Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke

Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō

[With Large Lyrics] Blue Mountain Range [Recreation]

The celebrated song, which beautifully depicts postwar hope and the breath of a new era, was performed by Ichirō Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara as the theme for a film of the same name released in 1949.

Along with the splendor of nature, it warmly portrays young people forging a bright future, like flowers that bloom after enduring a harsh winter.

For those who lived in the years immediately following the war, it is surely a piece filled with memories.

Beloved across generations, it was chosen as No.

1 in NHK’s 1989 program “Songs of the Showa Era: 200 Unforgettable Songs.” Its beautiful melody, infused with elements of classical music, and its heartwarming lyrics are sure to evoke fond recollections of days gone by.

Tokyo CachitoFuranku Nagai

Tokyo Cachito — Frank Nagai

It’s a classic of mood kayō that has continued to be loved as a Showa-era masterpiece.

Set against the backdrop of nights in Akasaka, the song portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban sensibility.

Frank Nagai’s alluring low voice richly conveys the feelings of a man troubled by love.

Released in October 1960, the single featured “Arcade Blues” on the B-side.

As a leading presence in the mood kayō boom of the time, it was cherished by many.

It’s a song I’d recommend as a fun karaoke pick to sing with friends, along with fond memories.

IzakayaItsuki Hiroshi

Izakaya — Kinomi Nana / Hiroshi Itsuki

Set in an izakaya, this song delicately portrays the subtle emotions of lonely men and women.

Yu Aku’s woven lyrics and Katsuo Ono’s soul-stirring melody blend beautifully, evoking a mature worldview steeped in the atmosphere of the Showa era.

The distinctive voices of Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi gently envelop a scene where loneliness and warmth intertwine.

Released in October 1982, this work has continued to be loved as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

A new duet version with Fuyumi Sakamoto was produced in October 2017.

With lyrics that touch on the nuances of life and a familiar, accessible melody, it’s a wonderful choice for everyone to enjoy singing at karaoke.

Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō

Yuzo Kayama – Come Be My Bride

A bright and lively melody wrapped in a breezy Hawaiian atmosphere and romantic lyrics themed around the new beginning of marriage truly resonate with the heart.

Sung in Yuzo Kayama’s characteristically gentle voice, this piece is a lovely song that evokes a hopeful, radiant future.

Released in June 1966 as the title track of the album “Holiday in Hawaii,” it was also adapted into a film of the same name starring Yuzo Kayama that premiered the same year.

Perfect not only for wedding celebrations but also for lifting spirits indoors during the rainy season, its warm, tender vocals and nostalgic memories will gently embrace the hearts of older listeners.

YosakuKitajima Saburō

Yosaku

One of Saburo Kitajima’s signature songs.

Released in 1978, this piece warmly and simply portrays the everyday life of a man working in the mountains and his wife.

Its lyrics, rich with a message that honors the spirit of hard work and the bond between husband and wife, are beautifully matched by a folk-inspired, straightforward melody.

After being presented nationwide on NHK, it became beloved by people of all ages and enjoyed a long run as a hit.

With a relatively narrow vocal range and simple rhythm, it’s an easy song to sing.

It’s a timeless classic with universal themes that we hope not only older listeners but also younger generations will enjoy singing.

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

He sings a melancholic song about lost love set in the northern country with Yujiro Ishihara’s distinctive low voice.

As it follows a man searching for his beloved while traveling through Hokkaido cities like Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru, it conveys his heartbreaking emotions.

It was also used as an insert song in the drama “Seibu Keisatsu” and was released in August 1987.

For Yujiro Ishihara, it became his first and only single to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart as well.

As you recall days gone by, try singing it gently and with feeling.