RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

A roundup of recommended Japanese songs for karaoke that will excite men in their 80s

When you have a chance to do karaoke with someone much older, it can be hard to know what songs to sing, right?

In this article, I’ll introduce lively songs that are especially likely to please men in their 80s.

I hope this will be helpful for staff planning karaoke as a recreation activity at care facilities, as well as for those who want to enjoy karaoke with grandparents at family gatherings.

I’ve selected a wide range of songs—from hits around the 1950s to enka from the 1980s—so you’re sure to find something they’ll enjoy.

Use this article as a guide, and have fun doing karaoke together!

Japanese pop songs that will excite men in their 80s: Recommended karaoke tracks (11–20)

Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō

Blue Mountain Range is a song in which Ichiro Fujiyama’s rich low voice and Mitsue Nara’s beautiful vocals vividly evoke the spirit of youthful travel against the majestic scenery of the highlands.

With lyrics by Yaso Saijo and music by Ryoichi Hattori, it richly expresses a poetic world brimming with literary flair and lyricism through delicate musicality.

Released in 1949 as the theme song for a film, it earned high acclaim on numerous music programs.

If you all join your voices and sing it while basking in nostalgia, a page from the youth of the Showa era will surely come to life.

Sūdara-bushiUeki Hitoshi

Hitoshi Ueki “Sūdara-bushi” ANALOG RECORD MUSIC
Sūdara-bushiUeki Hitoshi

“Sūdara-bushi” is a classic released by Hitoshi Ueki in 1961 that humorously and self-deprecatingly sings about mishaps and gripes.

Its distinctive chorus is addictive—once you hear it, you can’t forget it—and it leaves a deep impression on listeners.

With witty, humor-filled lyrics, it has the feel of the original comic song, and it’s guaranteed to get everyone fired up when you sing it together.

This song has a mysterious charm that has kept it loved across generations—why not gather everyone and sing it in unison?

North TavernHosokawa Takashi

Takashi Hosokawa’s “Kita Sakaba” is a memorable song featuring a lively melody and lyrics that portray a man and woman meeting in a tavern in Japan’s northern region.

It evokes the image of two people seeking warmth on a cold night.

Released in March 1982, it became a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon year-end chart.

Created by the duo of Rei Nakanishi and Taiji Nakamura, it marked a turning point in Hosokawa’s career.

With its up-tempo style and popularity across generations, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleasing choice.

Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō

08 O-Yome ni Oide • Kayama Yuzo
Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō

Yuzo Kayama’s “Oyome ni Oide” is a classic kayōkyoku song released in 1966.

Its lyrics, infused with the passionate feelings of a man of the sea and a vow of marriage, leave a strong impression.

The pure and powerful message of wanting to marry one’s beloved inevitably moves listeners’ hearts.

Kayama’s warm singing voice further enriches the song’s world.

Cherished by many over the years, this piece teaches the importance of bonds with the one you love.

It’s a true hit that transcends generations—one that older listeners can hum along to as they bask in fond memories.

festivalKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima “Matsuri” (Official Audio)
festivalKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima’s “Matsuri” is a breathtaking masterpiece that sings of the charm and dynamism of Japan’s traditional festivals.

It vividly depicts scenes from harvest festivals and fishing festivals that give thanks for nature’s blessings, conveying the passionate spirit of the participants.

Since its release in November 1984, it has been loved for many years, performed as many as six times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The imagery woven throughout the lyrics lets you feel the pulse and unity of the celebrations.

It’s a song that older listeners can hum while reminiscing about their youth—truly a classic cherished across generations.