A roundup of uplifting songs recommended for women in their 70s

Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko

Life is full of ups and downs.

A gem of a melody that gently sings of the joys and hardships of life.

Its lustrous vocals warmly embrace the strength to live, forged by overcoming struggles and difficulties.

Once you hear it, it resonates in your heart—a work brimming with hope.

Released by Chiyoko Shimakura in 1987, this song became a major springboard for her appearance in the 1988 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen after achieving 30 consecutive appearances.

This memorable piece also features lyrics that beautifully align with the life experiences of older adults.

Humming it together at events like Respect-for-the-Aged Day gatherings can create a heartwarming moment to share.

Flowers will bloom.

Flowers Will Bloom – Flowers Will Bloom Project (with Japanese lyrics)

This song was planned and produced as the theme song for NHK’s Great East Japan Earthquake Project, with lyrics by film director Shunji Iwai from Sendai.

For those who experienced the disaster, it may bring back difficult memories, and it also served as a source of support during the recovery.

There is also a video from the “Flowers Will Bloom Project,” featuring singers, entertainers, and athletes connected to Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate Prefectures.

With its easy-to-understand melody and singable chorus, it’s fun for everyone to sing together.

It’s also recommended as a choral piece for events.

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.

Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio / Yoshinaga Sayuri

Yukio Hashi & Sayuri Yoshinaga / Itsudemo Yume o (Always Dream)

Because it’s used as an insert song in NHK’s morning drama series “Amachan,” in SoftBank commercials, and in various other contexts, it hardly feels like an old tune.

Of course, for older listeners it’s famous as a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.

It even won the Japan Record Award, was performed on the Red and White Song Battle, and inspired a film—what we’d now call a mega-viral hit! Just hearing the intro will bring back fond memories of days gone by.

It’s also a great choice for karaoke with someone special!

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

With its signature catchphrase, Kiyoshi Hikawa’s debut single “Hakonê Hachiri no Hanjirō” quickly became widely known.

Beyond his powerful vocals, his handsome looks won broad acceptance among younger women who had previously been less interested in enka, propelling him to instant nationwide stardom.

The song’s phrases function as a call-and-response with fans, reportedly creating an electrifying atmosphere at concerts.

Thanks to this, the song is widely recognized and enjoys great popularity at karaoke.

It’s also sure to liven up recreational activities at senior care facilities.

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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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Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi

Woman of Scorpio – Kenichi Mikawa (1972) #WomanOfScorpio #KenichiMikawa #nodownload

“Onna no Scorpion,” the 25th single by Kenichi Mikawa, was released in 1972.

It’s distinctive for beginning with the word “iie” (“No”), and it’s one of his most widely recognized songs.

According to one interpretation, the lyrics that start with “No” convey: even if you tell me to break up, my answer is no.

If you think I’m an easy, understanding woman, you’re gravely mistaken.

You may think this is just a fling, but I won’t end it.

You might find it strange, but I’m single‑minded to the point of staking my life on it.

If that’s the intended meaning, it fits remarkably well and feels convincing, doesn’t it? Taking time to savor the lyrics is one way to enjoy a song, so give it a try if you like.

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