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

As long as the sun is in the skyNishikino Akira

As Long as There Is a Sun in the Sky / Akira Nishikino (with lyrics)

This song, distinguished by its bright and refreshing melody, is a signature work by Dan Nishikino that sings of eternal love and hope.

Released in 1971, it became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the weekly Oricon charts, and was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its central message—“Let’s keep looking forward and walking ahead”—offers wonderful encouragement that resonates particularly with older adults.

Filled with nostalgia, it’s also perfect for recreational activities that get people moving in an enjoyable way.

It’s a song that everyone can sing together to feel energized and share a truly delightful time.

Journey of the Heartchūrippu

Kokoro no Tabi / Tulip (with lyrics)

This is a classic song that richly captures the bittersweet feelings before setting off on a journey.

It beautifully expresses both the excitement and loneliness of the last night spent with a loved one before starting a new life.

Listening to it vividly brings back memories from those days.

Released by Tulip in April 1973, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ninjō Ippon Kokoro no Tabi,” as well as in commercials for the Toyota Carina and JR West.

Evoking the romance of nostalgic train travel, the song’s friendly, sing-along melody is part of its charm.

How about humming it together with seniors while clapping along?

Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

This song is imbued with a warm gaze and deep respect for people who usually remain out of the spotlight.

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

It is an ode to unsung heroes who keep making efforts in various places, shining like stars in everyday life.

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

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

It is a song that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments when the pressures of daily life make you want to stop.

SaraiKayama Yūzō

Yuzo Kayama - Sarai (with lyrics)

This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.

It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.

The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.

It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.

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.

Tokyo RhapsodyFujiyama Ichirō

Tokyo Rhapsody, nostalgic song, Tokyo

A classic song representing 1936 (Showa 11) was born in a work set in Ginza, Kanda, Asakusa, and Shinjuku, portrayed in a pure and light foxtrot style.

Ichiro Fujiyama’s beautiful voice elegantly sings of urban scenes and a love story.

This piece, which vividly brings to mind the bustling districts of Tokyo at the time, became a massive hit, selling 350,000 copies.

It was Fujiyama’s first release after moving to Teichiku, and a film of the same title was later produced, cementing its status as a beloved song that symbolizes the Showa era.

It’s a perfect track for a calm moment or when reminiscing about the past.

Enjoy a heartwarming time discussing what Tokyo was like back then together with older listeners.

The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka

The Longed-For Hawaii Route

Haruo Oka’s “Akogare no Hawai Kōro” (“The Longed-for Hawaii Route”) is a classic that truly reflects its era, symbolizing the postwar Japanese yearning for the wider world.

Its lyrics conjure vivid scenes—the clear blue sky and gentle breeze, the ship’s departure bell, the streamers at farewell—overflowing with hope for distant shores.

Released in 1948, it became a massive hit, and in 1950 it was adopted as the theme song for a film of the same name.

Listen to it when setting off on a sea voyage or when reminiscing about your youth, and you’ll feel your heart fill with courage and energy.

Just as Oka’s soulful voice encouraged people in the postwar years, it will surely become a powerful guidepost in your own life.