Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda - Red Sweet Pea (with lyrics)

This is a classic song by Seiko Matsuda, distinguished by its beautiful melody, filled with the scent of spring, and her fresh, radiant vocals.

The lyrics wonderfully balance innocent first love with a hint of mature romance, and are sprinkled with seasonal imagery such as a spring-colored train and April rain.

Written by Takashi Matsumoto and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, this gem was released in January 1982.

It was also used in a commercial for Fujifilm’s skincare brand Astalift, which drew attention for featuring Miyuki Nakajima.

It’s a song best enjoyed on a calm spring day by the window, inviting a warm, heartwarming moment along with fond memories.

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri

Sayuri Ishikawa - Amagi-goe

Set against Amagi Pass on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, this masterpiece of enka portrays the passionate emotions of a woman consumed by a forbidden love.

The beautiful natural scenery of Izu is artfully interwoven with her deep attachment to the one she loves, and Sayuri Ishikawa’s emotionally rich singing resonates deeply.

Released in July 1986, the song initially struggled in sales, but it has continued to be cherished by many, including being performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

In 2008, MLB player Ichiro also chose it as his walk-up music, drawing widespread attention.

Steeped in nostalgia and brimming with expressive lyrics, it’s a song that invites listeners into its world and can be enjoyed together with older adults.

Because the moon is so very blueSugawara Totoko

Highest Sound Quality! ~ Because the Moon Is So Very Blue (Sung by: Totoko Sugawara)

Many people are likely captivated by Totoko Sugawara’s beautiful singing in this classic song, which poignantly portrays a tree-lined path walked beneath a blue, shimmering moon.

Known as the theme song for a film released in 1955, this work, which reflects a lyrical storyline, carries a warmth that gently envelops the listener.

A popular song that sold over one million copies, it features an emotionally rich melody composed by Akira Mutsu and lyrics brimming with poetic sentiment by Minoru Shimizu, both of which resonate deeply.

Its unhurried rhythm and wistful vocals make it a perfect recommendation for moments when you want to linger in memories during a quiet time.

In the stillness of the night, it may bring back recollections of softly humming the tune while strolling with someone dear.

Mischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi – Prank of the Spring Breeze

With the arrival of spring, a timeless masterpiece was born.

The lyrics gently express tender first love and poignant emotions, portraying the delicate feelings of a girl walking through the city in the spring breeze.

Momoe Yamaguchi’s pure, clear voice beautifully conveys the wavering heart of a young woman.

Released in March 1974, the song was used as the theme for the film “The Dancing Girl of Izu,” and became a major topic of conversation.

Together with the film, which showcased Yamaguchi’s charm as an actress to the fullest, it remains deeply etched in many people’s hearts.

It’s a perfect song for spending a peaceful moment in the warmth of spring or reminiscing about cherished memories.

Why not enjoy it with older listeners, sharing nostalgia while feeling the arrival of spring?

Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Hosokawa Takashi

Takashi Hosokawa / Life Is a Naniwabushi [Official Audio]

This classic enka song, inspired by the traditional Japanese musical art of rōkyoku, vividly portrays the subtleties of life with deep emotion.

Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful vocals beautifully express life’s joys and sorrows.

Released in 1977, the piece captivated many, earning appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and winning multiple awards, including the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

With its universal themes that resonate with each listener’s life experiences, it’s perfect for recreational activities in care facilities or for enjoying music with family.

We hope everyone can form a circle, sing together, clap along, and share a joyful moment.

Mail boat to the small islandAoki Koichi

Mail Boat to the Small Island milkye326 (Original Koichi Aoki)

A song by Koichi Aoki that paints nostalgic scenes such as the lighthouse cape and the shade of orange trees.

Through the image of a mail boat carrying letters, it gently portrays the emotional distance between two people separated by the sea.

Marked by a calm, melodious tune and a soft, emotionally rich vocal performance, this work was released in March 1955.

It was later included in the album “Koichi Aoki Complete Collection.” Frequently featured on radio and music programs, it has long been beloved by many.

Filled with feelings for a cherished person, this song is sure to resonate as a piece of treasured memories.

Why not hum along with older listeners and let the conversation blossom with reminiscences of youthful days?

Parting at 22kaguya hime

Parting at 22 / Kaze (with lyrics)

A delicately rendered farewell to a longtime lover, this is a classic song that almost everyone has hummed at least once.

Released by Kaguya-hime on their 1974 album “Sankaidate no Uta,” it is said to have been written in a single night.

In 1984, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Kinō, Kanabetsu de,” bringing it back into the spotlight.

Accompanied by a gentle melody, the lyrics look back on memories with a lover while gazing toward a new step in life—offering comfort to those who have overcome a turning point in their lives.