[For Seniors] Crowd-Pleasers! A Collection of Classic Karaoke Songs

The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms BloomKawada Masako

1946 (Showa 21) “The Hill Where Mandarin Blossoms Bloom” — sung by Masako Kawada

Released in 1947.

King Records released Sayoko Inokuchi’s version, and Nippon Columbia released Masako Kawada’s.

Originally composed just after the end of World War II, it is known as “the biggest hit song among postwar children’s songs.” Like ‘Alps Ichiman-jaku,’ it has accompanying hand-play movements and was especially popular among girls.

It’s a nostalgic crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie

Yoshie Kashiwabara - Haru nanoni

Harunononi (Even Though It’s Spring), the hit single released by Yoshie Kashiwabara in 1983.

The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima.

Many older people might think of this song when they hear “a song for spring,” don’t you think? It’s well-known as a graduation song, and it’s so famous that an episode of the TV drama Taiyo ni Hoero! was based on it.

The lyrics depict graduation and the end of a romance, but its gentle melody and calm sound also make it perfect for an adult woman to sing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Love will winKAN

Love Will Win MV

When it comes to KAN’s signature song “Ai wa Katsu” (“Love Will Win”), it’s known as a classic that resonates with many people.

Its simple lyrics and catchy melody are appealing, carrying a hopeful message that any hardship can be overcome.

Released in September 1990, the song gained popularity after being used as an ending theme for a TV program.

The piano tone and powerful vocals are striking, and the tune is easy to enjoy for older listeners as well.

It’s great not only for karaoke, but also for everyone to hum along and clap to together.

The heartfelt lyrics make it a wonderful song that lifts your spirits.

A Drifting LifeMiyako Harumi

A Drifting Life

Harumi Miyako’s 1981 song “Ukikusa Gurashi.” It’s a recommended track that skillfully portrays a devoted woman who, despite being in a somewhat unfortunate situation, doesn’t give in and keeps going.

It may be relatively minor among Harumi Miyako’s songs, but it’s very popular as a karaoke number.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri

Sayuri Ishikawa “Amagi-goe” LIVE Ver. (from Sayuri Ishikawa On Stage: Utazammai 2015 at Hakataza)

Along with “Tsugaru Strait Winter Scenery,” Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Amagi-goe” can be considered one of her signature songs.

It’s been performed many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and is especially familiar to older listeners.

It’s also a popular karaoke number across generations, so give it a try! The key to this song is, above all, its punchy lyrics and sultry vocal style.

It may be on the difficult side with elements like falsetto and kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), but thanks to enka’s characteristically relaxed melody, it might be easier to boldly take on than you think.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem