[For Seniors] Popular Kayōkyoku: A Collection of Classic Songs Perfect for Karaoke and Background Music Selection
In elderly care facilities such as day service centers, isn’t karaoke and music-based recreation quite common? At times like these, younger staff members—especially those much younger than the residents—might find themselves wondering, “Which songs are popular…?” In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of songs that are popular among seniors, focusing mainly on kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).
These are all well-known tracks that most seniors will have heard at least once, so they’re sure to get everyone excited! Please use this as a helpful guide when choosing songs.
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[For Seniors] Popular Kayōkyoku. A collection of classic hits useful for choosing karaoke or background music (71–80)
Osaka RhapsodyUminara Senri · Mari
“Osaka Rhapsody” is one of the signature songs by Senri & Mari Unabara, a heartwarming classic released in 1976.
The lyrics, set against the backdrop of Osaka’s cityscape, vividly portray sweet memories of lovers.
You can almost picture the couple walking through the night streets bathed in seven-colored neon.
For many seniors, this song is a nostalgic piece that brings back memories of their youth.
It’s also great for karaoke—singing it together is sure to make for a fun time.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing, so give it a try!
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
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.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
Takashi Hosokawa is one of Japan’s leading enka singers.
The first time he won the Japan Record Award was with “Kita Sakaba.” Released in 1982, the song created a buzz for its then-unusual style of blending enka with pop.
While the melody is pop-influenced, the lyrics are heartbreakingly sad—a combination that won broad support.
Incidentally, thanks to commercial tie-ins and the like, the song has inspired numerous parody versions.
You might consider using them as references for party entertainment.
[For Seniors] Popular Kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs). A collection of classic hits useful for choosing karaoke or background music (81–90)
The Bells of NagasakiFujiyama Ichirō
Ichiro Fujiyama’s “Nagasaki no Kane” has lyrics that resonate like painted landscapes.
Its moving intro stays in your memory, adding color to the listener’s inner scenes with timeless beauty.
Hachiro Sato’s poetic words and Yuji Koseki’s melody sing of hope and light for recovery.
This classic, which stirs hearts in every era, is a perfect choice to bring people energy together.
As you sing, memories of your youth return, and by sharing conversations and encouraging one another, moments of relaxation and joy expand.
From the northern innMiyako Harumi
One song that drew attention for being used in a Nissin Donbei commercial in 2021 is “Kita no Yado Kara” (From an Inn in the North).
Many people who heard the commercial likely felt a sense of nostalgia or wanted to listen to the full track.
The song was released by Harumi Miyako in 1975, and she went on to perform it three times at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
With lyrics that liken the cold of the northern country to the sorrow of a broken heart and a beautiful melody led by violin, it continues to move many listeners even today.
The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi
Harumi Miyako’s “Suki ni Natta Hito” is a perfect song for older adults.
Along with its gentle melody, the lyrics about a woman’s bittersweet feelings of love resonate with the heart.
Released in 1968, it sold over one million copies and became a classic that was performed many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Singing it at karaoke can bring back nostalgic memories and make for a fun time.
Humming the lyrics also serves as a good mouth exercise, and singing helps relieve stress.
If everyone sings together, conversations will flow, and the room will be filled with smiles.
Song of Seeing Spring OffNoguchi Goro
This is a famed song by Goro Noguchi that gently expresses delicate emotions in a springtime love story.
With an elegant voice, it tenderly embraces the bittersweet feelings of young people parting as the warm spring weather arrives.
Its beautiful melody and lyrical words resonate deeply in our hearts.
Released in December 1978, the song carefully portrays a poignant love story.
It’s a piece you can sing together with older adults, sharing memories while reflecting on farewells and new encounters with those dear to you.