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

In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu

In the Great Sky and on the Vast Earth

Chiharu Matsuyama’s “In the Great Sky and Earth” is a classic that portrays the strength to live against the majestic backdrop of Hokkaido’s nature.

Amid the vast sky and land, the resolve to seize happiness with one’s own hands resonates deeply.

Warming frozen hands and living like a wildflower—its attitude gives you courage.

Released on the 1977 album “A Song Made for You,” it has become a popular track covered by many artists.

It was also used in the soundtrack of the drama “The Ugly Duckling.” It’s recommended when you want to take a new step in life or sink into nostalgic memories.

It’s a song that lets you feel the wide world, so why not listen to it slowly while gazing out the window?

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki / High School Senior

Kazuo Funaki’s “Koko San Nensei” (High School Senior), released in 1963, is a classic that poignantly and beautifully sings of a page of youth.

Its lyrics, portraying the feelings of high school students on the verge of graduation, resonated with many.

The jacket featuring Funaki in a school uniform is memorable.

It was also made into a film and became a big hit.

Set in B minor with a rumba rhythm, the song is characterized by a march-like touch.

A school building bathed in the red glow of the setting sun, voices playing in the shade of the elms, memories of folk dancing, and dreams taking flight before parting—these images bring back fond memories.

It’s a song that colors the youthful days of older generations.

Sung at karaoke, it will surely make for a moving moment.

On the Day of DepartureSakushi: Kojima Noboru / Sakkyoku: Sakamoto Hiromi

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest

There is a song that many older adults love, often associated with the arrival of spring and graduation season.

Originally created at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture as a gift to graduating students, it has since become a standard performed at schools across Japan.

With hopeful lyrics and a bright melody, it conveys courage and determination for a new beginning.

It also gained attention when it was used in a commercial featuring SMAP.

It’s a wonderful song that lets you look back on nostalgic memories while feeling hopeful about the future.

Why not listen to it together with older adults as an opportunity to reflect on life’s milestones?

Yearning for youFuranku Nagai

Yearning for you

Frank Nagai’s singing voice richly conveys the emotions of a bittersweet love.

Released in 1961, this song won the 3rd Japan Record Award that same year and became a huge hit, selling 550,000 copies.

It was also cherished for many years as the theme song of ABC Radio’s popular program “Kayō Daizenshū.” It’s perfect for listening alone on a quiet night, and also recommended for humming along with someone special.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment, wrapped in nostalgia and fond memories?

Sometimes like a child without a motherKarumen Maki

Sometimes like a child without a mother... Carmen Maki

Terayama Shūji’s soul-stirring lyrics about life’s loneliness and struggles resonate with Carmen Maki’s clear, soaring vocals.

It’s a classic that seeps into the heart along with the sound of the waves.

Released as her debut single in 1969, it was a popular song that even led to an appearance on Kōhaku.

Many people were likely amazed by Carmen Maki’s voice when she debuted at just 17.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you’re carrying something in your heart.

Why not listen to it at a relaxed pace, along with your nostalgic memories? I’m sure it will soothe your soul.

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Miagete Goran Yoru No Hoshi Wo

Kyu Sakamoto’s signature song Ue o Muite Arukou (Sukiyaki), a defining piece of the Showa era, still warms people’s hearts today.

Loved across generations since its 1963 release, this song can be said to have encouraged postwar Japan.

Its lyrics portray young people who work by day and head to their studies at night, giving courage to everyone striving hard.

It carries both a nostalgia that recalls one’s youth and a sense of strength for living in the present.

Like stars shining in the moonlit sky, it is a song that continues to shine unchanged—such is the timeless beauty of this classic.

lover; mistress; extramarital partnerTeresa Ten

Aijin

Teresa Teng has many songs with adult themes, and among them the classic “Lover” is especially known for its mature, bittersweet character.

As one of her signature works, it’s still frequently sung at karaoke today.

While the song features a richly expressive vocal line, its range is surprisingly narrow, staying mostly in the mid or mid-high register.

The development of the melody is also typical of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), making it a very singable piece, especially for those of a certain age.

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