[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?

Playlist

[Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Harbor Town No. 13Misora Hibari		Introduction to Misora Hibari's classic song depicting harbor town scenery
2	That wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu		A song about lost love and the longing for reunion
3	Sleep on my chestkaguya hime		Kaguya-hime’s classic, a voice that nestles close to the heart
4	As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira		A timeless youth anthem: Nishikino’s heart-stirring song
5	Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru		Shigeru Matsuzaki’s “Cape Tour,” a masterpiece that resonates with the heart
6	Azusa No. 2karyūdō		A heartwarming train song filled with longing for one’s hometown
7	Crimson SunMisora Hibari		Midsummer sea, a classic by Hibari Misora
8	Forget-me-not to youSugawara Yoichi		Bittersweet feelings of farewell imbued in a blue flower
9	If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu		A timeless song that touches the heart with peace and friendship
10	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic delivers a positive, uplifting message.
11	The youth I walked through with youkaze		Classic songs of youth, moving melodies that awaken memories
12	There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic gives people energy and courage.
13	RomanceIwasaki Hiromi		Hiromi Iwasaki’s “Romance” is a timeless song that resonates with the heart.
14	interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi		A moving song about the bonds between people.
15	Into the DreamInoue Yosui		Yosui Inoue’s classic: a soothing escape from everyday life
16	Private railway line areaNoguchi Goro		A classic song that sings of the bittersweetness of love, expressing Goro Noguchi’s emotions.
17	Flowers ~Flowers for everyone’s heart~Sakushi sakkyoku: Kina Shoukichi		A timeless peace anthem that makes flowers bloom in the heart
18	A café in a student districtGaro		A timeless song of youth that resonates in the heart, letting you bask in memories.
19	Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri		The classic duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga resonates in the heart.
20	Let’s get married.yoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s classic song “Let’s Get Married.”
21	The Sweet LifeNoguchi Goro		Sweet Life: Heartbreak and the Emotions of Youth
22	Goodbyeofukōsu		Off Course, the classic song that poignantly sings of a winter farewell
23	Boat SongYashiro Aki		On a winter night, Aki Yashiro’s famous song “Funauta”
24	Fallen leaves in the snowFuse Akira		Akira Fuse’s classic: a song that weaves seasons and emotions
25	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng “The Flow of Time” – an eternal classic
26	Mischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoe		The masterpieces of Momoe Yamaguchi heal the heart.
27	Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko		A classic that sings of nature’s beauty and pure love
28	The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko		Song of Love and Departure in the Spring of the Showa Era
29	Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s “Yoru no Hoshi o” is a heartwarming masterpiece.
30	Album of MemoriesSakushi: Masuko Toshi / Sakkyoku: Honda Tetsuma		A heartwarming song about memories from kindergarten
31	Isn’t it fine as long as you’re happy?Sara Naomi		Naomi Sara’s signature song, a heart-touching classic
32	12th graderFunaki Kazuo		The bittersweet classic of youth, Kazuo Funaki’s “High School Senior.”
33	Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi		Ayumi Ishida’s classic, Memories of Youth
34	Forever with youKayama Yūzō		“Kimi to Itsu Made mo” is an eternal classic.
35	As time goes bysawada kenji		The nostalgic theme song from a drama starring Kenji Sawada
36	Goodbye, TearsWada Hiroshi to Mahina Sutāzu		'Goodbye, Tears' — a classic of the Showa era, transcending generations
37	Flowershouka		The Sumida River is a celebrated masterpiece representing the Meiji era.
38	Sometimes like a child without a motherKarumen Maki		The famous song by Shuji Terayama and Carmen Maki resonates in the heart.
39	Tsugaru Jongara-bushiHosokawa Takashi		A masterpiece that powerfully reinterprets Tsugaru folk songs
40	Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō		Northern Traveler: Yujiro Ishihara’s Timeless Song That Resonates in the Heart
41	A deserted seaTo wa e mo wa		A classic song that sings of the autumn sea and the feelings of heartbreak
42	On the Day of DepartureSakushi: Kojima Noboru / Sakkyoku: Sakamoto Hiromi		Graduation songs evoke the arrival of spring.
43	youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran		The classic song “Seishun Jidai” portrays the anguish and emotions of youth.
44	LetterYuki Saori		Saori Yuki’s “Tegami,” a classic song of farewell and love
45	Yearning for youFuranku Nagai		Moved by Frank Nagai’s masterpiece
46	In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu		A song that portrays the powerful will to live, set against the backdrop of Hokkaido
47	Love RadiantMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s “Ai San San” is a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart.
48	applausechiaki naomi		'Kassai' expresses the singer’s sense of loss and strength.
49	Journey of the Heartchūrippu		Showa-era classic “Kokoro no Tabi,” an eternal masterpiece
50	Life won’t give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeSegawa Eiko		A classic that depicts the bond between a married couple, conveying the strength of love.
51	Good-bye, My LoveAn Ruisu		The charm of Ann Lewis, a classic singer of the Showa era
52	lover; mistress; extramarital partnerTeresa Ten		The masterpiece rich with adult emotion, “Lover,” a representative work of Teresa Teng
53	koinobori (carp streamers)Monbushō shōka		Koinobori, a song wishing for children's growth
54	Miracle of LoveHide to Rozanna		A timeless song that heals the heart, singing of deep love and hope
55	The arrival of springKoyanagi Rumiko		Rumiko Koyanagi's spring classic, nostalgic memories
56	Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri		A timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart, expressing deep love and conflict.
57	Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri		Sayuri Ishikawa’s classic: winter scenery and a heartrending feeling
58	Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko		The enduring appeal of music loved across generations
59	tea pickingMonbushō shōka		Japanese masterpieces that reflect the seasons and everyday life
60	The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku		A wistful love infused in the winter flower, the sasanqua camellia
61	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		Eigo Kawashima’s classic—a moving masterpiece that sings of life’s emotions.
62	From the northern innMiyako Harumi		From the northern inn, a classic of poignant love and loneliness
63	I’m appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akira		A classic hit song that captures the feelings of bar hostesses, a major success
64	Scat at DawnYuki Saori		Yuki Saori’s “Scat at Dawn”
65	Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi		A classic song that portrays the heartfelt connection between a man and a woman setting off for the big city.
66	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe		An anthem from Momoe to brighten life’s milestones
67	I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi		A moving song that portrays deepening love and bonds
68	Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko		A poignant love classic set in Shiretoko
69	YosakuKitajima Saburō		A moving song that sings of rural landscapes and the warmth of its people
70	A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji		A classic enka ballad of love and farewell by Joji Yamamoto
71	Battotai (Army Marching Song)Charles Leroux		A rousing marching song of the military band, a prayer for the soldiers
72	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		Keisuke Kuwata’s heartbreaking breakup ballad, a moving masterpiece
73	Please give me wingsakai tori		A classic song that celebrates youth’s freedom and individuality
74	BoyhoodInoue Yosui		A nostalgic song brings back memories of my childhood.
75	Farewell in MayInoue Yosui		Introduce/In this article, we introduce Yosui Inoue’s classic songs that capture the refreshingly pleasant seasons.
76	Spring somewhereSakushi: Momota Soji / Sakkyoku: Kusagawa Shin		The charm and emotion of the spring classic “Soushunfu (Early Spring Ode)”
77	Waltz of StarlightSen Masao		Masao Sen’s soul-stirring farewell song
78	Parting at 22kaze		The Wind’s debut song, cherished as a timeless anthem of youth
79	cherry blossom frontKoyanagi Rumiko		A masterpiece that depicts spring scenery and emotions: Sakura Front
80	Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō		Jiro Atsumi’s famous song “Yumeoi-zake”: the pain of a broken heart
81	Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo		Yoshi Ikuzo’s “Yukiguni” is a moving masterpiece.
82	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima: a heartwarming classic that resonates in spring
83	school daysPegī Hayama		A timeless song that sings of youthful memories, resonating in the heart.
84	Song of the Four SeasonsSakushi sakkyoku: Araki Toyohisa		A masterpiece that depicts the beauty of the four seasons and the emotions of people
85	A Letter Waiting for Springyoshida takurou		Heartfelt exchanges through letters and songs of memories
86	Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi		A moving ballad wrapped in Hiromi Iwasaki’s maternal kindness
87	a red handkerchiefIshihara Yūjirō		Spring in the northern country, a wistful song resounding through the acacia trees
