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

Karaoke is one of the most popular recreational activities at senior facilities such as day service centers.

Many people probably enjoy karaoke as a hobby, too.

In this article, we’ll introduce lively karaoke songs recommended for older adults!

We’ve gathered classic enka and kayōkyoku favorites, as well as songs loved across generations.

We hope you’ll find a favorite among the many selections.

Even if you don’t know the lyrics, it’s also great to simply listen and enjoy tunes whose melodies you like.

Sing the songs you love and have fun doing karaoke together!

Playlist

[For Seniors] Crowd-Pleasers! A Collection of Classic Karaoke Songs
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō		A masterpiece that portrays the pride and way of life of northern fishermen.
2	a bright red sunMisora Hibari		A classic hit by Hibari Misora depicting a summer romance
3	12th graderFunaki Kazuo		A song of youth, Kazuo Funaki’s famous piece, singing of memories
4	That wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu		A masterpiece by Kazuhiko Kato and Osamu Kitayama, a song that resonates with the heart
5	A Love Game Between a Man and a WomanHino Mika • Aoi Shirou		A classic about the art of romantic mind games, beloved for its sweet melody.
6	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic song “Ue o Muite Arukou” reflects its era.
7	Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)kawanaka miyuki		A heartwarming classic that sings of the love and bond between a married couple.
8	Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko		A Farewell Song and Hope for a New Step
9	Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi		A Yokohama classic that sings of nightscapes and love
10	Hello from countries around the worldMinami Haruo		Haruo Minami’s Osaka Expo theme song, “Song of Peace.”
11	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		A masterpiece with lyrics by Eiji Rokusu, a worldwide hit
12	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		Eigo Kawashima’s classic song expresses life through alcohol and tears.
13	Hello, baby.Azusa Michiyo		A hit classic that sings of a mother's love and a newborn
14	Forever with youKayama Yūzō		Yuzo Kayama’s signature song “Kimi to Itsumademo”
15	The two are young.dikku mine & hoshi reiko		A song like the mountain echoes that colored the Showa era
16	A Love Story in GinzaYūjirō Ishihara · Junko Makimura		A poignant love song echoing through the streets of Ginza
17	The boatman is dear.Otomaru		Reminiscing with the nostalgic song 'Sendō Kawaiya'
18	The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi		A bittersweet love carried on a gentle melody
19	Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō		The theme song of the film “Aoi Sanmyaku” (Blue Mountain Range) sung by Ichirō Fujiyama
20	Gardenia blossomWatanabe Tetsuya		A manly, spirited classic by Tetsuya Watari
21	The Apple SongNamiki Michiko		Soyokaze, the first hit song in Japan after the war
22	the first strong spring windkyandīzu		A spring classic by Candies that makes you feel the arrival of spring.
23	Goodbye, TearsSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic, a hopeful song about overcoming a parting
24	Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri		A famous song by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga, a song of dreams and hope
25	Freeze my heartTakayama Iwao		Takayama Iwao's melancholy karaoke song is highly relatable.
26	Snowy TownTakayoshio		Layering hope and wistfulness onto a snowy landscape
27	Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya		A famous song written by Mariya Takeuchi, sung by the Mikura sisters
28	As long as the sun is in the skyNishikino Akira		An iconic song of hope that looks forward and moves ahead, with bright lyrics that lift your spirits.
29	Shadows of Youthchūrippu		Shadows of Youth: A Beatles-style ballad masterpiece
30	atonementTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic song “Tsugunai”
31	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		Yumi Matsutoya: A masterpiece that sings of a heart waiting for spring
32	Blues of the DawnItsuki Hiroshi		Hiroshi Itsuki “Dawn Blues”: A Love Story in Matsuyama
33	The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō		A delightful classic by Atsuro Okamoto on the Highland Train
34	wintering swallowMori Masako		Masako Mori’s classic song, a masterpiece composed by Hiroshi En.
35	to youFuranku Nagai		Frank Nagai’s classic song “Omae ni”
36	A hill with a view of the harborHirano Aiko		A classic song that sings of a bittersweet love in a port town
37	From the northern innMiyako Harumi		Singing passionately a classic enka song by Harumi Miyako in winter
38	Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu		A classic bossa nova standard for summer
