Easy-to-sing songs recommended for women in their 90s: A roundup of tracks to try at karaoke

red dragonflydōyō

Red Dragonfly (Akatonbo of the Sunset Glow) | With Lyrics | Nursery Rhymes and Lyric Songs for Adults | English translation

“Akatonbo” (“Red Dragonfly”) is one of the masterpieces that shines in the history of Japanese music.

Its gentle, wistful melody and lyrics that evoke nostalgia for childhood and affection for nature resonate deeply with listeners.

Featured in school textbooks and beloved across generations, the song has been arranged and passed down in various musical genres.

Why not sing it leisurely while watching red dragonflies on an autumn evening? It will surely bring back fond memories and leave you with a feeling of renewal.

It’s a song we especially hope those in their nineties will sing!

love songYashiro Aki

Aki Yashiro “Love Song”

Aki Yashiro’s “Koi-uta” is a classic noted for its powerful vocals.

The song employs a style similar to the Kawachi Ondo, incorporating kobushi while flipping the voice.

Many people may find this style intimidating, but if you carefully adjust the key to the point where the voice naturally flips, it tends to be easier to sing than standard kobushi.

Although the vocal line is generally strong throughout, there are no notable long sustained notes except at the end of the chorus, so even those who struggle with breath control should be able to sing it without difficulty.

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Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.

It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.

The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.

Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.

How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.

A beautiful day for lifekawanaka miyuki

Miyuki Kawanaka “Jinsei Biyori” Music Video

From her debut, Miyuki Kawanaka has been known for her distinctive, rich voice, and lately that voice has gained even more power and presence.

As a result, she’s been releasing more forceful songs as her career progresses.

One recommendation is Jinsei Biyori, released in 2024.

It features a powerful delivery with effective shouts.

While executing the shouts can be challenging, the song has few long sustained notes and doesn’t use rapid melismatic ornamentation (kobushi), so for those familiar with enka, it should be relatively easy to sing.

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Don’t give upZARD

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

ZARD is an indispensable presence in the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, and for many women in their 40s today, their songs undoubtedly evoke the soundtracks of youth.

The late Izumi Sakai’s clear vocals and heartfelt lyrics never lose their luster, and they’re still hugely popular at karaoke.

“Makenaide” is one of ZARD’s most famous songs, a true classic with nationwide acclaim.

While the pitch is slightly on the higher side, it’s generally average overall, and the melody is straightforward without large leaps in range, making it a good candidate for high karaoke scores.

Aim to articulate each word of the lyrics clearly, and sing the chorus with crisp, powerful delivery!

Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Kāpo

Like a Wildflower – Da Capo #LikeAWildflower #DaCapo #TheNakedGeneral’sWanderingTales

A timeless song with a simple, gentle warmth brings a refreshing breath of spring that makes you want to hum along.

In words anyone can understand, it conveys the importance of living naturally, like flowers blooming in the fields.

Da Capo released this heart-touching piece in July 1983.

Beloved as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Naked General’s Travelogue,” its lyrics inspired many by giving courage to face life’s challenges.

Since 1992, the song has also been included in elementary school music textbooks, and it continues to be sung across generations.

Please enjoy this piece—one that evokes fond memories and the calm arrival of spring—together with older adults.

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten

Leave oneself to the flow of time / Teresa Teng (with lyrics)

Teresa Teng, the Asian diva who conveyed life’s deepest emotions through moving melodies.

This song tells of how meeting a beloved person dramatically changed her life, and of her resolve to devote herself completely.

Set to a gentle, warm major-key arrangement, her clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart.

Released as a single in February 1986 and included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase,” it won the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.

With its beautiful, easy-to-remember melody, it’s perfect for everyone to hum along to while sharing fond memories.