[Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
A collection of Showa-era songs that are now loved across generations.
Hearing those retro sounds brings back memories of youth—many of you might feel the same.
This time, we’re introducing some wonderful classics that are especially recommended for people in their 70s.
From hit songs familiar to many to tracks with lyrics that truly move you, every piece resonates with the heart—you may find yourself humming along before you know it.
Why not spend a relaxing moment accompanied by nostalgic music?
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Recommended for Those in Their 70s: Deeply Moving Good Songs. Beloved Classics of Japan (121–130)
Ringo OiwakeMisora Hibari
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.
Has the plum blossomed?Misora Hibari
This is a wonderful piece in which Hibari Misora expresses a traditional Edo-period hauta with her radiant voice.
The refreshing scenes of spring are beautifully intertwined with the elegance of the pleasure quarters, creating a heartwarming atmosphere alongside the timbre of the shamisen.
The song likens the changing seasons and people’s sentiments to evocative blossoms such as plum, cherry, and willow.
Riding on the light rhythm of the shamisen, Misora’s vocals gracefully evoke the charm of old Japan.
This piece has long been cherished as a song that lets listeners rediscover the beauty of Japanese traditional music.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to spend time peacefully or reminisce about nostalgic Japanese landscapes, and it’s also used to create a warm, friendly atmosphere at gatherings of older adults.
Parting at 22kaze
The debut song by the folk duo Kaze is a heartwarming classic, as gentle as the spring sunshine.
The lyrics vividly portray the pure love and parting of youth, while the tender acoustic guitar melody weaves a beautiful harmony.
Since its release in 1975, it has been covered by many artists and even adapted into a film by director Nobuhiko Obayashi in 2007, remaining beloved across generations.
In NHK’s “SukiUta — Kouhaku Everyone’s Survey,” it ranked 71st for the White Team.
It’s a perfect song for savoring slowly when you want to bask in nostalgic memories, and it could also spark lively conversations among older listeners about their experiences from back in the day.
Lonely-for-Company TavernMiyama Hiroshi
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?
Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi
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.