Lovely birthday

[For Gifts and Video BGM] A Song for Celebrating the 60th Birthday (Kanreki)

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

A collection of songs perfect for celebrating a 60th birthday (Kanreki)!

Kanreki is a major life milestone—and perhaps the true start of life.

Sixty years spent devoted to family and work.

From here on, we hope you’ll spend plenty of time on the dreams you once chased and the hobbies you love.

In this article, we introduce timeless songs that are perfect for the start of a second life—for your parents, your beloved partner, or a friend turning sixty.

If you’re thinking, “I want to give a song as a Kanreki gift,” be sure to check these out!

Celebrating the 60th birthday: Life anthems that resonate with the heart (31–40)

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

365 Days' Paper AirplaneAKB48

This song is popular as a graduation anthem, but if you look at the lyrics, it’s actually a message to anyone embarking on a new beginning! While 60th birthday celebrations often focus on honoring the person and expressing gratitude for all they’ve done, there are also many who are eager to start something new.

In those moments, this song is a perfect fit.

Since it’s a ballad, it’s easy for people in their 60s to listen to, and it can be used in many ways—sung as a gift, or as background music for a video, for example.

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threadNakajima Miyuki

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

threadNakajima Miyuki

This song is known as a classic that accompanies life’s milestones.

Its lyrics liken encounters and bonds between people to threads, resonating deeply with the heart.

Although it was released in 1992, it became widely known after being used as the theme song for the 1998 drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).

Showcasing Miyuki Nakajima’s delicate sensibility, the piece describes the small wounds and hardships in life as “frayed edges” and portrays fateful encounters as “blessed unions.” It’s perfect as a gift for someone celebrating their 60th birthday, or as background music for a tribute video.

This is a song that lets you look back on your life and gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

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From me to yousakuramaya

Sakura Maya “From Me to You” (short ver.)

From me to yousakuramaya

This song conveys, from a child’s perspective, gratitude toward grandparents and the wish for them to stay healthy.

Its powerful vocals over an enka-style sound further emphasize the message in the lyrics.

Because it depicts simple, relatable memories, it’s likely to prompt listeners to reflect on their own.

By delivering straightforward words like those in this song—hoping they live a long life—let’s encourage them to keep living energetically from here on out.

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In conclusion

We introduced some timeless songs perfect for celebrating a 60th birthday.

Did you find one that resonates with your heart? Even if you’re not confident in your singing, your feelings of “thank you” and “please stay well from now on” will surely come through.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime day in someone dear’s life.

Let’s celebrate with all the love you have!