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

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?

White Winterfuki no tō

Fukinotou / White Winter (1974) 2024 ≪No.11≫

This is a lyrical piece that poignantly sings of the transition from autumn to winter.

Carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, it overlays the sorrow of a bygone love and shifting emotions onto the changing of the seasons.

The transparent harmonies of Fukinotou weave a delicate world that resonates deeply in the heart.

Released as a debut single in September 1974, the song gradually gained popularity after being featured on Takuro Yoshida’s All Night Nippon, eventually reaching No.

14 on the Oricon charts.

As the duo’s signature song, it has since been covered by numerous artists.

It is a track that gently accompanies the resolve to quietly accept the end of a romance—one to listen to when you wish to heal the wounds of heartbreak or to put your feelings in order.

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten

Leave oneself to the flow of time / Teresa Teng (with lyrics)

Teresa Teng, the Asian diva who conveyed life’s deepest emotions through moving melodies.

This song tells of how meeting a beloved person dramatically changed her life, and of her resolve to devote herself completely.

Set to a gentle, warm major-key arrangement, her clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart.

Released as a single in February 1986 and included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase,” it won the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.

With its beautiful, easy-to-remember melody, it’s perfect for everyone to hum along to while sharing fond memories.

Farewell in MayInoue Yosui

May Farewell

As we welcome this refreshing season, let me introduce a piece in which Yosui Inoue’s lyrical melodies resonate deeply.

The gentle tunes and lyrics interwoven with landscapes carry a crispness that feels like the air in May—perfect for the season of fresh green.

Delicately depicting the scenery as spring shifts into early summer, the tender vocals evoke nostalgic memories—wedding scenes, stars in the night sky, and more.

Released in March 1993, this song was included on the album “UNDER THE SUN,” which came out the same year.

It was also used in a Kirin Beer commercial, making it a memorable track for many.

Why not savor the calm flow of time and share stories sparked by music together with older adults? It’s a lovely song that promises a heartwarming moment.

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.

It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.

The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.

Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.

How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.

spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi

spring haze

With a beautiful singing voice reminiscent of Showa-era idols, she performed a classic that resonates in the hearts of older listeners.

Against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in half bloom, the song delicately portrays the bittersweet love of a young couple.

It carefully expresses the feelings of a woman determined to pursue love despite her father’s opposition.

Hiromi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals vividly capture a fleeting spring moment with cherry blossoms in bloom.

Released in February 1979, this work was beloved by many, even making its first appearance in the Top Ten on TBS’s “The Best Ten.” Even today, it remains a much-loved song brimming with the atmosphere of spring’s arrival.

It’s especially recommended to listen to during cherry blossom season together with older adults—letting them reminisce about the past while feeling the coming of spring.

spring’s dry windIzumiya Shigeru

Shigeru Izumiya / Spring Karakkaze from “Shin Self Covers: Monster” [Music Video]

A work that sharply portrays social pressure and loneliness was included on the 1973 album “Light and Shadow” and later released as a single.

Shigeru Izumiya wrote and composed the song, with production by Kazuhiko Kato.

Interweaving the north wind of spring with the hardships of daily life, it delicately expresses the conflict between the self and society.

The power and message of folk music resonated with many artists, leading to covers by numerous musicians, including Anarchy, Keisuke Kuwata, and Masaharu Fukuyama.

I hope you will cherish moments when we share the feelings in our hearts through music.

This work contains many deeply moving words, and those who have rich life experience—especially older listeners—will surely grasp its essence.