Upbeat Japanese songs recommended for women in their 60s

SenbonzakuraKobayashi Sachiko

Senbonzakura Sachiko Kobayashi (480P_NAVI_EN_MP4)

Enka singer Sachiko Kobayashi drew attention for performing “Senbonzakura,” a song by the Vocaloid Hatsune Miku.

Her powerful vocals, embellished with skillful kobushi (ornamental vibrato), were truly impressive.

She also showed proper respect for the song, resulting in an outstanding rendition.

The performance further gained attention when she sang it on the NHK Red and White Year-End Song Festival (Kōhaku Uta Gassen).

Dance, fish.Yamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita “Soubo (The Masses)” / “Odoroyo, Fish (Dance, Fish)” Music Video

A summer classic brimming with nostalgia and exhilaration.

Released in May 1987 as the theme song for the All Nippon Airways Okinawa campaign, this work is Tatsuro Yamashita’s 16th single.

In 2020, as a substitute for the live house tour that couldn’t happen due to the impact of COVID-19, a no-audience acoustic performance was pre-recorded, and it was announced that the footage would be made available on a video streaming service.

It’s a song marked by a refreshing melody that feels like basking in sunlight and a buoyant, heart-lifting beat.

Its catchy, easy-to-remember phrases will bring a smile to your face just by humming along.

If you listen when you’re tired or feeling low, it’s sure to lift your spirits.

Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji

Kenji Sawada – Do As You Please (1977 TMF)

He may be older now, but Julie—that is, Kenji Sawada—is still cool.

Even so, Julie from back then was truly amazing.

He had this great vibe of singing with his whole body, relaxed and at ease, and his sense of style was impeccable—absolutely top-notch.

Passion Fruits telecriderWeekday Sleepers

Passion Fruits telecrider／Weekday Sleepers

I’d like to introduce a cool track I’d absolutely recommend to women in their 60s.

“Passion Fruits telecrider” by the band Weekday Sleepers became a hot topic within the industry after it was used in director Company Matsuo’s film “Teleclub Cannonball.” Since then, it’s also been featured on variety shows—a stylish, energizing number that really lifts your spirits.

A bright futurenever young beach

never young beach – Bright Future (official video)

For some reason it feels nostalgic, like a song I’ve heard somewhere before, but it’s a completely original track.

Please listen to this miracle of a band that preserves the mood of Showa-era kayōkyoku—so to speak, “a fusion of 1970s Japanese folk and tropical indie rock from the 2000s onward”—commonly known as ‘Nevayan,’ and enjoy their masterpiece.

Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu

“Lullaby of a Jagged Heart” – The Checkers

This is the debut song by The Checkers, a band as popular as idols.

It’s bursting with early-days energy and has a slightly bad-boy vibe, yet it’s a catchy number that lifts your spirits when you listen.

The quirky staging of them singing in a forest is funny and energizing, making it a video that gives you a boost.

Come Be My Bride 2015Kayama Yūzō feat. PUNPEE

Come Be My Bride 2015 / Yuzo Kayama feat. PUNPEE

This track, originally released in 1966 and a massive hit by the national icon Yuzo Kayama, is drawing fresh attention thanks to a miraculous remix by hip-hop MC PUNPEE.

It’s a dream collaboration between a hardcore underground artist and a legendary veteran.

A new, uplifting number that fuses Japanese kayōkyoku with Japanese rap.