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

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

Mata Au Himade

A masterpiece that blends nostalgia with strength.

Released in March 1971, it also earned a spot on that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With Kiyohiko Ozaki’s crystal-clear vocals, this work gives courage to overcome the pain of parting.

The lyrics—praised as embodying the “aesthetics of the Showa era”—delicately portray the feelings of a man and woman who have resolved to say goodbye.

In 1972, it was chosen as the entrance march for the 44th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, and it has long been cherished by many.

How about humming this song as we retrace our nostalgic memories together?

Osaka RhapsodyUminara Senri · Mari

Osaka Rhapsody

The song “Osaka Rhapsody” by the manzai duo Unabara Senri & Mari is about a romance between a man and a woman set against the backdrop of the city of Osaka.

In fact, Unabara Senri is none other than Emiko Uemura (Emiko Uemoto), who is now a major star on variety shows mainly in the Kansai region! The lyrics mention famous Osaka spots like Midosuji and Dotonbori, which may evoke nostalgia for many listeners.

Released in February 1976, the song reached a peak of No.

24 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

If you have ties to Osaka, why not sing it while picturing the cityscape and the days you spent there?

Festival MamboMisora Hibari

Festival Mambo

Hibari Misora’s “Omatsuri Mambo” is a heart-thumping classic that celebrates the joy and vibrancy of people who truly love Japanese festivals, set against the lively backdrop of a matsuri.

Released in 1952 when Hibari was just 15, the song brilliantly pairs her extraordinary vocal prowess with Rokurō Hara’s unique lyrics and composition.

Its immersive sound makes you feel as if you’re right in the middle of a festival, instantly lifting the listener’s spirits.

Enjoy it with family and friends to fully soak up the festive atmosphere—you’re sure to feel energized!

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 Man Who Summons StormsIshihara Yūjirō

Yujiro Ishihara 'A Man Who Causes a Storm'

This is one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature songs, beloved by many as a legendary actor and singer of the Showa era even as times change.

It was released as a single by Teichiku Records in February 1958 and was produced as the theme song for a film of the same title.

Riding on the movie’s success, the song became a major hit and cemented Ishihara’s star status.

Its powerful lyrics depicting passion and way of life, along with Ishihara’s masculine vocals, are especially compelling.

It’s a track that can help older listeners recall their youth and feel energized—one we highly recommend you give a listen.

Run, Kotaro!Sorutī Shugā

Run, Kotaro!

This song is perfect for those who feel nostalgic about the horse racing boom of the Showa era.

With its comical lyrics and lively melody, just listening to it is sure to lift your spirits.

Released in 1970, it became a massive hit, selling nearly one million copies.

It has since been covered in various works and continues to be loved by many.

The song is also familiar across generations, having been used as background music for school sports day footraces.

Enjoy it with family and friends and let it spark conversations about the old days.

Why not spend a fun time reminiscing about the excitement of the racetrack?

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.

festivalKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima “Matsuri” (Official Audio)

Saburo Kitajima’s “Matsuri” is one of his signature songs that fully captures the allure of traditional Japanese festivals.

Since its release in November 1984, it has been included on numerous albums and performed many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, remaining beloved for decades.

While portraying traditional festivals, it also depicts the way of life of a man who takes part in them, and it’s impossible not to feel your heart stirred when you listen.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone who wants to experience the splendor of Japanese festivals or get an energizing boost.

Put it on and imagine the lively atmosphere of a festival.

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~”]

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

It tells the story of a young man from a small, uneventful rural village who resolves to head for the Tokyo he admires.

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

The song carries more than simple yearning to move to the big city.

It portrays the divide between countryside and metropolis, the gap between ideals and reality, and the touching determination of the protagonist who faces it all with a smile.

It’s a power song that can give you a push at life’s crossroads—one we highly recommend you listen to.

Sūdara-bushiUeki Hitoshi

Hitoshi Ueki “Sūdara-bushi” ANALOG RECORD MUSIC

Speaking of classic hits from the Showa era, this humor-filled song tops the list.

A signature work by Hitoshi Ueki, it became a massive hit as soon as it was released in 1961.

He even performed it on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and in 1990 it stirred up the charts again as “Sudarara Densetsu.” It’s an uplifting tune that laughs off life’s failures and setbacks with a bright, carefree spirit.

Featured in films and commercials, it continues to be loved across generations.

Why not hum along with a smile, letting the nostalgia wash over you?