Recommended Cheer-Up Songs for People in Their 70s: A Collection of Uplifting Tunes

school daysPegī Hayama

Peggy Hayama - Student Days (with lyrics)

Some people may be wondering, “Is Peggy Hayama half-Japanese?” but she was fully Japanese.

Peggy Hayama is a stage name, inspired by a friend she met through a crossed telephone line who said, “Your voice feels like ‘Peggy.’” It’s funny how inspiration can come from anywhere.

Her hit song “Gakusei Jidai” (“Student Days”) was originally titled “Daigaku Jidai” (“College Days”), but the title was reportedly changed after Peggy said, “I didn’t attend college.” It’s a song filled with nostalgia and many fond memories of youth.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

Hikawa Kiyoshi’s debut single, “Hakonē Hachiri no Hanjirō,” is known for its distinctive catchphrase.

In addition to his powerful vocals, his handsome looks were widely embraced by younger women who had previously been less interested in enka, propelling him to instant national stardom.

The song’s signature phrase has become a call-and-response with fans, reportedly creating huge excitement at concerts.

As a result, the track is widely recognized and enjoys great popularity at karaoke.

It’s sure to be a big hit for recreational activities at senior facilities as well.

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Because the moon is so very blueSugawara Totoko

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

Totoko Sugawara, known for her distinctive, wistful vibrato, was called the Queen of Elegy and is also famous as the very first singer to perform on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen, which everyone knows.

She moved to Tokyo at the age of nine for an audition, where her talent blossomed, and together with her father, the composer Akira Mutsu, she released numerous masterpieces.

Her signature song, “Tsuki ga Tottemo Aoi Kara” (Because the Moon Is So Very Blue), became a million-selling hit in an era when the music market was much smaller than it is today, making her a household name across Japan.

For many seniors, it’s a song right at the heart of their youthful days, so it could be a great choice for recreational activities or background music in senior care facilities.

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TouchIwasaki Yoshimi

Touch / Yoshimi Iwasaki / Full-size / With lyrics

An anime theme song that captures the bittersweetness of youth was released in March 1985.

It’s a wonderful track featuring Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals and a melody that resonates deeply.

The lyrics convey the feelings of a girl in love with her childhood friend, leaving a lasting impression with its sweet, heartrending portrayal of adolescence.

The song drew major attention as the opening theme for the anime Touch and reached No.

12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It has also become widely used as a cheer song for high school baseball, a staple performed in the stands.

With a melody everyone can hum along to, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke with friends.

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo

Sake, Tears, Men and Women “Eigo Kawashima” with Lyrics

This is a classic song that portrays the bittersweetness of life that everyone has experienced.

It gently depicts the differences in emotional expression between men and women, resonating with listeners through Eigo Kawashima’s deep insight and warm voice.

Included on the album “Jinrui” (Humanity), the song was also released in 1976 as Kawashima’s solo debut and reached No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Known as the theme song for the sake brand “Kizakura,” it became a major talking point in step with the social mood of the time.

The melody is soft, and its simplicity seeps into the heart.

It’s the perfect song to enjoy at karaoke with someone special.

I hope you’ll savor it slowly, along with your fond memories.

Brother ShipsToba Ichirō

Brother Ship - Ichiro Toba

This is a masterpiece of enka that powerfully expresses the deep bond among fisherman brothers and their devotion to family.

Tetsurō Funamura’s grand melody blends with Tetsurō Hoshino’s moving lyrics, while Ichirō Toba’s rugged vocals bring out the work’s full appeal.

Because Ichirō Toba himself has real-life fishing experience, the pride and spirit of men of the sea come through vividly.

Released in August 1982, the song sold over 290,000 copies on the Oricon charts and won the Newcomer Award at the 16th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.

It has also been performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, earning strong support from enka fans.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and highly recommended for karaoke that stirs the heart.

Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

It’s a song filled with warm attention and deep respect for people who don’t usually stand in the spotlight.

Miyuki Nakajima portrays those who strive to live their lives in places where no one looks, using beautiful metaphors.

Like stars shining in everyday life, it stands as an anthem to the unsung heroes who keep working hard in many different places.

Released in July 2000, the song was chosen as the theme for the NHK documentary series “Project X: Challengers,” and together with the program’s moving content, it deeply resonated with many viewers.

It set a record by staying on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for 174 consecutive weeks.

It’s a song that gives you a strong push forward in those moments when daily life overwhelms you and you feel like stopping.