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 excite men in their 80s: Recommended karaoke tracks (21–30)

Winter LightningArisu

This masterpiece, featuring a powerful and emotionally rich vocal performance, was released as a single in November 1977.

Showcasing Alice’s full appeal, the song masterfully fuses folk and rock.

While painting a refreshing winter scene, it warmly sings of the subtle emotions everyone experiences.

A classic that reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts, it was also used as an insert song in TV dramas and films, and is known as one of Alice’s signature works.

Its enduring charm remains undimmed, evoking memories of time spent with loved ones and nostalgic landscapes.

It’s a perfect choice to request when you’re taking it easy at karaoke with friends.

Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Hosokawa Takashi

This classic enka song, inspired by the traditional Japanese musical art of rōkyoku, vividly portrays the subtleties of life with deep emotion.

Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful vocals beautifully express life’s joys and sorrows.

Released in 1977, the piece captivated many, earning appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and winning multiple awards, including the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

With its universal themes that resonate with each listener’s life experiences, it’s perfect for recreational activities in care facilities or for enjoying music with family.

We hope everyone can form a circle, sing together, clap along, and share a joyful moment.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]
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.

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda

Barracuda: 1979: Nationwide Sake Drinking Ondo (Japan)
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

Northern Fishing Grounds - Saburo Kitajima
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.