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

Because the moon is so very blueSugawara Totoko

Highest Sound Quality! ~ Because the Moon Is So Very Blue (Sung by: Totoko Sugawara)

Totoko Sugawara, known for her distinctive, wistful vibrato, was called the Queen of Elegy and is also famous as the very first singer to perform on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen, which everyone knows.

She moved to Tokyo at the age of nine for an audition, where her talent blossomed, and together with her father, the composer Akira Mutsu, she released numerous masterpieces.

Her signature song, “Tsuki ga Tottemo Aoi Kara” (Because the Moon Is So Very Blue), became a million-selling hit in an era when the music market was much smaller than it is today, making her a household name across Japan.

For many seniors, it’s a song right at the heart of their youthful days, so it could be a great choice for recreational activities or background music in senior care facilities.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem

A Love Game Between a Man and a WomanHino Mika / Aoi Shirou

A Love Game Between a Man and a Woman

Debuted in 1986 as a Takeda Pharmaceutical commercial song, performed as a duet by Tetsuya Takeda and Yoshimi Ashikawa.

Initially, only the chorus was created for advertising, but due to its overwhelming response, it took the unusual path of being released as a record—the song “Otoko to Onna no Love Game.” It later became widely known as a duet by Mika Hino and Shiro Aoi.

The song enjoys high popularity in karaoke and is considered a classic sung across generations.

It’s especially a crowd-pleaser at karaoke contests in senior facilities, so be sure to sing it together and have fun!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem

Cotton MoodAnri

Cotton Mood

Doesn’t this timeless song, which breezily heralds the arrival of spring, bring back nostalgic memories of your youth? Released by Anri in April 1981, this piece beautifully captures the season of open blue skies with its light melody and fashionable lyrics.

The upbeat words convey a sense of freedom and the thrill of romance.

It was also used in commercials for Nivea-Kao’s cologne and for Nisshinbo, making it a tune beloved by many.

Its rhythm is so delightful that you’ll naturally want to clap along when the music starts.

How about spending a moment singing it together with fellow seniors and letting cherished memories blossom in conversation?

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.

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten

Leave oneself to the flow of time / Teresa Teng (with lyrics)

Teresa Teng, the Asian diva who conveyed life’s deepest emotions through moving melodies.

This song tells of how meeting a beloved person dramatically changed her life, and of her resolve to devote herself completely.

Set to a gentle, warm major-key arrangement, her clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart.

Released as a single in February 1986 and included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase,” it won the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.

With its beautiful, easy-to-remember melody, it’s perfect for everyone to hum along to while sharing fond memories.

Tokyo CachitoFuranku Nagai

Tokyo Cachito — Frank Nagai

It’s a classic of mood kayō that has continued to be loved as a Showa-era masterpiece.

Set against the backdrop of nights in Akasaka, the song portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban sensibility.

Frank Nagai’s alluring low voice richly conveys the feelings of a man troubled by love.

Released in October 1960, the single featured “Arcade Blues” on the B-side.

As a leading presence in the mood kayō boom of the time, it was cherished by many.

It’s a song I’d recommend as a fun karaoke pick to sing with friends, along with fond memories.

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.