Moving Japanese songs recommended for men in their 60s

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

ForeverGosuperāzu

The Gospellers “To Eternity” at International Forum 2017/7/9 Short Ver.

This celebrated song, which sings of an eternal bond with a loved one, gently conveys the unbreakable feelings that exist precisely because love is formless.

Transcending physical distance, the unwavering longing for the other person resonates in the heart alongside beautiful harmonies.

Released in August 2000, the track stayed on the Oricon chart for an impressive 44 weeks and was selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s JAPAN COUNTDOWN.

Its diverse arrangements—hallmarks of The Gospellers—are part of its appeal, including the Album Version on the album “Soul Serenade” and the “unplugged live version” included on the single “Hitori.” It remains a beloved song that makes you want to sing while thinking of someone special, especially after time spent talking with friends.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI

Known as a masterpiece that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this work is a moving love song celebrated as one of Southern All Stars’ signature pieces.

It’s a gem of a ballad that expresses the sorrow of losing someone dear through a grand melody, fully showcasing Keisuke Kuwata’s exceptional songwriting and composing talent.

Released in January 2000, it topped the Oricon weekly charts and won the Japan Record Award the same year.

It was also selected as the theme song for the popular segment “Mirai Nikki III” on the TV program “U-nan no Hontoko!,” becoming a classic beloved across generations.

As a heartwarming song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of losing someone special, it’s also highly recommended for karaoke.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A gem of a ballad, richly expressing the bittersweet feelings of winter love, has been delivered by Keisuke Kuwata.

It’s a moving piece that looks back on warm memories of love, as if wrapped in snow, with a sense of blessing.

Rather than lamenting a past romance as a mere failure, it impressively celebrates the moments of that love from the heart.

Accompanied by a beautiful, resonant melody, it conveys a gentle warmth within the chill of winter.

Released in October 2001, the song was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and sold 520,000 copies on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a perfect choice for winter karaoke with family and close friends when you want to share heartwarming memories.

Runnerbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump “Runner” MUSIC VIDEO (HD)

The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.

Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.

Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.

This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.

Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

This song portrays the hardships and setbacks in life, and the journey of overcoming them to grasp hope.

It beautifully expresses the light that awaits beyond tears no one sees and the sweat shed in silence, woven with melodies and words that deeply resonate with listeners.

Released by Yuzu in July 2004, the song was chosen as NHK’s official theme for the Athens Olympics, and, together with the moment the men’s gymnastics team won gold, it became etched in the memories of many.

Loved as a cheer song for everyone striving toward their goals, it continues to offer support: to those taking steady steps toward their dreams and to those confronting the walls before them.

As a piece that accompanies the important moments of life, it delivers a powerful, heartfelt message that truly resonates.

homeKiyama Yusaku

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

A song from a father’s perspective by Yusaku Kiyama that weaves together the deep love of a parent cherishing their child and the joys of parenting, expressed through a gentle vocal and ballad melody.

It delivers to the heart, along with the warm tones of the piano, everyday moments shared with a child, a parent’s feelings as they watch their child grow, and messages to the child.

Released in February 2008 as his major-label debut on tearbridge records, it was chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya.” In December of the same year, he performed at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

This is a song you’ll want to listen to during life’s important milestones—such as graduations and weddings—when you want to feel the bond between parent and child.