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

Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

There is a classic song that beautifully and poignantly portrays a northern winter landscape and a bittersweet love.

Powerfully sung by Sayuri Ishikawa, the piece recounts the feelings of a woman traveling from Ueno on a night train to Aomori, where she bids a final farewell aboard the Seikan ferry.

Since its 1977 release, it has garnered numerous honors, including the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance, and stands as a monumental work in the enka genre.

Set against the frigid Tsugaru Strait, the image of a woman quietly deciding to part ways amid snow and the roar of the sea is deeply moving.

Please enjoy a wonderful time together, singing along or clapping in rhythm as you savor nostalgic memories.

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.

Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Dotonbori (Tonbori) Ninjō (Full Ver.)

Yoshimi Tendo’s “Dotonbori Ninjō” retains a timeless charm even after many years since its release.

Since it came out in 1985, its pleasant melody and lyrics have captured the hearts of many listeners, and with sales exceeding 800,000 copies, the song truly stands as a masterpiece of enka.

It’s perfect for karaoke—while evoking the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era, it resonates with those around you and gets the conversation flowing.

For women in their seventies in particular, it may well be a song of their youth.

The lyrics, richly reflecting Osaka’s scenery, make you feel as if you can sense the winds of the era.

Morning of PartingPedoro & Kapurishasu

Morning of Parting

A song by Pedro & Capricious that depicts a farewell with a loved one.

The lyrics, filled with deep sorrow and poignancy, resonate in the heart.

Released in October 1971 as their debut single, it became a classic that has since been covered by many artists.

It’s perfect for reflecting on memories with someone special or for feeling nostalgic at karaoke.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing at ease.

Pink sighTakahashi Mariko

Pink sigh

A song with an exotic vibe that evokes the Mediterranean, highlighted by Mariko Takahashi’s standout vocals.

The seductive, mature lyrics convey a sense of adult romance, depicting love and a passionate relationship that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in May 1984, the track was used in a Mikki Camelia Diamond commercial and became a major hit, selling approximately 368,000 copies according to Oricon.

With its easy-to-sing melody, it remains a popular choice for karaoke.

Why not sing it at a relaxed pace while reminiscing about your own love memories?

From the northern innMiyako Harumi

Harumi Miyako / From the Northern Inn [Live Footage]

Harumi Miyako’s “Kita no Yado kara” is a masterpiece that stirs the hearts of enka fans! Since its release in 1975, it has been a particularly memorable song for women in their seventies.

The piece blends the delicate lyrics of Yū Aku with the soul-stirring melody by Asei Kobayashi.

Harumi Miyako’s powerful yet warm voice movingly conveys the loneliness of the north and the lingering regrets of love.

It’s a timeless work that lets you fully savor the essence of karaoke.

May it bring back memories of those days and warm your heart.