[For Seniors] Popular Karaoke Songs That Everyone Can Enjoy Together

Ah, there are tears in life.Satomi Kôtarô, Yokouchi Masashi

Ah, life has its tears — including the elusive third verse.

Here’s the theme song from Mito Kōmon, a period drama hugely popular among seniors.

In fact, it was re-recorded every time Suke-san and Kaku-san were replaced, so there are many different versions.

The most famous is by Kōtarō Satomi and Tadashi Yokouchi, but there was also a time when Ryōtarō Sugi sang it.

It’s a song I’d love to hear performed by a close-knit duo.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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I’m falling in love with you againbiriibanban

Billy BanBan / “Falling in Love with You Again”

These are the 31st and 32nd single releases by the folk duo Billy BanBan, known for their beautifully synchronized, sibling-only harmonies.

You might recognize them from the Mugi shochu iichiko commercials.

The songs feature a dreamy, spacious atmosphere and memorable phrases that are easy on the ears.

With a fairly relaxed tempo, they’re likely easy for older listeners to sing at karaoke.

Plus, since enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto has covered them, they’re approachable for both men and women, and their popularity makes them a surefire hit at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko

Mieko Makimura 'Michi-zure' (Fellow Travelers/Companions on the Road)

Here is the song that Mieko Makimura released in 1978.

Originally, it was a song owned by Tetsuya Watari, and Makimura’s director reportedly encouraged her to sing it.

Makimura asked Watari for permission to perform it, and it was recorded.

That said, it didn’t become a hit at first, and there’s a heartwarming story that Watari, being considerate, decided not to sing it himself—an anecdote that speaks to his character.

Later, as the song gradually gained popularity, Makimura made her first appearance at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1981 with this very track.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Dreamy TokyoFujiyama Ichirō

Dreamy Tokyo

Ichiro Fujiyama’s “Yume Awaki Tokyo” is a classic that beautifully depicts postwar Tokyo.

Its elegant vocals and touching lyrics are likely to evoke memories for older listeners.

Born in 1947 (Showa 22), the song still retains its timeless charm.

The lyrics, which sing of the flow of the river and scenes on street corners, convey both nostalgia and hope.

If you play it in an intro quiz, many people will surely start humming along.

Singing it together would make for a delightful time.

Moving your mouth widely as you sing also serves as a good oral exercise.

Be sure to enjoy it together with older adults.

The two are young.dikku mine & hoshi reiko

The Two Are Young — Dick Mine / Reiko Hoshi (with lyrics)

“Futari wa Wakai” (The Two Are Young) is a classic Showa-era song performed by Dick Mine and Reiko Hoshi.

Its call-and-response, echoing like voices in the mountains, captures the sweetness of young lovers.

The natural imagery—blue skies and gentle breezes—also conveys the pair’s youth and happiness.

Released in 1935, the song has remained beloved by many.

With lyrics and a melody that are easy for older listeners to enjoy, it’s fun to hum along to.

Singing it can serve as a light mouth exercise and a chance to reminisce about those days.

And if everyone sings together, it can make for an even more enjoyable time.

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri

Crossing Amagi — Sayuri Ishikawa

Even younger generations who aren’t very familiar with enka will probably recognize it as soon as they hear the chorus—the part where the title is sung—right? That’s Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Amagi-goe.” Released in 1986, it’s a truly national hit and one of Ishikawa’s signature songs, performed many times at NHK’s year-end Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

If you sing this at a karaoke contest, won’t all the participants be able to hum along and get excited? It’s so popular it might even end up being a song people compete over.

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utatane

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Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

Kiyohiko Ozaki’s hit song “Mata Au Hi Made,” released in 1971.

From the intro, it’s a track that instantly lifts your spirits and makes you feel upbeat.

The lyrics were written by Yū Aku and the music composed by Kyōhei Tsutsumi, and it’s one of Ozaki’s signature songs.

I called it upbeat and cheerful, but it’s actually a song about parting.

Even so, there’s nothing whiny about it—this is a beautifully forward-looking farewell.

It’s the kind of song that would likely be a big hit as a karaoke favorite among older listeners.

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utatane

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