[Drinking Songs] Timeless Classics and the Latest Hit Tracks to Enjoy with a Drink

Booze-Fueled Blitz Overturedohatsuten

Dohatsuten / Booze-Fueled Blitz Song (“Man Is Heavy”)

Dohatsuten is known for its striking vocals delivered in a punchy, gravelly voice.

Their songs are famous for having boldly punk melodies and lyrics.

In “Sake Nenryō Bakushin Kyoku” (“Alcohol-Fueled Blitz Song”) as well, their outrageous and carefree worldview comes through.

The melody—perfectly suited to the alcohol theme—is another highlight.

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Cutting wrists with cigarettes and alcoholLIL JAP

Cutting wrists with cigarettes and alcohol

This song candidly portrays the mindset of relying on alcohol and cigarettes while fearing getting hurt.

Its heavy yet relatable lyrics—tough on the surface but revealing a glimpse of a yearning for love deep down—have surely moved many listeners.

Released in November 2020, it resonated strongly, especially with young people.

It’s best enjoyed alone with a drink in hand.

When you want to face the feelings you keep inside, try playing it gently in the background.

This song will be there for you.

brandy glassIshihara Yūjirō

Brandy Glass (Song by Yujiro Ishihara)

Yujiro Ishihara released an exceptionally large number of songs over his lifetime, and his voice—delivered in a measured, storytelling manner—was praised as “so alluring that even men of his own generation could feel the charm,” earning him a vast fanbase.

Among his works, one of the most widely known and popular songs is Brandy Glass.

Owing to the imagery of the lyrics and title, televised performances often featured him perched at a counter, swirling a glass in one hand, just like this.

Somehow, when Yujiro holds a glass, it looks small—or rather, both the glass and Yujiro himself come across as so strikingly outsized that, to ordinary people, the whole scene feels larger than life.

It reminds you, in sound and in sight, that he truly was a superstar.

On various video platforms, you can find many renditions of Brandy Glass performed on different sets.

If you want to revisit the overwhelming star power of Yujiro—especially through enka TV programs—starting with his television appearances is highly recommended!

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda

Nationwide Drinkers' Ondo (with Nico Nico Douga comments)

The nostalgic bubble era.

All sorts of comic songs were born—there were works by George Tokoro, Tatsuo Kamon, and many others.

Among them, the duo Barracuda was especially popular for having goofy middle-aged men sing songs with rather edgy lyrics, like Chakapokocha, which jokes about not having big boobs, and Enka Ketsueki Gattagata, which slices people into types by blood type and lumps them together as personalities they dislike.

Above all, Nihon Zenkoku Sakenomi Ondo was a huge hit for its sheer absurdity—forcing a connection to anything as an excuse to drink, for now at least.

In spring, cherry-blossom-viewing spots were filled with groups bringing the then-trendy 8-track karaoke machines and singing this song everywhere.

TequilaThe Champs

The Champs “Tequila”

This is the biggest hit by The Champs, a six-piece instrumental band that debuted in 1958.

It features a unique, Latin-like style, and the shouted “Tequila!” at the song’s climax is unforgettable.

It’s a track that people all over the world have probably heard.

I don’t get drunk.Takahata Mitsuki

Mitsuki Takahata Vocals: CHOYA Umeshu Commercial Song “I Don’t Get Drunk” Music Video

When it comes to long-running, high-profile commercials that have featured many distinctive actresses over the years, Choya Umeshu’s ads surely come to mind.

Mitsuki Takahata, who appears in them, is also famous as an actress with excellent singing skills.

She performs the CM song “Watashi wa Yowanai” (“I Don’t Get Drunk”), and her strong vocals became a major talking point in this commercial as well.

Seicomart In-Store BGM ~ Let’s Drink Wine ~(Unknown)

“Seicomart Wine Song” Acoustic (Solo) Performance

This is “Let’s Drink Wine,” the exclusive in-store BGM you can hear at Seicomart, the convenience store that enjoys overwhelming support in Hokkaido and Tohoku.

Unlike the big-name chains, it has a bright, 70s-style folk vibe.

There’s no question it’s a good song, but it’s also famous for being described as “on par with those bento,” especially in how it completely lacks any sense of trendiness.

And those bentos really are tasty—better than at other convenience stores.

They look like something your mom made at home, though…