[Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs

Let’s get married.yoshida takurou

Let's get married.

This song, released in 1972 as one of folk singer Takuro Yoshida’s signature works, created a huge buzz as a groundbreaking love song that captured the hearts of young people at the time.

Its lyrics, depicting a man proposing to a woman, resonated with the social backdrop of an era when love marriages were becoming more common.

With colorful wording and distinctive arrangements, it showcased new possibilities for folk music.

Spurred by this song, Takuro Yoshida cemented his status as the “Prince of Folk,” and folk music came to be widely recognized as part of youth culture.

As a song full of memories, why not sit back and give it a relaxed listen?

youKozaka Akiko

Anata (2018 Remaster)

A gentle classic by Akiko Kosaka that tenderly embraces memories of youth.

Released as her debut song in 1973 when she was 16, it became a massive hit, selling 1.65 million copies.

Filled with thoughts for her future spouse, the song depicts an ideal family life, and its pure, innocent vocals resonate deeply.

Images like a room carpeted in blue and children playing outside the house poignantly express a longing for a happy life.

Performed passionately at the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1974, it left a lasting impression on many hearts.

Why not relax and listen to it on a peaceful afternoon?

Please give me wingsakai tori

Red Bird “Please Give Me Wings” 1971

A moving classic that sings of young people’s pure desire for freedom and the wish to live true to oneself.

The beautiful harmonies by Akai Tori are striking, and the blend of lyrics by Mito Yamagami and melody by Kunihiko Murai is superb.

Released in February 1971 as the B-side to “Takeda no Komoriuta,” it was also included on the album Takeda no Komoriuta released in July of the same year.

Since 1997, it has been used as a cheer song for Japan’s national soccer team and was also chosen as the theme song for the film Whisper of the Heart.

This song teaches the importance of holding onto dreams and hopes from childhood while continuing to move toward them.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to release pent-up feelings or take a new step forward.

My first loveOgawa Tomoko

Tomoko Ogawa “Hatsukoi no Hito” 1969

While its breeze-like freshness soothes, there’s a tinge of melancholy in the melody that seems to bring back memories of distant summer days, doesn’t it? This work by Tomoko Ogawa is a classic that paints the bittersweet memory of first love and the fragile feelings for someone you can no longer meet.

Released as a single in January 1969, it became legendary after her tearful performance on the TV program “Yoru no Hit Studio” in February of the same year.

The way her crystal-clear voice intertwines with the story behind the song deepens the poignant world of the lyrics in an irresistible way.

It’s the perfect song for a moment of reminiscing about the sparkling days of youth, isn’t it?

Traveler,Kayama Yūzō

Traveler / Yuzo Kayama [with lyrics]

It’s a heartwarming classic woven with words that gently accompany each person’s life, a song that sinks deep into the heart.

While evoking memories of one’s hometown, it stands out as an anthem cheering on travelers who keep walking forward, its lyrics brimming with tenderness and strength.

Yuzo Kayama’s clear, translucent voice blends beautifully with the harmonies of The Launchers, creating superb balance.

The piece was released to the world as the B-side to the single “Gazing at the Night Sky” in October 1966, and was also used as an insert song in the film “Let’s Go! Wakadaisho.” In May 2010, a duet version with Ryoko Moriyama was included on the album “50 Years of Wakadaisho!” It’s highly recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or wishing to reflect on cherished memories.

Tunnel HeavenZa Dainamaitsu

Tunnel Heaven

Released by Victor Records in November 1967, this song stands as a quintessential youth rock anthem of the 1960s Group Sounds era.

Hiroshi Segawa’s energetic shouts and Fujio Yamaguchi’s striking guitar work captivated the hearts of young listeners at the time.

Featured on the album “This Is Young Sound R&B!,” it blends lyrical verses about setting off from a rural town in pursuit of freedom with a powerfully rock-oriented sound.

It reached No.

73 on the Oricon chart and later gained further recognition through a cover by the Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band, earning enduring support among music fans as a classic with strong R&B leanings.

It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to feel liberated—like summer trips or drives with friends.

The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi

The person I fell in love with

This song is packed with memories of youth.

Released in 1968, it was Harumi Miyako’s 37th single.

Along with the B-side track “Yoru no Umi ni Kita no,” which is typically the kind of song included on albums, the single became a massive hit from the start, selling over a million copies.

The singing style known as “Harumi-bushi,” characterized by powerful kobushi ornamentation and deep vibrato, suits the love-themed lyrics perfectly.

With this distinctive vocal technique, Harumi Miyako won the Japan Record Award in 1976 for “Kita no Yado Kara.” At the 1984 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, she performed this song in tears during her retirement stage, moving the entire nation.

This piece brings back fond memories, and it’s highly recommended to listen to it with someone special.