[Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.

Parting at 22kaze

Parting at 22 / Kaze (with lyrics)

The debut song by the folk duo Kaze is a heartwarming classic, as gentle as the spring sunshine.

The lyrics vividly portray the pure love and parting of youth, while the tender acoustic guitar melody weaves a beautiful harmony.

Since its release in 1975, it has been covered by many artists and even adapted into a film by director Nobuhiko Obayashi in 2007, remaining beloved across generations.

In NHK’s “SukiUta — Kouhaku Everyone’s Survey,” it ranked 71st for the White Team.

It’s a perfect song for savoring slowly when you want to bask in nostalgic memories, and it could also spark lively conversations among older listeners about their experiences from back in the day.

cherry blossom frontKoyanagi Rumiko

Cherry Blossom Front by Rumiko Koyanagi

Sakura Zensen is a classic song heralding spring, released in 1976 by Rumiko Koyanagi.

Its lyrics delicately portray scenes from a journey across Japan and the shifting of the heart, blending with a gentle, bittersweet melody that resonates deeply.

Feelings for what has been lost and anticipation for a new season intertwine, expressed through Koyanagi’s warm vocals that offer comfort to listeners.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step with the arrival of spring.

While it’s perfect for the cherry blossom season, it will also be a strong companion when you want to bask in nostalgia or make a fresh start.

Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō

Yume Oi Sake – Jiro Atsumi | Dream-Chasing Sake – Jiro Atsumi (Lyrics + Romaji)

Jiro Atsumi’s “Yumeoi-zake” is a bittersweet ballad that gently stains the heart with the pain of lost love.

Released in 1978 as his third single, it became a classic, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year.

The lyrics—asking, “Why, why did you abandon me?”—resonate deeply, vividly evoking scenes of a barroom.

Atsumi’s commanding vocals beautifully convey the ache of heartbreak, while also imparting a sense of strength to keep moving forward despite sorrow.

It’s a perfect song to listen to when you want to remember someone dear or reflect on life.

Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi’s “Yukiguni” is a masterpiece that skillfully portrays a bittersweet love and the snowy country’s scenery.

The feelings of a woman shedding tears alone on a cold winter night really touch the heart.

The repeated phrase “Oikakete, oikakete…” (Chasing, chasing…) is striking, and you can’t help but hum along.

Released in 1986, the song became a huge hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a landmark work that cemented Yoshi’s status as an enka singer.

It’s perfect for those cold seasons when you want to bask in nostalgia.

Sing it at karaoke with friends, and it’s sure to warm your hearts.

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.

school daysPegī Hayama

school days

A song filled with youthful memories comes back to life in the voice of Peggy Hayama.

Released in 1964, this piece richly portrays student life at a mission school.

Prayers in the chapel, memories with friends, studying in the library, and fleeting first love—nostalgic scenes come vividly to mind.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1965 and went on to become a million-seller.

Beloved as a standard song for graduations and reunions, it may prompt older listeners to reflect on their own school days.

Why not hum along, together with your cherished memories?

Song of the Four SeasonsSakushi sakkyoku: Araki Toyohisa

Song of the Four Seasons | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Japanese Songs | Those who love spring are people with pure hearts

A celebrated song that beautifully portrays Japan’s four seasons, it was created by Toyohisa Araki during a hospital stay as an expression of gratitude to the nurses.

With gentle imagery, it reflects the feelings of those who love each season—pure of heart, strong of heart, deep of heart, and broad of heart—overlaying them with friends, parents, and lovers through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

First recorded in 1972, it became a major hit with Yoko Seri’s version after it was featured on Nippon Broadcasting in June 1976.

Its warm vocals and melody are sure to resonate with listeners.

Singing it together with older adults can create a wonderful time to share memories of the changing seasons and of cherished people.

It’s perfect for enjoying in the mild cheer of spring, with a calm and peaceful feeling.