Lively songs recommended for people in their 90s—fun songs for everyone to listen to and sing together.

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.

Smiling Backkyandīzu

Smile Back: Candies Memories

This is a song with a nostalgic, dramatic atmosphere that warmly wraps around your heart.

Released in February 1978, the final single by Candies sparked a huge response, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

With its bright, upbeat melody and lyrics that resonate deeply, the song is perfect for humming along to and for sharing fond memories.

We hope it helps everyone spend a delightful time together, accompanied by feelings of nostalgia.

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.

In the flow of the starsKikuchi Akiko

The Flow of the Stars by Akiko Kikuchi

This gem of a song, performed by Akiko Kikuchi, a singer who epitomizes the Showa era, eloquently expresses the profound sorrow and anger of women living through the turmoil of the postwar period.

Her tender yet resolute voice resonates deeply, embracing the image of women who remain dignified even as they are buffeted by life’s rough seas.

Also featured in the film Gate of Flesh, based on Taijiro Tamura’s original work, the piece became a major hit, selling over 800,000 copies by 1968.

In a time with few forms of entertainment, it served as a source of comfort for many.

Evoking fond memories while touching on the subtleties and kindnesses of life, this song is, I believe, perfect for sharing a warm, heartfelt moment with older listeners.

Ginza Kan-kan GirlTakamine Hideko

Hideko Takamine “Ginza Kankan Musume”

A signature song by Hideko Takamine, released by Japan Victor in 1949.

Set in Ginza, the lyrics portray a young woman of the postwar reconstruction era—full of freedom and hope despite material shortages.

Issued in conjunction with the film, the record became a huge hit, selling 500,000 copies at the time.

It was later covered by many artists and, alongside Takamine’s enduring appeal, became a classic in Japanese music history.

Its poppy melody and lively rhythm make it perfect for humming along and soaking in the atmosphere of the era.

It’s a song that lets you enjoy a stroll through Showa-era Ginza, almost like time-travel.