[For Seniors] Popular Kayōkyoku: A Collection of Classic Songs Perfect for Karaoke and Background Music Selection

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

Yujiro Ishihara’s “Kita no Tabibito” (Traveler of the North) is a moving song themed around the harsh cold and loneliness of the northern lands.

The red light found at the tip of the cape symbolizes a lover who keeps waiting, conveying a poignant sense of longing.

The depictions of northern scenery—such as the fog in Hakodate and the snowy vistas of Otaru—are striking and further accentuate the protagonist’s sorrow and solitude.

Combined with Ishihara’s wistful voice, the song leaves a deep afterglow that evokes the closing days of the Showa era.

It feels like the perfect piece for when you want to sink into nostalgic memories or savor a calm, reflective mood.

Ginza Kan-kan GirlTakamine Hideko

Hideko Takamine Ginza Kankan Musume (with lyrics)

Brimming with the hope and vitality of Japan’s postwar reconstruction period, it became beloved as the theme song for the film of the same name released in 1949.

The song accompanies a story in which a young woman aspiring to be a painter—played by Hideko Takamine—sings her way through bars in Ginza to earn her tuition.

Ryoichi Hattori’s light, swinging jazz melds with Takao Saeki’s cheerful lyrics, resulting in a major hit that sold 500,000 copies at the time.

It strikingly captures the strength of women who lived positively even amid the postwar turmoil, along with the lively melody that resonated through the streets of Ginza.

When sung as a recreation by older adults, it is likely to evoke memories of the postwar recovery and their youthful days, encouraging everyone to hum along together.

TouchIwasaki Yoshimi

Touch / Yoshimi Iwasaki / Full-size / With lyrics

An anime theme song that captures the bittersweetness of youth was released in March 1985.

It’s a wonderful track featuring Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals and a melody that resonates deeply.

The lyrics convey the feelings of a girl in love with her childhood friend, leaving a lasting impression with its sweet, heartrending portrayal of adolescence.

The song drew major attention as the opening theme for the anime Touch and reached No.

12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It has also become widely used as a cheer song for high school baseball, a staple performed in the stands.

With a melody everyone can hum along to, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke with friends.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

12th grader

Kazuo Funaki is known as an actor and singer.

His debut and signature song is “Koko San-nen-sei” (“High School Senior”).

It’s a folk song that portrays the end of youth from the perspective of a third-year high school student.

The lyrics are said to be based on the real-life experiences of Minoru Endo, who composed the song.

Because the words are quite poignant, why not take the time to listen closely again? By the way, it was also selected as one of Japan’s 100 Noted Songs, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a universally acclaimed classic.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

A hill with a view of the harborHirano Aiko

A Hill with a View of the Harbor / Aiko Hirano (original singer) stage

Aiko Hirano’s “Minato ga Mieru Oka” (The Hill Overlooking the Harbor) is a classic released in 1947.

Set against postwar Japan, its lyrics about a bittersweet love and a port town’s scenery resonate deeply.

Hirano’s lustrous voice—once described as “wet velvet”—further enhances the song’s allure.

With vivid imagery such as faded cherry blossoms, ship whistles, and bluish lights on foggy nights, it conjures striking scenes in the listener’s mind.

For many older listeners, it may overlap with nostalgic memories.

It remains popular for karaoke and as background music, making it a perfect tune for everyone to hum along to.