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

In a new cityImai Miki

In a new city

A signature song by Miki Imai, woven with warm words and a gentle melody that stays close during life’s turning points.

It’s a gem-like ballad that closes her August 1990 album “retour.” The calmly flowing melody and Imai’s clear, transparent vocals softly depict the resolve and hope needed to live in a new environment.

When facing major milestones such as moving or changing jobs, this piece will sit close to the listener’s heart and gently give them a push forward.

dancerMurashita Kōzō

Kozo Murashita 'KAREN' ~Dancer~ First Love

This signature song by Kozo Murashita, with lyrics that gracefully capture youthful naivety and aching first love, strikes straight to the heart—a work that deftly weaves in delicate emotional nuances.

Released in August 1983, it sold around 100,000 copies and reached No.

24 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s recommended for those who want to resonate with the bittersweetness and fragility of love, or savor a deeply lyrical track that lingers in the soul.

Magic Yellow Shoeschūrippu

Magic Yellow Shoes - Tulip

This is Tulip’s major-label debut single, released in June 1972.

Although it didn’t sell particularly well, peaking at No.

98 on the Oricon chart, it’s well-known among fans as the song performed at the end of their live shows.

It was later used in a Dido commercial.

Ruby RingTerao Akira

Ruby No Yubiwa

A masterpiece that beautifully portrays the loss of love and lingering feelings.

The protagonist’s bittersweet emotions are overlaid with the sparkle of a ruby, expressed through lyrics and melody that truly resonate.

Akira Terao’s deep, smoky voice brilliantly stages a mature love drama.

Released in February 1981, the song topped the Oricon charts for 10 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing 12 straight weeks at No.

1 on The Best Ten.

It was also featured in a Yokohama Tire commercial, earning love across a wide audience.

It’s a track you’ll want to relax with on a quiet night, wrapped in memories of youth.

Why not hum along while thinking of someone special?

Journey of the Heartchūrippu

TULIP “Kokoro no Tabi” (Lyric Video)

A memorable song that became the catalyst for moving to Tokyo.

Released in 1973, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart five months later and became a major hit, selling about 870,000 copies.

Its innovative structure, which starts directly with the chorus, feels fresh, and Tatsuya Himeno’s sweet vocals fit perfectly.

The song tells the story of a young man who parts with his lover to chase his dreams, and it has the power to evoke personal memories and emotions in each listener.

It beautifully expresses the bittersweetness, hope, and growth of youth.

It’s a staple at live shows, with audience call-and-response echoing throughout.

It has been widely covered and often used on TV programs and in commercials.

Give it a listen when you want to remember those nostalgic days.

Goodbye once moreOzaki Kiyohiko

Sayonarawo Mouichido

A gem of a medium-tempo ballad that portrays parting lovers from a forward-looking perspective.

It’s a masterpiece that resonates with the bittersweet sorrow and resolve of two people who must choose separation in order to walk their own important paths.

Kiyohiko Ozaki’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully express both the loneliness of farewell and the hope of meeting again.

Released in July 1971, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and was also included on the album “Kiyohiko Ozaki Second Album.” In the 1999 film “Nodojiman,” Naoto Takenaka performs the song on screen, revealing a new facet of its appeal.

This is a track we highly recommend to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear and wants to keep those memories as nourishment while moving forward.

Sky Restauranthaifaisetto

Hi-Fi Set – Sky Restaurant | My Favorite ALFA: Vinyl Side Ep. 1 @ UNITY RECORD BAR（Seoul, Korea）

A gem of a love song set in a high-rise restaurant where the city’s nightscape stretches out in beauty, depicting a heartrending reunion and farewell.

Released by Hi-Fi Set in November 1975, this piece harmonizes Yumi Matsutoya’s delicate lyrics with Kunihiko Murai’s beautiful melody to stunning effect.

Evening darkness and city lights reflected in skyscraper windows—and a reunion with a past lover.

Even as she senses a parting to come, the woman’s earnest wish to cherish this moment alone together strikes deep.

With the gloss of an adult love drama and a refined, urban sound, it’s perfect for a calm evening.

Why not savor it slowly while immersing yourself in the feelings you keep in your heart?