88	Tangled HairMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora sings of love and prayer at Shioyasaki.
89	Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō		A masterpiece that beautifully sings of postwar hope and a new era
90	City LightsSakai Masaaki		Masakazu Sakai’s classic song: the lyrics and scenes of love
91	Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko		Ozaki’s masterpiece—an affecting song about an adult breakup
92	Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi		Akikawa Masafumi’s ballad, a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart
93	Aoba Castle Love Songsatou muneyuki		A masterpiece by Muneyuki Sato, a famous song that colors Sendai
94	SubaruTanimura Shinji		Shinji Tanimura’s moving masterpiece, with a grand sense of the cosmos
95	Lingering Snowiruka		Spring partings, bittersweet memories of youth
96	Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Kāpo		A classic springtime song that conveys the importance of living naturally
97	Sky Restauranthaifaisetto		A love song depicting a reunion and a farewell with a lover
98	When I turn around, the Sea of JapanItsuki Hiroshi		Singing of the loneliness of the Sea of Japan and the shape of life
99	Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi		A hit song by Hiroshi Itsuki that sings of heartbreak set in Yokohama.
100	Ah, Ueno StationIzawa Hachirō		Tokyo Station Melody: Hope in Life and the Journey
101	SaraiKayama Yūzō		A heartwarming classic that captures feelings for one’s hometown
102	Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo		Ikuzo Yoshi’s masterpiece: an enka song that profoundly portrays life
103	Goodbye once moreOzaki Kiyohiko		Kiyohiko Ozaki’s 1971 ballad
104	The Color of WinterYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s pure-love ballad that sings of a heartrending romance
105	Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō to Uīkuei Endo		A heartbreak song by Kotaro Yamamoto
106	The morning I had forgottenYamamoto Junko		A timeless song whose red bird’s singing heals the heart
107	The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō		The travel sentiment of a highland train, a song that resonates in the heart
108	It’s Tokyo, Mother.Shimakura Chiyoko		A postwar mother-daughter memory, a classic song that colors Tokyo
109	Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)kawanaka miyuki		A heartwarming classic that sings of the love and bond between a married couple.
110	A hill with a view of the harborHirano Aiko		A timeless classic steeped in the melancholy of a port town, gently singing of a tender heart in love.
111	Flying to IstanbulShōno Mayoyo		A classic of exotic breakup songs
112	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		A celebrated song of spring, a masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya
113	wintering swallowMori Masako		Introduction to Masako Mori's Exquisite Ballad Works
114	Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi		Singing about bittersweet memories of love in rainy Osaka
115	I’ve come a long way, when I think about it.Kaientai		A nostalgic classic by Kaientai, Thoughts of Home
116	Words of FarewellKaientai		“Okuru Kotoba” is a song of springtime farewells and bonds.
117	Ringo OiwakeMisora Hibari		Scenes of Tsugaru, a classic song by Hibari Misora
118	The Izu DancerMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora, the famous song from the film based on a work by Yasunari Kawabata
119	Has the plum blossomed?Misora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s short songs capture the spirit of Japan.
120	Lonely-for-Company TavernMiyama Hiroshi		A wistful tavern song, yearning for human connection
121	Longing for RainYashiro Aki		A masterpiece of Showa-era enka, a voice that resonates with the heart
122	Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi		The charm of a warm song that portrays the city of Osaka
123	Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko		Life has many ups and downs; timeless songs that resonate with the heart
124	GraduationMatsuyama Chiharu		Chiharu Matsuyama’s spring melody, the singing voice of youth
125	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		A classic that gently sings of life's joy and flow
126	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko		Keiko Fuji’s classic hit, a masterpiece that sings of dreams and hope
127	scarecrowsadamasashi		Hometown of the Showa era, a masterpiece by Masashi Sada
128	atonementTeresa Ten		A masterpiece that portrays the poignant emotions of farewell and love.
129	This roadSakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku		A masterpiece that expresses the beauty of the four seasons
130	Northern SpringSen Masao		A classic song that portrays the spring scenery of the northern country and a longing for one’s hometown
131	Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu & Kaguyahime		A classic song depicting the pure cohabitation life of young people
132	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s classic ballad that heals the pain of heartbreak
133	Traveler,Kayama Yūzō		Yuzo Kayama’s classic that resonates with travelers’ hearts
134	Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō		Northern fishing grounds, Saburo Kitajima’s soulful song
135	sunset cloudsSen Masao		A moving classic that sings of longing for one’s hometown
136	March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko		Kiyoko Suizenji’s classic song resonates with the heart.
137	Brother ShipsToba Ichirō		A powerful song of brotherhood, born of life at sea
138	It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five		Timeless ballads—masterpieces that resonate in the heart on rainy days