39	Ladybug Sambacherisshu		Cherish and “Ladybug Samba”
40	Don’t give upZARD		ZARD’s classic song “Makenaide” resonates with the heart.
41	lieNakaijō Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Nakajo’s famous song has won numerous awards.
42	Northern SpringSen Masao		A famed song that portrays Masao Sen’s hometown and love, with heartwarming lyrics
43	Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko		Tokyo Boogie Woogie is a song that energized postwar Japan.
44	What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu		Drifters hit songs you want to listen to in the cold winter
45	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hanamizuki, a prayer for peace—an unforgettable song that resonates in the heart
46	Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato		Chisato Moritaka’s signature song about a bittersweet love
47	Boat SongYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s classic enka, a song beloved across generations
48	Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri		Sayuri Ishikawa’s classic hit, a popular song for karaoke
49	Jindo MonogatariTendō Yoshimi		An enka song by Yoshimi Tendo themed on the parting of the sea
50	BoyhoodInoue Yosui		Memories of my youth in the summer classic by Yosui Inoue, 'Shonen Jidai'
51	Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu		A classic song from the Showa era, a song of dreams and hope
52	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		Misorahibari’s final masterpiece, Like the Flow of a River
53	Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako		Aya Fuji's famous song 'Ame no Jouji' is moving.
54	cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro		A song of cherry blossoms portrays the transience of life.
55	Melancholy TrainMitsubishi Michiya		Mitsuo Mihashi’s moving classic, a big hit
56	Cotton MoodAnri		Relive nostalgic memories with classic spring songs
57	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic that sings of love and the passage of time
58	Hundred-Year Cherry BlossomsYoshi Ikuzo		Commemorative song for the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival created by Ikuzo Yoshi
59	In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu		Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature song released in 1977 that sings about the nature of Hokkaido.
60	Ginza Kan-kan GirlTakatamine Hideko		Hideko Takamine’s classic song depicting independent women in the postwar era
61	Sugarcane fieldSakushi sakkyoku: Terashima Naohiko		The sorrow of the Battle of Okinawa and a prayer for peace
62	There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s uplifting classic song “Ue o Muite Arukou”
63	Kiyoshi’s Soran BushiHikawa Kiyoshi		Arrangement of a Hokkaido folk song, a famous hit by Kiyoshi Hikawa
64	Journey of the Heartchūrippu		A classic song that captures the bittersweet emotions of departure.
65	Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya		A song that heals the heart with encouraging lyrics and a gentle melody
66	Hawaiian Airlines flightUtsumi Kiyoshi		Nostalgia for the tropics, Utsumi Kiyoshi’s classic song
67	Ginza Kan-kan GirlTakamine Hideko		A classic that sings of postwar hope and vitality
68	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		A timeless anthem of hope that lives with the times: the heartfelt songs of Miyuki Nakajima
69	Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi		The famous song by Hiroshi Itsuki that depicts Yokohama
70	Let’s meet in Yurakucho.Furanku Nagai		Scenes from the Showa era, the classic hit by Frank Nagai
71	Ozasiki Song		In the year of the Tokyo Olympics, a smash-hit song became popular.
72	Grandfather’s Clock		A moving story about the bond between a grandfather and an old clock
73	Kawachi Ondo		Kawachi Ondo is a thriving folk song style from Osaka.
74	Flowers will bloom.		A moving song that portrays the sorrow and hope of the earthquake disaster
75	Lingering Snowiruka		Spring partings, bittersweet memories of youth
76	Love VacationZa Pīnattsu		Summer seaside romance, memories of youth
77	school daysPegī Hayama		A classic song that sings of youthful memories: the heart of our student days
78	Happy HinamatsuriSakushi: Satō Hachirō / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Kōyō		The Charm of the Hina Matsuri Classic “Ureshii Hinamatsuri”
79	Album of MemoriesSakushi: Masuko Toshi / Sakkyoku: Honda Tetsuma		A heartwarming song about memories from kindergarten
80	Moon over the Ruined CastleSakushi: Doi Bansui / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō		The prewar classic song “Kojo no Tsuki” is a masterpiece.
81	Longing for RainYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s classic hit “Ame no Bojo” passionately sings of longing in love.
82	festivalKitajima Saburō		A representative song by Saburō Kitajima that sings about festival culture
