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

Open! TulipAkiyama Kanpei

Open, Tulip# Kanpei Hazama: 'Speaking of Showa-era pastimes, it's got to be pachinko!' (Japanese song)

A signature satirical comedy song symbolizing pachinko culture, this is Kanpei Hazama’s hallmark work released in August 1975.

Vividly depicting Showa-era entertainment—like the Warship March playing in pachinko parlors of the time, hand-cranked machines, and the smoky, permissive atmosphere inside—the song reached a peak of No.

25 on the Oricon charts and became a massive hit with over one million copies sold.

In December of the same year, it was also chosen as the theme song for the Nikkatsu film “Wet Lust: Open, Tulip,” enriching the world of director Tatsumi Kumashiro’s work.

Its bright, sprightly melody and Hazama’s distinctive vocals create a humor that’s sure to liven up parties and family gatherings alike.

Examinee BluesTakaishi Tomoya

Examinee Blues (Single Version)

A masterful folk song that portrays the agony and inner conflict of exam-takers with humor and irony.

Goro Nakagawa, then a third-year high school student, wrote the lyrics during a remedial class, and Tomoya Takaishi completed the piece by setting them to a lively, country-style melody.

Vividly depicting a day in the life of a student preparing for entrance exams, the song sharply expresses the emptiness of a life consumed by studying.

Released in February 1968, it became a hit with total sales of 900,000 copies.

It still resonates today and is often sung at parties and gatherings with friends.

It can be considered a valuable work that allows people across generations to look back on the exam wars that symbolized Japan’s rapid economic growth era in the Showa period.

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.

I’ve come a long way, when I think about it.Kaientai

Thinking about it, I've come a long way / Kaientai (with lyrics)

A masterwork by Kaientai that gently portrays life’s milestones—from an autumn scene where cosmos flowers sway, to memories by the Chikugo River, and on to life today.

Its nostalgic melody and heartwarming lyrics resonate deeply with those living away from their hometowns.

Released as a single in September 1978, the song was composed by Yasuyo Yamaki and delivered in Tetsuya Takeda’s gentle voice.

It was chosen as the theme song for a film released the same year and later used in a 1981 television drama starring Ikko Furuya.

This is a piece to be enjoyed while basking in memories, letting time flow unhurriedly.

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.

lipsGLAY

GLAY / Lips

This is GLAY’s exhilarating rock number that sings of passionate love and desire.

It portrays a bittersweet world where innocence and longing intricately intersect, expressed through powerful melodies and delicate emotions.

Released as a hit single in May 1997, it was selected as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP” from April to June, and its fiery message and driving sound captured the hearts of rock fans.

It became the band’s first No.

1 on the Oricon charts and led to a later million-seller, making it a legendary track.

Highly recommended for anyone wanting to spend time wrapped in nostalgia and passion.

It’s perfect for dance time, so be sure to add it to your party or long-drive playlist.

ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG

ff (fortissimo) HOUND DOG

With a powerful, resonant melody and a passionate message, this song has captured the hearts of many as an anthem that encourages listeners to push forward toward their dreams and goals.

The lyrics, which forcefully express the protagonist’s strong resolve and deep love, convey universal feelings that anyone can relate to.

Released in August 1985 and featured in a Nissin Cup Noodles TV commercial, it became one of HOUND DOG’s signature songs.

Since March 2018, it has also been used as the departure melody at JR Sendai Station.

This piece is a song that gently gives you a push when you need the courage to believe in yourself and the strength to move forward.

What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.

The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.

The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.

Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.

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.

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki

Era - Live 2010–11 (from Tokyo International Forum Hall A)

March brings the feeling that spring has arrived.

Among Miyuki Nakajima’s songs, there is one that fits this season perfectly.

This piece sings of life’s joys and sorrows, of meetings and partings.

Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at the Popular Song Contest.

Its gentle melody and profound lyrics speak to the listener’s heart.

It has been featured at graduation ceremonies and in music textbooks, and is loved across generations.

It is also a familiar song for older adults.

Why not hum it together with your family and friends, along with nostalgic memories? It will surely warm your heart.