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

Song of DepartureKamijō Tsunehiko & Rokumonsen

Song of Departure

“Departure Song” is a piece born from the collaboration between Tsunehiko Kamijō and the folk group Rokumonsen.

Its hopeful lyrics—urging you to “fly beyond the galaxy”—leave a strong impression and give you the courage to take a step toward a new beginning.

Upon its release in 1971, it became a major hit, and by 1974 it had even been included in high school music textbooks, attesting to its influence.

Despite being produced under a tight deadline, it went on to win the Grand Prix at the World Popular Song Festival, making the behind-the-scenes story as fascinating as the song itself.

I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo

Yoshi Ikuzo “I’m Goin’ to Tokyo” [From the video cinema “I’m Goin’ to Tokyo ~Pure Heart Edition~”]

Ikuzō Yoshi’s signature song “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda” (“I’m Goin’ to Tokyo”).

It tells the story of a young man who decides to leave a small rural village with nothing and head for the Tokyo he’s always dreamed of.

When it was released in 1984, its self-deprecating lyrics drew mixed reactions, but today it’s become a long-loved classic, even ranking in the top 10 of JASRAC’s copyright royalty distribution list.

What’s embedded in this song is more than simple yearning to move to the big city: it depicts the disparity between countryside and metropolis, the gap between ideals and reality, and the earnest determination of the protagonist as he meets it all with a smile.

It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to when you’re at a crossroads in life—a power anthem that will give you a gentle push forward.

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

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)

Its charm lies in being able to enjoy a heartwarming classic while expressing it through full-body movement.

It’s a song where you can share the joy of connecting with others alongside a simple, friendly melody.

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

Based on an American folk song, the Japanese lyrics were written by Toshito Kimura with a wish for peace and friendship.

A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the 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.

How about enjoying handclaps and body movements together with older adults and letting the conversation blossom with fond memories?

Beautiful SundayTanaka Seiji

Beautiful Sunday (Beautiful Sunday)

Seiji Tanaka’s “Beautiful Sunday” is an uplifting classic released in March 1976.

It became a huge hit across Japan and was even included in middle and elementary school music textbooks.

Set to a bright, refreshing melody, the song celebrates the joy of a breezy Sunday.

Its positive, cheerful tune lifts the listener’s spirits and makes you want to spend a wonderful day.

It’s a song we especially recommend to people in their seventies who feel nostalgic yet want to keep looking forward as they walk through life.

YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki

Saijo Hideki – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

Hideki Saijo’s smash hit “YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)” sold 1.8 million copies after its 1979 release and won numerous music awards.

A cover of the Village People’s song of the same name, this track is filled with an upbeat sound and many uplifting messages that encourage listeners.

The “Y,” “M,” “C,” and “A” poses became a participatory performance loved by people of all ages, and it remains one of Saijo’s signature songs remembered by many to this day.

A city sandwich board manTsuruta Koji

A city sandwich board man

Koji Tsuruta’s “Machi no Sandwich Man” is a moving classic from the Showa era.

Its lyrics, depicting the lives of people who survived the difficult postwar years as sandwich-board men, leave a strong impression.

The song celebrates the strength to live without losing dreams and hope, even in adversity.

Released in 1953, it captured the hearts of people at the time.

It’s a perfect song for those in their 70s to sing as they reminisce about their youth and chat with friends of the same generation.

As you sing it, let yourself be immersed in memories of those days.

Hello from countries around the worldMinami Haruo

Haruo Minami, 'Hello from the Countries of the World'

Haruo Minami was born in 1923 in Niigata Prefecture and, after a postwar career as a rokyoku narrative singer, moved into the enka world as a vocalist.

With traditional Japanese attire as his trademark, he delivered songs that resonated with the hearts of the Japanese people through his beautiful voice.

His signature song is “Sekai no Kuni kara Konnichiwa” (“Hello from the Countries of the World”).

Created as the theme song for Expo ’70 in Osaka, it carries a message of friendship and welcome to people around the globe.

It invites listeners to deepen their understanding of foreign lands and cultures and to feel the power of connecting with the world through heartfelt smiles.

It is especially recommended for older adults to enjoy in various settings.