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!

Playlist

A roundup of recommended Japanese songs for karaoke that will excite men in their 80s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira		A classic song that feels a stirring of love at the beauty of a woman met again
2	The Longed-For Route to HawaiiHaruo Oka		A classic song of the Hawaii Route that sings of postwar dreams
3	The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka		A classic song that portrays the pathos of a flower-selling girl in postwar Tokyo
4	Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi		A Scorpio woman's love and revenge, a cry from the heart song
5	Hello from countries around the worldMinami Haruo		The Expo theme song that sings of the bonds of the world
6	I’m heading to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo		A classic song by Ikuzō Yoshi celebrating youth, hometown, and dreams
7	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		An iconic song that gives you the courage to keep moving forward
8	The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō		The charm of a heartwarming masterpiece depicting Goshikinuma
9	Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō		A classic hit by Hachiro Kasuga, a poignant tale of a bittersweet reunion
10	12th graderFunaki Kazuo		A classic that sings of youthful memories, portraying the hearts of high school students.
11	Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō		The classic song “Aoi Sanmyaku” sings of the wistful journey of youth.
12	Sūdara-bushiUeki Hitoshi		The self-deprecating classic by Hitoshi Ueki, “Sudara-bushi”
13	North TavernHosokawa Takashi		A tavern in the northern land, warmth and encounters between men and women
14	Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō		The passionate feelings of a man of the sea and a vow of marriage
15	festivalKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima’s classic song “Matsuri,” singing the spirit of the festival.
16	Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko		Kiyohiko Ozaki’s famous song “Mata Au Hi Made” is a song about parting.
17	youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran		An iconic song of youth, bittersweet first love, and hope
18	There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu		A coming-of-age song that sings of the feelings of a young person in love.
19	Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri		The charm of the classic youth song “Along the Flow of the Stars”
20	Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu		A classic Group Sounds song that portrays summer youth
21	Winter LightningArisu		Alice’s classic song, singing of winter scenery
22	Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Hosokawa Takashi		A masterpiece with a rōkyoku motif, expressing the subtleties of life
23	Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Hikawa: popular among younger generations for his enka
24	National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda		A heartwarming comic song that celebrates drinks and food
25	Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō		A masterpiece that portrays the pride and way of life of northern fishermen.
26	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		Eigo Kawashima’s classic song that depicts the pathos of life
27	Brother ShipsToba Ichirō		A masterpiece by Ichirō Toba that movingly sings of the brotherly love of fishermen.
28	IzakayaItsuki Hiroshi		A masterpiece that portrays the loneliness of an izakaya, resonating deep in the heart
29	Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo		The scenery of the northern country and the heart-stirring singing voice of Yoshikazu Ikuzō
30	Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō		A melancholic masterpiece that sings of love in the northern land
31	wheat fieldOyonēzu		A gentle country song, a Tohoku-dialect classic
32	What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu		A nostalgic Showa-era melody with the Onsen Ondo
33	The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka		Okada Haruo's classic that uplifted postwar Japan