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!
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- Songs I want men in their 70s to sing: a roundup of tracks I'd like to hear at karaoke
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 90s: A roundup of tracks to sing at karaoke
- [For Seniors] Let’s Have Fun Together! Introducing Uplifting, Energizing Songs
- [For Seniors] Songs Everyone Can Sing Together! A Roundup of Recommended Crowd-Pleasers
- Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A roundup of tracks also great for karaoke
- Songs that get men in their 90s excited: A roundup of classic karaoke recommendations
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke
- Recommended winter songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era winter tracks
- Tear-jerking songs for men in their 80s: a collection of timeless masterpieces that touch the heartstrings
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 70s: A collection of classic hits you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- Songs to Enjoy with Women in Their 90s: A Collection of Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers
Japanese pop songs that excite men in their 80s: Recommended karaoke tracks (21–30)
wheat fieldOyonēzu
It’s a classic song that unfolds a gentle, heartwarming rural landscape.
With approachable lyrics in the Tohoku dialect, it portrays the pure romances of young people in the countryside.
It sold 900,000 copies and reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
The melody is characterized by its singable familiarity, and it was also used in a FamilyMart commercial.
As Oyonese’s signature song, it continues to be loved by many.
It evokes nostalgic scenery and can spark lively reminiscences, making it perfect for music recreation activities for seniors.
With its heartwarming lyrics and gentle melody, it is sure to resonate with listeners.
What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu
This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.
The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.
The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.
Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.
National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda
A heartwarming comic song that celebrates the joy of drinking, themed around annual events and regional specialties.
Originally released independently by Baracuda in December 1979, the track gained popularity on cable radio and was officially reissued by Toshiba EMI, reaching No.
11 on the Oricon chart and selling around 700,000 copies.
With a warm musical style that incorporates regional dialects, it is a classic deeply etched in the hearts of the Japanese people.
In 2021, an arranged version with a “hot pot” theme was featured in a Mizkan commercial, winning the hearts of a new generation.
It’s a song that brings smiles to everyone—perfect for livening up banquets and parties, or sharing joyful moments with close friends.
Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō
Set against the harsh fishing grounds of Hokkaido, this enka masterpiece portrays the pride and resolve of fishermen.
The image of men braving raging waves and biting cold while thinking of tomorrow’s catch is deeply moving.
Its powerful melody and Saburo Kitajima’s richly expressive vocals brilliantly capture the fishermen’s way of life.
Released in June 1986, the song won the Best Vocal Performance at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
It’s recommended for older listeners as a piece that recalls life experience and pride in one’s work.
The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka
As a classic that lit a bright light in postwar Japan, one of Haruo Oka’s signature works is beloved by many.
With its lively melody and yearning for an unseen paradise, the song was released by King Records in 1948.
Its lyrics beautifully express a longing for unknown lands and the exhilaration of setting sail, resonating deeply with people of the time.
Owing to its popularity, it was adapted into a film by Shintoho in 1950, starring Haruo Oka himself, with Hibari Misora as co-star.
It’s a tune that lets you hum along with friends and bask in wonderful memories.
Perfect for music recreation at day-service centers, it’s a classic that everyone can enjoy together.
Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi
With its signature catchphrase, Kiyoshi Hikawa’s debut single “Hakonê Hachiri no Hanjirō” quickly became widely known.
Beyond his powerful vocals, his handsome looks won broad acceptance among younger women who had previously been less interested in enka, propelling him to instant nationwide stardom.
The song’s phrases function as a call-and-response with fans, reportedly creating an electrifying atmosphere at concerts.
Thanks to this, the song is widely recognized and enjoys great popularity at karaoke.
It’s also sure to liven up recreational activities at senior care facilities.
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
This is a classic song that portrays the bittersweetness of life that everyone has experienced.
It gently depicts the differences in emotional expression between men and women, resonating with listeners through Eigo Kawashima’s deep insight and warm voice.
Included on the album “Jinrui” (Humanity), the song was also released in 1976 as Kawashima’s solo debut and reached No.
9 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Known as the theme song for the sake brand “Kizakura,” it became a major talking point in step with the social mood of the time.
The melody is soft, and its simplicity seeps into the heart.
It’s the perfect song to enjoy at karaoke with someone special.
I hope you’ll savor it slowly, along with your fond memories.