RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

[For men in their 70s] A collection of easy-to-sing songs even for people who are tone-deaf

Men in their 70s likely grew up listening to enka and kayōkyoku in childhood, and folk music and rock ’n’ roll in their youth, didn’t they?

In this article, we’ll introduce songs recommended for men in their 70s who experienced that whirlwind music scene in real time.

Rather than simply listing famous tunes, we’ve selected tracks that are easy to sing even for those who struggle with pitch.

We’ve also included professional vocal insights, so be sure to read to the end!

[For men in their 70s] A collection of easy-to-sing songs even for the tone-deaf (1–10)

To say goodbyebiriibanban

BILY BANBAN is a folk duo that has continued to thrive for many years with gentle vocals and catchy, message-driven songs.

Since they provided a song to Fuyumi Sakamoto and drew renewed attention, there are likely many men in their 70s who often sing BILY BANBAN at karaoke.

A track we recommend for such listeners is Sayonara o Suru Tame ni (To Say Goodbye).

Strongly influenced by kayōkyoku, this folk song doesn’t require a wide vocal range if you exclude the harmony parts, and it has an easy-to-follow rhythm.

And because it’s folk, it tends to sound authentic even without vibrato, which also makes it easier to sing.

I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto is one of Japan’s most iconic singers.

Among his works, the most famous “Ue o Muite Arukou” (known internationally as “Sukiyaki”) continues to be loved by the Japanese public today.

There are many reasons for its enduring popularity, and its singability is certainly one of them.

Despite its bright, catchy melody, the rhythm is easy to follow and the vocal range isn’t wide, so even men in their 70s who find high notes difficult can sing it with ease.

If you want to sing it even better, try performing with a cheerful smile.

It’s not just about the mood—lifting the corners of your mouth blends an “ee” (i) quality into every vowel, making your voice sound more joyful and adding a natural accent to your singing.

Using this technique will make you sound more professional, so give it a try.

festivalKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima “Matsuri” (Official Audio)
festivalKitajima Saburō

This is a famous song that sings of the heat and passion of Japanese festivals.

Through harvest festivals and big catch festivals, it conveys gratitude for nature’s blessings.

Saburo Kitajima’s powerful vocals vividly express the vibrancy of the festivities.

Released in November 1984, the song was performed many times on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Notably, he closed the 2013 Kohaku, moving many viewers.

The song features a relaxed melodic line, so try it while carefully checking your pitch and rhythm.

[For men in their 70s] A collection of easy-to-sing songs even for people who are tone-deaf (11–20)

Thank you, night fog, again tonight.Ishihara Yūjirō

Thank you, night fog, again tonight — Yujiro Ishihara
Thank you, night fog, again tonight.Ishihara Yūjirō

Yujiro Ishihara, a star who epitomizes the Showa era.

He also achieved great success as a singer and produced numerous classics.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend for men in their 70s is “Yogiri yo Konya mo Arigatou” (“Thank You, Night Fog, Again Tonight”).

It’s a song that distills rugged masculinity to its essence, enveloped throughout in a weighty, dignified atmosphere.

Its vocal range is narrow and the tempo is very slow, making it easier to keep the rhythm.

Even those who aren’t confident singers can handle it without trouble, so give it a try.

Journey of the Heartchūrippu

Kokoro no Tabi / Tulip (with lyrics)
Journey of the Heartchūrippu

This is the song that you can’t help but hum during the season of departures.

It’s a signature work by Tulip, a band formed in Fukuoka Prefecture, and a classic released in April 1973 as their third single.

Its melody, which evokes the poignant feelings for a lover far away and the scene of setting off by train, truly resonates.

In fact, just before release, the lead vocal was changed from Kazuo Zaitsū to Tatsuya Himeno, and the structure was altered to start with the chorus—changes that led to a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Beloved as a TV drama theme and in commercials, this piece has been cherished across generations.

As you reminisce about youthful journeys together, raise your voices and sing “Kokoro no Tabi.”

A café in a student districtGARO

GARO – Gakuseigai no Kissaten (Official Audio)
A café in a student districtGARO

GARO, a folk group that was hugely popular in the 1970s.

Many men in their 70s probably listened to their songs a lot in their 20s, right? For those listeners, a highly recommended GARO classic is Coffee Shop in the Student Quarter.

It’s a song that anyone from that generation has likely heard at least once.

Because this piece has a slightly wide vocal range, you might feel it’s a bit hard to sing.

It’s true that the phrase at the end of the chorus is only manageable for certain singers, but since it’s a very short phrase, there are actually more people than you’d think who can hit those notes, if only for a moment.

If you approach the high note with a slight upward glide, it sounds convincing, and above all, it’s easier to match the pitch—so give it a try.

Gardenia blossomWatanabe Tetsuya

Sung by Tetsuya Watari, this piece beautifully conveys the poignancy of lost love.

With its simple composition and comfortable vocal range, even older listeners can hum along with ease.

Released in August 1973, it became a major hit, ranking 7th on the Oricon year-end chart the following year.

It was performed at the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1974, and in 1976 it was also used as the theme song for a film of the same title.

It’s perfect for listening alone on a quiet night, and also recommended for karaoke while sharing memories.

Please enjoy this timeless masterpiece that stirs nostalgic recollections and resonates in the heart.