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

Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)kawanaka miyuki

Nirinso / Miyuki Kawanaka with Lyrics

This is a warm song about the bond between husband and wife, with Miyuki Kawanaka’s emotionally rich vocals resonating deeply.

Using as its motif a plant where two flowers bloom side by side, it sings of the importance of caring for and supporting each other through life.

Combined with her gently enveloping voice, the piece is heartwarming, conveying deep love and connection.

Released in 1998, it became a major hit, with shipments surpassing one million copies.

At the 40th Japan Record Awards, it won both the Excellence Award and the Arrangement Award.

Featured five times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this song has long been cherished in karaoke as a memorable tune for couples who have spent many years together.

Ah, Ueno StationIzawa Hachirō

Ah, Ueno Station — Hachiro Izawa

That nostalgic melody echoing from the station that serves as Tokyo’s gateway.

It’s a classic enka song imbued with the feelings of those who left their hometowns to seek new horizons during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth.

Hachirō Izawa’s powerful yet gentle voice warmly envelops the anxieties and hopes of the youth of that era, as well as their love for their families.

Since its release in May 1964, this work has continued to resonate with many and is still cherished today as the departure melody at Ueno Station.

A gem of a song that tenderly gives voice to the complex emotions everyone feels when taking a new step in life.

It’s a track to enjoy while reminiscing and talking with someone dear to you.

A hill with a view of the harborHirano Aiko

Hill with a View of the Harbor / Aiko Hirano

A postwar masterpiece that gently sings of a beautiful port town.

With its wistful melody and emotionally rich lyrics, Aiko Hirano superbly conveys the stirrings of love and the ache of parting.

On a hill overlooking the harbor, as cherry blossoms fall, the delicate feelings of someone thinking of a departing lover are vividly depicted, giving the song a universal appeal that anyone can relate to.

Since its release in April 1947, it became Victor’s first hit of the postwar era, selling a total of 450,000 copies.

Many artists, including Naomi Chiaki, Mina Aoe, and Hibari Misora, have covered it.

It’s a perfect song for the season when spring is in the air, offering a heartwarming moment filled with nostalgia.

It is a wonderful piece for seniors to share a calm, reminiscence-filled time together.

Sky Restauranthaifaisetto

Hi-Fi Set – Sky Restaurant | My Favorite ALFA: Vinyl Side Ep. 1 @ UNITY RECORD BAR（Seoul, Korea）

A gem of a love song set in a high-rise restaurant where the city’s nightscape stretches out in beauty, depicting a heartrending reunion and farewell.

Released by Hi-Fi Set in November 1975, this piece harmonizes Yumi Matsutoya’s delicate lyrics with Kunihiko Murai’s beautiful melody to stunning effect.

Evening darkness and city lights reflected in skyscraper windows—and a reunion with a past lover.

Even as she senses a parting to come, the woman’s earnest wish to cherish this moment alone together strikes deep.

With the gloss of an adult love drama and a refined, urban sound, it’s perfect for a calm evening.

Why not savor it slowly while immersing yourself in the feelings you keep in your heart?

Ringo OiwakeMisora Hibari

Ringo Oiwake (Recorded in 1982)

This masterpiece gracefully portrays a farewell scene alongside the landscapes of Tsugaru.

With white clouds floating over Mount Iwaki, peaches and cherry blossoms, and early-blooming flowers as the backdrop, a fragile, aching sentiment—like petals dancing in the moonlight—touches the heart.

Hibari Misora beautifully conveys a lyrical world through her distinctive melodic phrasing infused with elements of folk songs and enka, and her deeply expressive singing.

Released in May 1952, the piece was produced as an insert song for the radio drama “Ringoen no Shōjo” (The Apple Orchard Girl) the same year, and was later chosen as the theme song when it was adapted into a film.

It achieved an astonishing 700,000 sales and is known as one of Hibari Misora’s signature songs.

Highly recommended for those who cherish deep memories in their hearts or wish to experience the charm of traditional Japanese popular music.

Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Dotonbori (Tonbori) Ninjō (Full Ver.)

Yoshimi Tendo’s “Dotonbori Ninjō” captivates with warm lyrics that evoke the city of Osaka and a pleasant melody.

It carries the strength to move forward in life after heartbreak and setbacks.

Since its 1985 release, it has continued to be loved by many and was even performed on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics praising symbols of Osaka like Tsutenkaku and the gritty spirit of Naniwa are especially striking.

For older listeners, it’s a song that will resonate deeply, stirring nostalgic memories.

It might be nice to listen with friends or family and let old stories blossom.

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.