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

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

It’s Tokyo, Mother.Shimakura Chiyoko

Chiyoko Shimakura - Mother, It's Tokyo - with lyrics

A song that deeply moved postwar Japan, it centers on the bond between parent and child, depicting memories of a mother and daughter spending time together in Tokyo.

Chiyoko Shimakura’s clear, pure voice blends beautifully with Tōru Funamura’s emotionally rich melody, creating a track that brings a sense of calm to the listener.

Released in April 1957, it became a major hit, selling over 1.5 million copies.

That same year, it was adapted into a film, with Chiyoko Shimakura herself in the leading role.

Singing it together with older listeners is likely to spark lively reminiscences of the time.

As nostalgic Tokyo landmarks appear one after another, it gently stirs everyone’s memories and promises a heartwarming moment.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (with lyrics)

Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.

Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.

Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.

Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.