[2026] Recommended karaoke songs for women in their 70s: from enka to Showa-era pop

Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi

Kenichi Mikawa “Woman of Scorpio (New Recording)” (Official Audio)

A signature song by Kenichi Mikawa that portrays the strength and poignancy of a passionate woman who lives for love.

Released in December 1972, this memorable enka number expresses straightforward affection and the sorrow of betrayal.

Mikawa’s powerful vocals blend beautifully with a distinctive worldview inspired by Scorpio, one of the twelve zodiac signs, and the song sold about 97,000 copies on the Oricon charts.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for four consecutive years from 2006 to 2009, revealing new charms through various arrangements, including operatic and samba styles.

With its relaxed tempo and gentle melodic contours, it’s also easy to sing—another part of its appeal.

Why not sing it with a sense of nostalgia as a treasured song tied to precious memories?

Tokyo CachitoFuranku Nagai

Tokyo Cachito — Frank Nagai

It’s a classic of mood kayō that has continued to be loved as a Showa-era masterpiece.

Set against the backdrop of nights in Akasaka, the song portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban sensibility.

Frank Nagai’s alluring low voice richly conveys the feelings of a man troubled by love.

Released in October 1960, the single featured “Arcade Blues” on the B-side.

As a leading presence in the mood kayō boom of the time, it was cherished by many.

It’s a song I’d recommend as a fun karaoke pick to sing with friends, along with fond memories.

Izakayaitsuki hiroshi, kinomi nana

Izakaya

A moving classic duet by Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi.

Set in an unpretentious izakaya, it portrays the gentle connection between two people who happen to sit side by side.

The simple setting highlights the warmth of human connection.

Released in November 1991, it has remained beloved for many years.

In 2017, a new version by Hiroshi Itsuki and Fuyumi Sakamoto was also released.

Its karaoke-friendly structure makes it a perfect choice to sing as a memorable song with someone special.

Two-person sakekawanaka miyuki

Two-person sake

With lyrics brimming with kindness and a gently reflective melody that sinks into the heart, this song resonates deeply.

Miyuki Kawanaka’s clear voice tenderly weaves the profound bond between husband and wife.

Released in 1980, the piece captured many hearts and became a million-seller.

It has been performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has been loved for many years.

Why not let yourself relax into its unhurried tempo and sing while recalling warm moments with family and loved ones? It will surely warm your heart.

If you sing it together at karaoke, it will create a wonderful time of shared feeling across generations.

A Love Game Between a Man and a WomanHino Mika / Aoi Shirou

A Love Game Between a Man and a Woman

Debuted in 1986 as a Takeda Pharmaceutical commercial song, performed as a duet by Tetsuya Takeda and Yoshimi Ashikawa.

Initially, only the chorus was created for advertising, but due to its overwhelming response, it took the unusual path of being released as a record—the song “Otoko to Onna no Love Game.” It later became widely known as a duet by Mika Hino and Shiro Aoi.

The song enjoys high popularity in karaoke and is considered a classic sung across generations.

It’s especially a crowd-pleaser at karaoke contests in senior facilities, so be sure to sing it together and have fun!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem

Ozasiki SongMatsuo Kazuko Mahina Sutāzu

Ozasiki Song

A gem of a classic in which a nostalgic, quintessentially Japanese melody blends beautifully with the sprightly Dodonpa rhythm.

Released in 1964 by Kazuko Matsuo with Hiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies that same year.

Set in Kyoto’s Pontocho district, this highly narrative song portrays a fleeting romance between a geisha and a married man, expressing pure love and poignant resignation with exquisite sensitivity.

It was adapted into a film by Shochiku in February 1965 and won support across generations.

It’s a tune everyone can enjoy together—humming along, clapping in time with the rhythm.

Its catchy melody sticks in your head, making you want to sing along.

Drinks for twoAzusa Michiyo

Drinks for two

A signature song by Michiyo Azusa, a leading female singer of the Showa era.

Its lyrics about mature love and parting strike a deep chord.

Released in March 1974, it ranked 18th on that year’s Oricon annual hit chart and earned her a spot in the 25th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

In TV and stage performances, she was known for her distinctive style of sitting cross-legged to sing after finishing the first verse—a trademark of Michiyo Azusa.

Why not sing it at a relaxed pace while reminiscing about someone dear to you? It’s sure to be a song that resonates with the heart.