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

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo

Sake, Tears, Men and Women “Eigo Kawashima” with Lyrics

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.

Brother ShipsToba Ichirō

Brother Ship - Ichiro Toba

This is a masterpiece of enka that powerfully expresses the deep bond among fisherman brothers and their devotion to family.

Tetsurō Funamura’s grand melody blends with Tetsurō Hoshino’s moving lyrics, while Ichirō Toba’s rugged vocals bring out the work’s full appeal.

Because Ichirō Toba himself has real-life fishing experience, the pride and spirit of men of the sea come through vividly.

Released in August 1982, the song sold over 290,000 copies on the Oricon charts and won the Newcomer Award at the 16th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.

It has also been performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, earning strong support from enka fans.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and highly recommended for karaoke that stirs the heart.

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.

Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

A masterpiece that sings of hope shining through the bitter cold, its bittersweet sense of life’s melancholy resonates deeply.

Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s vocals, tinged with sorrow yet brimming with strength, seep into the depths of the heart.

Released in 1986, it won the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards.

That same year, it appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and topped the Oricon charts—a work cherished by many.

Masterfully intertwining northern landscapes with the stirrings of love, this song was also used in regional tourism promotions and winter campaigns.

For many, it remains a treasured song of memories.

Why not spend a quiet moment listening to its heartwarming voice?

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.