Energizing songs recommended for men in their 70s: A roundup of nostalgic power tracks

SEPTEMBEREarth, Wind & Fire

“September” Exercise DISCO – Refresh yourself with disco music!

Released in 1978, this track is perfect when you’re in the mood to move and have fun.

Buoyant guitar lines and a comfortable groove naturally get your hands clapping and feet tapping.

Its blend of soul, funk, jazz, and R&B is quintessential Earth, Wind & Fire.

Featured in films like Night at the Museum and Intimacy, it’s a beloved classic that has captivated many.

It’s no surprise it earned Gold certification from the RIAA—its timeless appeal is undeniable.

Highly recommended not only when you want to get your body moving, but also when you need a lift for your spirits.

Why not enjoy a wonderful musical moment by moving to the rhythm?

As time goes bysawada kenji

As Time Goes By — Kenji Sawada

This is the theme song from the 1975 drama “Akuma no Yōna Aitsu,” starring Kenji Sawada.

Those who watched the series at the time may find it nostalgic.

The song portrays a deep sense of life’s melancholy and the quiet act of surrendering to the flow of time together with a loved one.

When you want to push forward but your heart can’t keep up, its melody doesn’t force encouragement; instead, it gently stays by your side—a tune that truly resonates.

Listening to this piece while reflecting on the days you’ve walked through would be wonderful.

Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu

Omoide no Nagisa (Memories of the Beach) / The Wild Ones (1966)

Let me introduce a song whose sparkling 12-string guitar tone resonates in the heart like the gentle surf at summer’s end.

When you listen to it, it brings back those bittersweet summer memories of youth, doesn’t it? You can almost picture the protagonist of the lyrics alone on the beach, quietly reflecting on a love that has passed.

It’s a little wistful, yet it leaves you with a warm feeling.

The fresh harmonies of The Wild Ones are wonderful, too! This piece was released in November 1966 as their debut single, and it became a classic loved by many, selling over a million copies.

The B-side featured a song called “Your Baby.” It also served as the theme song for the film “Omoide no Nagisa” and for the TV drama “Shitetsu Ensen 97 Bunsho.” Why not give it a listen on a summer day to cool off, or when you want to sink into cherished memories? It’s sure to bring you a moment of peace.

Traveler,Kayama Yūzō

Traveler / Yuzo Kayama [with lyrics]

It’s a heartwarming classic woven with words that gently accompany each person’s life, a song that sinks deep into the heart.

While evoking memories of one’s hometown, it stands out as an anthem cheering on travelers who keep walking forward, its lyrics brimming with tenderness and strength.

Yuzo Kayama’s clear, translucent voice blends beautifully with the harmonies of The Launchers, creating superb balance.

The piece was released to the world as the B-side to the single “Gazing at the Night Sky” in October 1966, and was also used as an insert song in the film “Let’s Go! Wakadaisho.” In May 2010, a duet version with Ryoko Moriyama was included on the album “50 Years of Wakadaisho!” It’s highly recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or wishing to reflect on cherished memories.

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto – Look Up at the Stars in the Night (with lyrics)

Beloved as a song for gazing up at the night sky, this piece resonates as a warm cheer for those facing hardships.

With lyrics by Rokusuke Ei and music by Taku Izumi, it has long been cherished in the enveloping voice of Kyu Sakamoto.

Released as a single in May 1963, it was originally written as the theme song for a musical.

It is also a celebrated masterpiece that won the Japan Record Award for Composition.

Though born as a message of encouragement for young people studying at night school, it is a song that transcends generations to bring hope and courage.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together during recreation time at the facility.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI

An emotionally moving love ballad that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this song captivates with Keisuke Kuwata’s deep vocals and a warmly poetic world.

It begins quietly, then swells like waves of emotion with a beautiful, memorable melody that conveys both the strength and the fragility of love.

Released in January 2000, it was also used as the theme song for the ‘Future Diary III’ segment of the TV show ‘Uunnan no Hontoko!’ and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It won the Grand Prize at the 42nd Japan Record Awards, becoming a definitive song of the year 2000 in both name and substance.

It is a gem that resonates deep in the heart when you want to immerse yourself in memories of a loved one or reflect on life.

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.

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boys' Time / Yosui Inoue (with lyrics)

This song is wrapped in a nostalgic, gentle melody.

Together with Yosui Inoue’s characteristically tender vocals, it brings back memories of a pure and innocent childhood.

It might even spark lively conversations about cherished childhood memories.

Released in September 1990, the song drew major attention as the theme for the Toho film of the same name.

In 1991, it was used in a commercial for Sony’s “Handycam 105,” reaching No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It is also included on the album Handsome Boy and has been loved by many for years.

It’s a great choice for music recreation with seniors, offering an approachable tune that anyone can hum along to.

A street corner where stars fallSatoi Ito to Happī & Burū

Starlit Street Corner / Satoshi Ito and Happy & Blue: With Lyrics

Set to a bossa nova rhythm, this gentle song captures a quiet night shared by lovers.

Under a star-filled urban sky, it portrays the couple’s warm moments with delicate words.

Though simple, the melody is deeply moving, and the fresh vocals that highlight the choral parts leave a strong impression.

Released in 1977, the piece garnered high acclaim, competing in the 6th Tokyo Music Festival’s domestic contest and winning both the Vocal Performance Award and the Special Excellence Award at the inaugural Osaka Popular Music Festival.

As a mood kayō that showcases choral singing, it’s recommended for older listeners who wish to spend a relaxed time through song.

With the group’s harmonies, it’s a track that lets you sink into memories of your younger days.

SubaruTanimura Shinji

Shinji Tanimura - Subaru (with lyrics)

This is a ballad that evokes the vast expanse of the cosmos, highlighted by Shinji Tanimura’s deeply resonant voice.

Its hopeful lyrics and melody strike a chord during life’s milestone moments.

Released in 1980, the piece has been featured on numerous music programs and at various events.

While rooted in folk, it also incorporates classical elements, making it a gem of a masterpiece.

Tanimura also excelled as an educator, becoming a full-time professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2004, and he fostered deep connections with many people through music.

It’s a recommended song for music recreation with seniors as well, offering a calm listening experience at a relaxed tempo.

It would be a lovely time to hum along together while sharing fond memories.