Cheering songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese hits

Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

This song is imbued with a warm gaze and deep respect for people who usually remain out of the spotlight.

Miyuki Nakajima portrays those who strive to live in places where no one looks, using beautiful metaphors.

It is an ode to unsung heroes who keep making efforts in various places, shining like stars in everyday life.

Released in July 2000, the piece was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s documentary program Project X: Challengers, and together with the program’s moving content, it deeply resonated with many viewers.

It set a record by staying on Oricon’s Weekly Singles Chart for 174 consecutive weeks.

It is a song that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments when the pressures of daily life make you want to stop.

PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki

Miki Imai – “PIECE OF MY WISH” (from the 30th Anniversary Concert Tour 2015 “Colour”)

A warm, encouraging song that sings of life’s hopes with a bright, translucent voice.

It gently empathizes with a woman weathering rough seas, conveying both the strength to face challenges alone and a tender sense of comfort.

Released in November 1991, it became one of Miki Imai’s signature works as the theme song for the drama “Ashita ga Aru Kara.” It was also included on the album “Ivory II,” and, boosted by the drama’s popularity, earned support from a wide audience.

In December 2015, it was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

A motivational track to listen to when you’re at a crossroads in life or making a resolution.

Miki Imai’s voice, combining gentleness and strength, will softly embrace a troubled heart.

Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Song of Life (Official Music Video)

A gem of a ballad woven by Mariya Takeuchi’s delicate and graceful voice.

With beautiful melodies and gentle piano phrases, it engraves in the heart the preciousness of life and the miracle of human encounters.

The melody that brings to mind bonds with loved ones and the warm, embracing vocals gently heal the listener’s heart.

Originally released in 2009 under the name Mana Kana as an insert song for the NHK morning drama series “Dandan,” it was later released in 2012 as a self-cover by Mariya Takeuchi.

It has also been cherished as the theme song for the NHK docudrama “Kaitakusha-tachi” (The Pioneers).

Loved as a piece that accompanies life’s important moments—such as weddings and graduations—it is a heartwarming song that makes you want to feel grateful for each irreplaceable day before you.

Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Kimura Tomoe

Kako Tomoe - Life Is a Naniwabushi (Rōkyoku)

Originally released by Yukiko Ono in 1976, the song was later recorded in 1981 as a competing version by Tomoe Kimura and Takashi Hosokawa, and has since been covered by many singers.

Takashi Hosokawa’s version may be the most well-known.

A song about living on human kindness even when deceived or abandoned might be considered an anthem of support for women.

YOUNG MAN（Y.M.C.A）Saijō Hideki

Hideki Saijo – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

A song filled with a powerful cheer for young people, Hideki Saijo’s dynamic vocals give listeners a supportive push.

Through its lyrics, the message to enjoy life to the fullest stands out.

Released in February 1979, the song became a massive hit, topping the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.

It sold 1.808 million copies and is one of Saijo’s signature tracks.

This piece is recommended for when you feel a bit tired or are about to take on a challenge.

If you listen while copying the “Y,” “M,” “C,” “A” moves, you’re sure to feel energized.

This is my way of life.PUFFY

PUFFY – That's the Way I Live

The title of this song is a parody of “Kore ga Otoko no Ikiru Michi,” sung by Hachiji Hana and the Crazy Cats, and it was also used in a Shiseido commercial.

If you remove the hiragana, it cleverly becomes “私生道” (shiseidō), a witty touch.

It’s a pep song for life, but the straightforward, assertive lyrics—paired with PUFFY’s crisp vocal delivery—give it a Heisei-era twist.

Please, God!Za Tenputāzu

God, please.

A youthful prayer, staking sweet feelings on God, resounds alongside a heartfelt longing for love.

The Tempters’ passionate message is vividly colored by Kenichi Hagiwara’s husky voice and the band’s unified performance.

Released in March 1968, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart and was also used in a Kanebo cosmetics commercial.

Its sound, infused with blues and R&B elements, continues to shine as a symbol of the golden age of Group Sounds.

This classic, which gently embraces the hearts of youth troubled by love, is perfect for moments when you want to be honest with your pure feelings or reaffirm your thoughts for someone special.