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

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

He sings a melancholic song about lost love set in the northern country with Yujiro Ishihara’s distinctive low voice.

As it follows a man searching for his beloved while traveling through Hokkaido cities like Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru, it conveys his heartbreaking emotions.

It was also used as an insert song in the drama “Seibu Keisatsu” and was released in August 1987.

For Yujiro Ishihara, it became his first and only single to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart as well.

As you recall days gone by, try singing it gently and with feeling.

a bright red sunMisora Hibari

Crimson Sun

This song beautifully blends the seasonal feel of love with a passionate rock sound.

Evoking the image of the midsummer sun, its vivid composition richly portrays young love by the seaside in summer, dramatizing the changing emotions of romance as the seasons shift.

The unique world conjured by Hibari Misora’s powerful vocals is captivating.

Released in May 1967 as a track on her 20th anniversary album in show business, “Uta wa Waga Inochi,” it became a massive hit, selling over 1.4 million copies.

It’s a perfect choice for karaoke at day service centers, offering a heart-lifting melody and a chance to bask in wonderful memories.

Please give me wingsakai tori

Red Bird “Please Give Me Wings” 1971

The folk song “Tsubasa o Kudasai” by Akai Tori has been a beloved classic since its 1971 release.

Its lyrics, which portray a yearning for freedom and hope, resonate across generations and touch many hearts.

For women in their seventies who feel nostalgic for the past, it can especially bring back a page from their youth.

Like a magic thread that connects time, this song continues to be cherished by people of all ages even today—so why not sing it to your heart’s content at karaoke? Its beautiful melody is sure to resonate deeply with those around you.

ScandalTeresa Ten

Scandal

Teresa Teng’s songs are full of that quintessential ’80s vibe.

You can especially hear it in the synthesizers and the vocal lines.

This track, “Scandal,” is unusual for a Teresa Teng song in that its vocal line is crafted more like a 1970s idol tune.

It features a melody that leans somewhat toward doo-wop, and in contrast to the sprightly rhythm, the vocal line is characterized by a narrow range and gentle, gradual pitch movement.

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IzakayaItsuki Hiroshi

Izakaya — Kinomi Nana / Hiroshi Itsuki

Set in an izakaya, this song delicately portrays the subtle emotions of lonely men and women.

Yu Aku’s woven lyrics and Katsuo Ono’s soul-stirring melody blend beautifully, evoking a mature worldview steeped in the atmosphere of the Showa era.

The distinctive voices of Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi gently envelop a scene where loneliness and warmth intertwine.

Released in October 1982, this work has continued to be loved as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

A new duet version with Fuyumi Sakamoto was produced in October 2017.

With lyrics that touch on the nuances of life and a familiar, accessible melody, it’s a wonderful choice for everyone to enjoy singing at karaoke.

snow camelliaKobayashi Sachiko

snow camellia

Yuki Tsubaki by Sachiko Kobayashi, renowned as the queen of enka.

Named after the prefectural flower of Niigata, the snow camellia, this song is said to be a treasured piece with special meaning to Kobayashi.

Its lyrics, depicting a woman who supports her husband and accepts hardship while returning a gentle smile, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in June 1987, the song was performed three times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has long been beloved by many.

When singing it at karaoke, why not savor the depth of the lyrics and take it at a relaxed tempo? It’s a heartwarming song that will stay close to your heart.

Sometimes like a child without a motherKarumen Maki

Sometimes like a child without a mother... Carmen Maki

Carmen Maki’s debut single “Toki ni wa Haha no Nai Ko no Yō ni” is a sensational work from 1969.

The richly expressive lyrics by Shuji Terayama and the memorable melody by Michi Tanaka combine to resonate deeply with listeners.

Sung against the sound of Shonan’s surf, the song has been loved across generations, and in 1970 (Showa 45) it drew major attention with an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

A karaoke standard, it’s a masterpiece recommended for a wide range of ages.

For women in their 70s, it’s sure to be a special song that brings back memories of their youth.