83	Waltz of StarlightSen Masao		Masao Sen's classic 'Hoshikage no Waltz,' a song that sings of the melancholy of parting
84	Let’s get married.yoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s heartwarming spring classic
85	If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu		A heartwarming classic imbued with peace and friendship
86	I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s love song depicts the bond between husband and wife.
87	Swim, Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato		The Great Adventure of Taiyaki-kun, a heartwarming classic song
88	TouchIwasaki Yoshimi		Yoshimi Iwasaki’s youth song, a moving theme song
89	Spring StreamMonbushō shōka		A beautiful school song depicting the spring scenery of one’s hometown
90	tea pickingMonbushō shōka		The charm of Japan’s traditional tea-picking folk song
91	March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko		An encouraging song that gives you the courage to move forward
92	Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi		A moving classic that captures the allure of enka
93	Words of FarewellKaientai		“Okuru Kotoba” is a song of springtime farewells and bonds.
94	North TavernHosokawa Takashi		A classic enka song depicting an encounter at a tavern in the northern country
95	Because the moon is so very blueSugawara Totoko		The queen of elegy, Miyako Sugawara’s famous song
96	IzakayaItsuki Hiroshi		A masterpiece that portrays the loneliness of an izakaya, resonating deep in the heart
97	Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō		Yūzō Kayama’s classic song “Oyome ni Oide,” a love song set against the sea
98	YosakuKitajima Saburō		A moving song that sings of rural landscapes and the warmth of its people
99	The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku		Eisaku Okawa’s smash hit song “Love of the Showa Era”
100	Fading cherry blossomsŌkawa Eisaku		Eisaku Okawa’s classic that portrays springtime partings and a bittersweet love
101	I can’t put it into wordsOda Kazumasa		A timeless masterpiece by Kazumasa Oda that gently stays close to the heart
102	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		Inspire people with songs of hope
103	A Love Game Between a Man and a WomanHino Mika / Aoi Shirou		Takeda Pharmaceutical’s commercial song becomes a hit duet classic
104	Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō		Hachiro Kasuga’s classic inspired by kabuki
105	teacherMori Masako		Masako Mori’s classic song “Sensei”: nostalgic lyrics and melody
106	Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi		Let's get hyped with Kiyoshi's Zundoko Bushi
107	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		A masterpiece that sings of Hibari Misora’s life
108	window glassNaoko Ken		A masterpiece with lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima about the pain of heartbreak
109	Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi		Kenichi Mikawa’s Zodiac Song, Woman of the Scorpius (Scorpio Woman)
110	Over the hillFujiyama Ichirō		A classic masterpiece from early Showa, 'Song of Youth'
111	If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki		Toshiyuki Nishida’s famous song “Moshimo Piano”
112	The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka		Haruo Oka’s famous song that sings of a yearning for foreign lands
113	365 Steps MarchSuizenji Kiyoko		A march-style kayōkyoku song in the vein of Kiyoko Suizenji, carrying a message of moving forward.
114	airportTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic song “Airport” becomes a breakout hit.
115	Such is a woman’s soliloquyMasuiyama Tashirō		Masuiyama Taishiro’s big hit song, “Onna-gokoro to Otoko no Miryoku” (A Woman’s Heart and a Man’s Charm)
116	The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko		The song Seto no Hanayome by Rumiko Koyanagi
117	Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko		Chiyoko Shimakura’s signature song “Jinsei Iroiro” (Life Has Many Varieties)
118	The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms BloomKawada Masako		A representative song of postwar children's songs and hand play songs
119	Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie		Yoshie Kashiwabara’s classic song “Haru nanoni” is a masterpiece.
120	Love will winKAN		KAN's 'Ai wa Katsu' is an iconic anthem of hope.
121	With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira		Eiichi Ohtaki’s classic song, known for its moving lyrics and music.
122	Flowers of umbrellas blooming in the rainŌyō Fifi		A lively classic by a Taiwanese singer
123	A Drifting LifeMiyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako’s “Ukikusa Gurashi,” a masterpiece depicting a brave, devoted woman
124	Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri		Let's sing Sayuri Ishikawa's famous song 'Amagi-goe'.