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

Love RadiantMisora Hibari

Ai Sansan Misora Hibari Love Brilliantly Hibari Phoenix

Hibari Misora’s “Ai San San” was released in 1986 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of her singing career.

With its rich emotional expression that seems to reflect the singer’s inner feelings, this work captivates listeners’ hearts.

Its enduring appeal across generations lies in its universal lyrics, which depict life’s joys and sorrows and the importance of love.

It will particularly resonate with women in their seventies.

Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to move everyone around you.

Enjoy a delightful time accompanied by Hibari Misora’s deep, soulful voice.

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Hiromi Ohta “Cotton Handkerchief” Music Video (Animation by Ai Nina)

It’s a masterpiece by Hiromi Ohta that portrays the heartfelt exchange between a man leaving for the big city and a woman who remains in their hometown, told through letters.

His changing self and her wish for unchanging love resonate poignantly over a light, breezy melody.

The way it cherishes pure emotional connection over material wealth is sure to strike a chord with many.

Released as a single in December 1975, the song became widely beloved the following year, leading to Ohta’s first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1976—a milestone track.

Also included on the album “Kokoro ga Kaze o Hiita Hi,” it’s a perfect song for those who deeply relate to its lyrical story or want to revisit the bittersweet days of youth.

If you sing it at karaoke while empathizing with the characters’ hearts, the experience will surely be all the more moving.

Forbidden LoveMoriyama Ryoko

Forbidden Love Ryoko Moriyama 1969

It’s a masterpiece that captures a woman’s bittersweet yet passionate feelings—drawn to a beautiful melody that sinks into the heart, and a love that blazes even while knowing it’s forbidden.

Released by Ryoko Moriyama in March 1969, the song became a major hit, topping the Oricon charts for eight consecutive weeks.

That same year, it earned her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it’s a piece that has left a lasting impression on many.

When singing it at karaoke, why not fully embody the protagonist depicted in the lyrics and perform it dramatically? It will surely spark nostalgic conversations among those of the same generation, and its beautiful melody will linger in everyone’s hearts across generations.

The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi

The season the sun gave us

It’s the definitive anthem of youth, capturing countless hearts with its fresh, vibrant vocals and melody! Released by Aoi Sankaku Jōgi in February 1972, this song delivers universal themes—youthful brilliance and bittersweetness, the bonds of friendship—straight to the listener’s heart.

The lyrics convey a resolve to move beyond the poignant ache of young days, to walk toward the future with friends, and to treasure irreplaceable moments—messages that encourage and warm the listener’s heart.

The song enjoyed huge popularity as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Tobidase! Seishun” (“Leap Out! Youth”), and its New Artist Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards that same year stands as a shining achievement.

Sing it together at karaoke, and you’ll spark lively reminiscences from those days and make the time even more enjoyable.

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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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.

Memories of a Summer DayHino Teruko

Memories of a Summer Day (sung by Teruko Hino). A song with a pleasant Hawaiian rhythm (1965).

It’s a classic masterfully sung by Teruko Hino, the “Hawaiian Queen.” On a winter beach bathed in moonlight, memories of a passionate summer kiss suddenly return to the heart—you can almost see the scene unfold.

It’s bittersweet yet somehow warm, a song whose afterglow you can bask in.

Her clear voice gently seeps into the listener’s heart.

Released in January 1965, it first appeared as the B-side of a single, but its excellence brought it back as the A-side, and it went on to be loved by more than a million people.

Many will remember Hino’s first appearance at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this very song.

It’s also included on albums such as “Memories of a Summer Day.” On a slightly chilly day, when you want to linger by the window with a warm drink and sink into beautiful memories, this song will surely stay close to your heart.

It’s also lovely to hum along with family or friends and let your thoughts drift to days gone by.