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

Scat at DawnYuki Saori

Yoake No Scat

It’s a quintessential masterpiece of the Showa era, with Saori Yuki’s voice—often called a “sobering tonic”—resonating deeply in the heart.

The beautiful humming at the beginning delicately evokes the stillness before dawn and a faint hope for the new day.

Rofu Yamagami’s richly poetic worldview also sinks deeply into the listener’s soul.

This piece marked Saori Yuki’s fresh new start in March 1969 and was loved as the theme for TBS Radio’s late-night program “Night Ballad.” Its status as a million seller with over 1.5 million copies conveys the fervor of the time.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to relax into music or spend a gentle moment reminiscing about the past.

In conversations with people of the same generation, this beautiful melody is sure to bring a warm, easygoing atmosphere.

Jindo MonogatariTendō Yoshimi

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Jindo Monogatari (full ver.)

Inspired by the mysterious phenomenon in Jindo, Korea—where the sea parts and a path appears—this masterpiece movingly conveys the earnest longing to reunite with a loved one far away.

No matter the hardship, the feelings for a beloved never cease, and the strong prayer that one day they will meet again deeply resonates with listeners.

Released as a single in February 1996, it became YOSHIMI TENDO’s first million seller.

It won the Best Vocal Performance at the 38th Japan Record Awards that same year and was performed at the 48th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 1997, becoming a song cherished across generations.

Sung with heartfelt emotion at karaoke, it’s sure to spread warmth and inspiration to those who listen.

Ecstasy BluesAoe Mina

Ecstasy Blues

Mina Aoe, praised as the “Queen of the Blues” and known for her captivating husky voice.

This is her memorable major-debut single! Her sigh-laced singing, which sinks deeply into the listener’s heart, beautifully conveys the lingering aftertaste of a love that is sweet yet somehow tinged with melancholy in the night.

In the lyrics, emotions of rapture, akin to a dreamlike trance, and hazy, “oboro” scenes are painted in shades of blue, inviting listeners into a sensual world.

Released in June 1966, the song sold around 800,000 copies and earned her first appearance on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The background story—that the lyricist bestowed upon her a stage name taken from the protagonist of a serialized novel—adds further depth to the song’s world.

It’s a track I’d highly recommend when you want to relax, overlay it with your own memories, and immerse yourself in its atmosphere.

Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii

Sinbad on the Shore

It’s an exhilarating track that dynamically belts out a burning summer romance by the seaside! This piece is Pink Lady’s fourth single, released in June 1977, and its effervescent melody is so charming it makes your body naturally want to move to the rhythm.

The lyrics, expressing the straightforward feelings of a woman in love, surely resonated with many listeners.

It became their first million-selling record and a massive hit that symbolized the music scene of the time.

In 2005, it was also embraced as the theme song for the TV drama “Adults’ Summer Vacation.” It’s a delightful song that’s sure to liven up karaoke sessions not only with people of the same generation but also with younger folks like your grandchildren.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe

A Fine Day for a Journey / Momoe Yamaguchi – with lyrics – high-quality CD audio

The melody spun by Momoe Yamaguchi as a song for a journey filled with nostalgic memories remains a timeless classic that still touches the heart.

Her gentle yet faintly wistful voice carries the courage and resolve to take a new step in life.

With lyrics overflowing with farewells to one’s hometown and family, and with hope and expectation for the future, it’s a song anyone can relate to.

Released in November 1978, this work was created as a campaign song for the then Japanese National Railways and became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

It is often sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and weddings, and continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a perfect song to sing together as we look back on our memories in the warm spring air.

Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko

Keiko Fuji - Keiko’s Dream Opens at Night

Keiko Fuji’s “Keiko no Yume wa Yoru Hiraku” became a timeless smash hit after its 1970 release, topping the Oricon charts for 10 consecutive weeks and ranking third for the year.

This work transcends the enka genre and is loved by a wide range of generations.

Fuji’s emotionally rich vocals evoke a warm sense of nostalgia and empathy in listeners.

It’s a song I especially recommend to women in their 70s.

Why not enjoy this Shōwa-era classic at karaoke with your family and friends?

NoraKadokura Yuki

Nora

Yuki Kadokura’s singing voice brings this masterpiece straight to the heart.

Centered on themes of love, loneliness, and self-acceptance, it beautifully captures the complexity of human relationships and the conflicts within.

The lyrics convey the importance of facing oneself in love.

Released in August 1998, this song has remained one of Kadokura’s signature works, cherished by many.

If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend matching the relaxed tempo while overlaying it with your own life experiences.

If you pour deep emotion into it, it will surely become a wonderful song that resonates with the heart.