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

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.

One whiskey on the rocks, please.Tomonari Sora

One whiskey on the rocks, please.

As the title suggests, this piece from Sora Tomonari’s first album, “Civilization and Enlightenment – East West,” exudes the atmosphere of a nighttime bar.

Preserving Tomonari’s signature blend of city pop and Japanese sensibilities, its softly spoken vocals and nostalgic soundscape sink deep into the heart.

It’s a perfect track for a quiet moment after work or a night you want to spend slowly on your own.

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.

Drunk and presentYanagi Jōji & Rainīuddo

George Yanagi & Rainy Wood - Yotte Soro mp4

This is a song created by George Yanagi, a fan of Ryotaro Shiba, inspired by Shiba’s novel of the same title, “Yotte Soro,” set in the Tosa Domain.

Its bluesy, stylish sound merges with Yanagi’s sexy vocals—he was even called the “Japanese Eric Clapton”—to create a truly tipsy feeling.

It makes you want to keep drinking straight through till dawn while listening! It’s a super cool number that exudes old-school Japanese flair and the dashing spirit of a real man.

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Don’t drink too much—Yaaaah, bababa-bye!ano HUMPTY

Don't drink too much~ Yaaaah, bababa-bye~ PV [That HUMPTY]

Feeling a bit nostalgic, here’s a party track with slightly retro beats that lets you go wild and have fun inside HUMPTY, much like the old Juliana’s vibe.

It’s less of a club feel and more of a hostess-club or izakaya party groove—an irresistible, hype anthem for that generation.

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.

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!