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

Lonely-for-Company TavernMiyama Hiroshi

Lonely-for-Company Tavern

Hiroshi Miyama’s “Hitokoi Sakaba” is a medium-tempo ballad steeped in both heartache and hope.

It’s a masterpiece that gently sings of a woman’s feelings as she visits a bar, carrying her loneliness.

Released as his debut single in 2009, it became a major hit and was certified Gold in 2010.

The yearning for human connection and the feelings for someone you long to see but cannot meet quietly resonate in the heart.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those who can relate to cherishing someone or to the transience of life.

On a leisurely evening, why not let yourself be wrapped in a voice that stays close to your heart?

Longing for RainYashiro Aki

Aki Yashiro / Love in the Rain

This masterpiece, hailed as a monument of Showa-era enka, was released as a single in April 1980, born from the golden duo of lyricist Yu Aku and composer Keisuke Hama.

The lyrics poignantly capture the heartache of a woman after a breakup, seamlessly blending with a bright, rhythmic melody in exquisite balance.

Aki Yashiro’s sultry voice and distinctive phrasing are captivating, giving the song a familiar charm that anyone can hum along to.

The work won the 22nd Japan Record Award and was also featured in commercials for Vidal Sassoon and BOSS.

With its gentle, soothing atmosphere and memorable choreography, it’s a song that can be enjoyed while moving together with seniors.

It’s perfect for group recreation or karaoke, where everyone can sing and have fun together.

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.

Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko

Life is full of ups and downs.

Chiyoko Shimakura’s deeply moving classic “Jinsei Iroiro,” released in 1987, features warmly human lyrics that resonate with many people.

In 1988, it won the Best Vocal Performance at the 30th Japan Record Awards and surpassed 1.3 million in total sales.

The memory of Shimakura returning to the Kōhaku stage to perform the song comes back as vividly as if it were yesterday.

Chosen as the approach melody at Aomonoyokochō Station, among other places, its familiar tune is laced with both tears and hope, offering a fresh emotional experience every time you listen.

GraduationMatsuyama Chiharu

Graduation

With a gentle singing voice that warmly watches over new chapters in life, this spring melody has echoed across Hokkaido.

Chiharu Matsuyama’s beautiful ballad invites us to look back on our youthful days while filling us with hope for the future.

The soulful guitar tones and clear, soaring vocals are sure to bring back many memories.

Released in 1979, the song was created as the theme for STV’s program “Graduation at Kushiro High School.” It was also included on the album Seishun (Youth) and continues to be cherished as a classic folk song.

Why not spend a heartwarming time reminiscing together with older adults, letting nostalgic stories blossom?

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari

Like the flow of a river

This is a memorable piece featuring a voice that gently reflects on life amid the passing seasons.

Like surrendering to the flow of a river, it conveys the importance of embracing both the joys and sorrows of life.

Released by Nippon Columbia in January 1989, the song was written by Yasushi Akimoto and composed by Masao Hirao.

It resonated with many people, earning the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards.

It’s a song that stays close to you when you want to calm your heart and gather your thoughts, or when you sense a turning point in life.

Blending nostalgic memories with a sense of hope for the future, it’s a heartwarming piece.

Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko

Keiko Fuji - Keiko’s Dream Opens at Night

Keiko Fuji’s “Keiko no Yume wa Yoru Hiraku” is a deeply moving classic.

Sung in her distinctive husky voice, the lyrics portray a woman who continues to chase her dreams.

After its 1970 release, it became a huge hit, spending 10 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

The song was also used as a theme for a Toei film and is beloved by many.

In Fuji’s vocals, you can feel a strength that holds on to hope despite the hardships and sorrows of life.

It’s a song that brings a warm sense of comfort along with nostalgic memories.

Why not listen to it during a calm, unhurried moment?