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

Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi

Yokohama Twilight

A Showa-era classic known as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

Set against the twilight of Yokohama, its moving lyrics poignantly sing of a heart-wrenching breakup.

Released in March 1971, it drew a major response, including winning the Vocal Performance Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards.

The port town’s atmosphere and melancholic scenery deepen the sense of heartbreak in this work.

Why not sing it while reminiscing about the past and sharing memories with someone dear?

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.

SaraiKayama Yūzō

Yuzo Kayama - Sarai (with lyrics)

This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.

It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.

The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.

It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.

Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo

Sake yo: Yoshi Ikuzo

As a timeless enka classic that resonates with the heart, this song embodies Yoshikazu Yoshi’s outlook on life and deep emotions.

Released in September 1988, it conveys a man’s loneliness and the subtleties of life through a warm, expressive voice.

The scenes of remembering someone through drinking leave a strong impression, depicting thoughts of loved ones and the past alongside a moving melody.

It garnered numerous accolades, including the Grand Prix at the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards, and was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen—a true gem of a song.

It’s perfect not only for singing together at karaoke but also for savoring while carefully listening to the lyrics.

Please enjoy it as a cherished piece that evokes empathy for life’s joys and sorrows.

Goodbye once moreOzaki Kiyohiko

Sayonarawo Mouichido

A ballad distinguished by its rich vocal power and expressive nuance, this is a song by Kiyohiko Ozaki released in July 1971.

It’s not just a typical heartbreak tune; it tells of choosing to part ways out of love, set to a beautiful melody that sings of hope for the future.

Its deeply affecting vocals resonate with listeners, and the emotive melody portrays mature love within a calm atmosphere.

Released following the massive hit of the previous single “Mata Au Hi Made,” it reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts and sold a total of 444,000 copies.

In 1999, it was sung on screen by Naoto Takenaka in the film “Nodojiman,” and it has continued to be loved across generations.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with cherished companions, drawing on the depth of your life experiences.

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.

Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō to Uīkuei Endo

Cape Tour / Kotaro Yamamoto & The Weekend (with lyrics)

Gently enveloping the ache of heartbreak, this song features Kotaro Yamamoto’s soft vocals that sink deeply into the heart.

Released in June 1974 as his debut single, it became a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon singles chart.

Loved by many, it was even adopted as the station melody on the Keikyu Kurihama Line.

The scenes woven from the loneliness of traveling alone, the courage to look ahead, and thoughts of a cherished person soothe the soul alongside the calm melody.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to rest your heart and linger in warm nostalgia.