Good songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese tracks

Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

This rock tune celebrating the joy of pure love is a fan favorite that showcases Ulfuls’ musicality to the fullest.

Its lyrics, which candidly express gratitude to a loved one, resonate deeply, and together with its bright, catchy melody, the song lifts listeners’ spirits.

Released in February 1996, it was included on the album “Banzai” and also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” Moreover, it won the Excellence Award at the 38th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect track for getting pumped up at karaoke with friends or for reminiscing about special memories with someone important.

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.

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.

A Tearful RequestChekkāzu

A Tearful Request

This song is a masterpiece that poignantly captures a man’s heartbreak and lingering feelings as he sends a request to a late-night radio show, expressing both sorrow and sincerity with remarkable nuance.

While influenced by American oldies, its pop sound beautifully blends that style with the charm of Japanese kayōkyoku, creating a resonance that speaks to the heart.

Released in January 1984, it became one of The Checkers’ signature hits, achieving great success and placing fourth on Oricon’s year-end chart.

Featured in the morning dramas Futari Ko and Amachan, the song portrays a young person trying to soothe the pain of a broken heart through a cherished tune, remaining beloved as a piece that stays with listeners alongside nostalgic memories.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to look back on a past romance or deepen your feelings for someone special.

Strawberry Statement, Once Againbanban

Let's Do the 'Strawberry Statement' Once More

This song by Banban is a masterpiece that represents the folk movement of the 1970s.

It portrays tender yet bittersweet memories of youth, as the narrator looks back on a student-days romance, prompted by a rerelease of a film.

Many people can relate to the protagonist’s realistic, down-to-earth portrayal—where youthful ideals meet reality, and he chooses to cut his hair and take a job.

Released in August 1975, the song is also famous as the first piece ever written and provided by singer-songwriter Yumi Arai.

Banban’s harmonies blend beautifully with Arai’s lyrics and melody, and the song became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Beloved as a song that evokes nostalgia for youth, it’s also known for being easy to sing at karaoke.

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.

SOMEDAYSano Motoharu

Motoharu Sano “SOMEDAY” MUSIC VIDEO

A gem of a song that portrays the brilliance of youth and its end with a powerful sound and lyrics that resonate deeply.

One of Motoharu Sano’s signature works, it weaves together the emotions that accompany young love, dreams, and growth with a beautiful melody.

Its universal themes of graduating from innocence and growing into adulthood have left a lasting mark on many hearts.

Released in June 1981 and later included on the album of the same name the following year, the song was also featured in 1989 as the CM track for JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” campaign.

Celebrating the importance of holding on to dreams and ideals, it continues to be cherished as an anthem that stands by those at life’s crossroads, giving them the courage to take a new step forward.