Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A roundup of tracks also great for karaoke

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri

Crossing Amagi Pass

Amagi-goe is a signature song by Sayuri Ishikawa, released in 1986.

Set against the backdrop of Mount Amagi, it has a local-song quality, and as a masterpiece created by the duo of lyricist Osamu Yoshioka and composer Tetsuya Gen, it has been covered by many artists.

Centered on the theme of an illicit affair, it expresses a woman’s poignant emotions with passion and finesse, perfectly matching Ishikawa’s rich, powerful vocals.

It has continued to resonate with listeners for many years and remains a karaoke staple.

Singing this timeless classic together across generations would surely make for a wonderful time.

March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko

[With Large Lyrics] 365-Step March [Recreation]

Released in 1968, this kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song) is characterized by its bright, upbeat, march-like rhythm.

Sung by Kiyoko Suizenji, the number carries an encouraging message about moving forward while cherishing the small steps we take each day—making it perfect for January as we welcome a new year.

The lyrics resonate with hopeful expressions about the importance of advancing one step at a time and how beautiful flowers bloom along the footprints we leave.

In 1969, it was chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, and it has since become a classic frequently used in anime and commercials.

At New Year gatherings or recreational events, singing it together can lift everyone’s spirits and help kick off the year with energy.

Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri

Yukio Hashi & Sayuri Yoshinaga / Itsudemo Yume o (Always Dream)

This song, a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga in 1962, is a classic of youth pop that won the 4th Japan Record Award and sold a total of about 2.6 million copies.

With lyrics by Takao Saeki and music by Tadashi Yoshida—their golden partnership—the words, likened to stars and rain, gently weave a message urging listeners to keep dreaming no matter their circumstances.

The piece was adapted into a film by Nikkatsu in 1963 and was also chosen as the entrance march for high school baseball.

It’s a song I’d love for everyone to hum together on a cold winter’s day in a warm room.

Why not spend some time sharing memories of your hopeful younger days, carried along by its tender melody?

atonementTeresa Ten

atonement

Teresa Teng’s “Tsunagai” is a masterpiece that poignantly sings of the pain of parting and the ache of loneliness.

Her beautiful voice deftly conveys the feelings of a woman who keeps a faint, secret love in her heart.

Released in January 1984, the song became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies, and won the Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.

Why not take your time and savor this famed ballad that gently accompanies life’s turning points?

Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe

Showa Dance Hisai (Playback Take 2) Choreography: Yoko Iida

Let’s move our bodies along with nostalgic memories to the timeless hits of the Showa era.

The single released by Momoe Yamaguchi in May 1978 is a masterpiece with lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by Ryudo Uzaki.

With its innovative structure and emotionally rich vocals, this work reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts and sold over 500,000 copies.

Its warmth that resonates with listeners’ hearts and its light, buoyant melody are especially appealing.

It’s a song you can enjoy dancing to with a smile, whether in the living room or at a senior community salon.

Move at your own pace to the naturally uplifting rhythm.

It’s a tune that sparks conversations full of fond memories and helps you spend a wonderful time.

Pineapple Princesstashiro midori

Pineapple Princess - Midori Tashiro

How about lending an ear to that bright tune that beckons you to a tropical paradise? As the lively sound of the ukulele begins to flow, it’s as if the sweet-and-tart scent of pineapple gently spreads through your heart.

Listen closely to the singing, and you can picture the scene of the protagonist dancing with joy on a sun-sparkling island.

Sung by Midori Tashiro in 1961, this song is a cover of American singer Annette’s number and was extremely popular in Japan at the time.

Give it a listen, and you may forget the summer heat and feel refreshed.

For older listeners, it will surely bring back happy memories of their youth and brighten their hearts.

Ozasiki Song

Ozashiki kouta, popular song, Kyoto, geiko

It was sung in 1964 by Hiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars along with Kazuko Matsuo.

While the Tokyo Olympics likely helped, the economy at the time was far from strong, yet the song became a massive hit with total sales of 2.5 million copies, setting a new record for record sales back then.

Thanks to its musical style, it also became wildly popular at drinking parties across the country: people would sing just the first verse, then others around them would join in with humorous parody verses and enjoy themselves.

It’s said that it can be even more enjoyable at senior care facilities’ recreational events if, in addition to singing the original lyrics, participants share parody versions they know.

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