
cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Speaking of cherry blossoms, they are beautiful flowers that herald the arrival of spring.

This song is a masterpiece that overlays the fleeting nature of sakura with the transience of life.

Naotaro Moriyama’s gentle voice vividly depicts a farewell beneath rows of cherry trees.

Released in March 2003, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

Many may know it as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki.” It’s a song that resonates at life’s milestones and moments of parting.

How about listening to it with older adults and basking in nostalgic memories? Wrapped in the warmth of spring, you can spend a heartwarming moment together.

It’s okayHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Daijoubu [Official]
It's okayHikawa Kiyoshi

Life brings various hardships and joys, and Kiyoshi Hikawa delivers a warm, gentle song that embraces them all.

Released in 2019, this work expresses the sadness and feelings of love that everyone experiences through his beautiful vocals.

Like the moon setting and the sun rising, its hopeful message—that tomorrow will surely come—resonates in the heart.

Also included on the album “Shin Enka Meikyoku Collection 9,” this piece is perfect for singing along at recreational gatherings.

Its friendly, singable melody and uplifting lyrics are part of its charm.