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

Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi

Masafumi Akikawa “A Thousand Winds” Music Video

As a masterpiece of beautiful Japanese ballads, Masafumi Akikawa’s singing voice has left a deep impression on many hearts.

With the powerful, soaring tone characteristic of a tenor, this gem of a song gently conveys the preciousness of life and feelings for loved ones.

Released in May 2006, it became an extraordinary hit for a classical singer, creating a major buzz that included Akikawa serving as the closing performer for the White Team at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

In 2007, it was also selected as the theme song for a Fuji TV documentary drama.

Singing about the feelings one has for someone dear, this work continues to be cherished across generations as a song that resonates in many moments of life.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe

A Fine Day for a Journey / Momoe Yamaguchi – with lyrics – high-quality CD audio

This song, which sings of departure and hope, is a classic that resonates with many older listeners.

Momoe Yamaguchi’s gentle yet powerful voice gives listeners a push forward.

Released in November 1978, it was also used as a campaign song for Japan National Railways.

It is often performed at life’s milestones, such as graduation and weddings, and is loved across generations.

March brings the feeling of spring’s arrival.

In this season of new beginnings, why not listen to this song, bask in nostalgic memories, and feel hope for tomorrow?

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boys' Time / Yosui Inoue (with lyrics)

This song is wrapped in a nostalgic, gentle melody.

Together with Yosui Inoue’s characteristically tender vocals, it brings back memories of a pure and innocent childhood.

It might even spark lively conversations about cherished childhood memories.

Released in September 1990, the song drew major attention as the theme for the Toho film of the same name.

In 1991, it was used in a commercial for Sony’s “Handycam 105,” reaching No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It is also included on the album Handsome Boy and has been loved by many for years.

It’s a great choice for music recreation with seniors, offering an approachable tune that anyone can hum along to.

atonementTeresa Ten

Atonement

As a superb love song depicting a heartrending farewell, Teresa Teng’s voice resonates deeply with many listeners.

Vividly expressing the feelings of a woman who fears becoming a burden to the one she loves and chooses to abandon her own love for the sake of the other’s happiness, this work was released in January 1984.

It was also included on the album “Tsugunai” and used as a commercial song for YKK AP’s MADO Shop.

Coupled with Teresa Teng’s clear, crystalline vocals, it evokes profound emotion in the hearts of those who listen.

Love takes many forms, but as you recall the times when you searched for what you could do for someone precious to you, take a moment to heal your heart slowly.

Traveler,Kayama Yūzō

Yuzo Kayama – Tabibito yo

Yuzo Kayama’s “Tabibito yo” (Oh, Traveler) is a timeless masterpiece distinguished by its heartfelt lyrics and melody.

It delicately portrays the feelings of a young person who leaves their hometown and continues their journey, resonating with all of us walking the road of life.

Released in 1966 as an insert song for the film “Let’s Go! Wakadaisho,” its universal message remains as vivid as ever.

It’s a song that, while evoking the beauty of nature and the nostalgia of home, gives you the courage to keep moving toward your dreams.

At life’s turning points or before taking on new challenges, listening to this song can be uplifting.

It’s also wonderful to hum along with friends.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI

An emotionally moving love ballad that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this song captivates with Keisuke Kuwata’s deep vocals and a warmly poetic world.

It begins quietly, then swells like waves of emotion with a beautiful, memorable melody that conveys both the strength and the fragility of love.

Released in January 2000, it was also used as the theme song for the ‘Future Diary III’ segment of the TV show ‘Uunnan no Hontoko!’ and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It won the Grand Prize at the 42nd Japan Record Awards, becoming a definitive song of the year 2000 in both name and substance.

It is a gem that resonates deep in the heart when you want to immerse yourself in memories of a loved one or reflect on life.

The Color of WinterYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Winter Colors

A beautiful ballad depicting a bittersweet crush and pure affection is delivered through Momoe Yamaguchi’s clear, translucent voice.

The delicate feelings of a girl yearning for a chaste love brim with deep longing for a gentle man and an overflowing tenderness, while the image of karatachi blossoms—symbolic of a pale, budding romance—leaves a strong impression.

After its release in December 1974, the song topped the Oricon charts for six consecutive weeks.

At the time, Yamaguchi was 15 years and 11 months old, setting a record as the youngest female solo artist to achieve this feat.

Released around the same time as the film “The Dancing Girl of Izu,” it garnered major attention alongside her co-starring works with Tomokazu Miura.

Perfect for those who wish to uphold pure love or revisit memories of their first love, this heartwarming classic evokes nostalgic scenes of youthful days.