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