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

Midnight RequiemTeresa Ten

Midnight Requiem

In the era when Teresa Teng was active, both kayōkyoku and pop music were popular.

As a result, many of her songs tend to incorporate elements of more avant-garde genres even within kayōkyoku.

Among such works, I recommend “Midnight Requiem.” It strongly reflects elements of adult contemporary and kayōkyoku, and while it has a smooth feel, it’s characterized by the uniquely rich, lingering vocal phrasing typical of kayōkyoku.

The vocal range itself is narrow, and there are no phrases requiring complex pitch movements like ad-libs or melismatic turns, so if you carefully track the pitch, it’s possible to aim for a high score at karaoke.

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Dance with sorrowTeresa Ten

Dance with sorrow

With lyrics by Toyohisa Araki and music by Takashi Miki—a golden duo—“Kanashimi to Odorasete” is a single released by Teresa Teng in 1991.

It’s a masterpiece from the later period of her career, unveiled near the end of her life.

The mellow sound that straddles enka and kayōkyoku, though a product of the early Heisei era, is something I’d love younger listeners interested in Showa-era pop to hear.

While the chorus reaches slightly higher notes, the melody unfolds straightforwardly and the overall range isn’t that wide, so it’s very comfortable to sing at karaoke.

Spring Has Comeririi

Spring Has Come

This piece gently sings of the warm arrival of spring.

It’s a track from the album “Dulcimer,” released in July 1973, and is notable for Lili’s distinctive husky voice and delicate melodic lines.

Despite its simple arrangement, the calm tone of the song tenderly resonates with listeners.

The work portrays the anticipation of a new season and the hope that sprouts with the coming of spring, and Lili’s soulful vocals evoke deep emotion.

The album “Dulcimer” also includes other heartwarming songs, making it a recommended listen as a whole.

It’s a perfect track for spending quiet moments steeped in nostalgia, or for singing together while sharing a sense of connection.

My Pure LadyOzaki Ami

My Pure Lady / Ami OzakiOfficial Lyric Video

This is a memorable track with a refreshing bossa nova-style melody that evokes the arrival of spring.

Its gentle, soft atmosphere, which tenderly wraps around feelings of a faint crush and affection for someone, will warm your heart before you know it.

Ami Ozaki’s clear, translucent vocals blend beautifully with lyrics that depict the small joys of everyday life.

Released in February 1977, the song was also used in a Shiseido cosmetics commercial and reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

The arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya and the performance by members of Tin Pan Alley are among its many charms.

It’s a lovely piece you’ll want to listen to with the windows open, feeling the pleasant breeze under the calm spring sunlight.

Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)kawanaka miyuki

Nirinso / Miyuki Kawanaka with Lyrics

This is a warm song about the bond between husband and wife, with Miyuki Kawanaka’s emotionally rich vocals resonating deeply.

Using as its motif a plant where two flowers bloom side by side, it sings of the importance of caring for and supporting each other through life.

Combined with her gently enveloping voice, the piece is heartwarming, conveying deep love and connection.

Released in 1998, it became a major hit, with shipments surpassing one million copies.

At the 40th Japan Record Awards, it won both the Excellence Award and the Arrangement Award.

Featured five times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this song has long been cherished in karaoke as a memorable tune for couples who have spent many years together.

Lingering Snowiruka

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

This is a song whose charm lies in a melody that evokes the arrival of spring and lyrics that touch the heart.

Set on a train platform, it vividly portrays a man and a woman parting ways amid the fleeting snow of early spring.

Beautifully depicting the moment of farewell and a love left unfinished by youth, the piece is filled with the bittersweetness of adolescence and the process of growing up.

Iruka’s rich, resonant vocals carry a warm, heartfelt quality that reaches deep within.

First included on the March 1975 album “Iruka no Sekai,” it was released as a single in November of the same year and reached No.

4 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a beloved, well-known song that many remember; humming along as you recall old memories is sure to make for a delightful moment.

It may also inspire lively conversations among older listeners as they reminisce about those days.

Dad is my boyfriendYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Papa Is My Boyfriend

This gem of a song, sung with a gentle voice that expresses love for a father, carefully portrays the warm bond between father and daughter.

Momoe Yamaguchi’s clear, transparent vocals blend beautifully with the emotionally rich accompaniment.

The calm, melodic ballad evokes cherished moments that deepen the father–daughter connection.

Released in 1973 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kao de Waratte” (“Smile with Your Face”), it is also known as a duet with Ken Utsui.

It’s a piece that lets you share nostalgic memories and spark conversations about family.

In music activities at adult day services and other senior facilities, it can serve as a catalyst for communication among participants.

It’s also an excellent choice to include in a Father’s Day program.