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

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)

Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.

It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.

Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).

Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.

A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.

It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.

Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?

Swim, Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato

Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun Lyrics and Music by Hiroo Takada, Toshikazu Sase

With lively, uplifting lyrics and melody, Masato Shimon’s bright singing voice leaves a strong impression.

Its humorous world—where fish-shaped sweets set off swimming in the sea—makes for a heartwarming piece that brings a smile to anyone’s face.

Released in December 1975, the song spent 11 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It aired on Fuji TV’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki,” generating a huge response.

The playful lyrics and light, brisk rhythm are delightful, and its catchy familiarity makes it easy for anyone to hum along.

It’s a perfect choice for cheerful recreational settings or group singing.

Add some handclaps and enjoy a warm, pleasant time together.

Spring StreamMonbushō shōka

With Lyrics: “Spring Stream” Ministry of Education Song

Accompanied by the gentle murmur of water, this classic song unfolds a simple, tender scene before your eyes.

Among the Ministry of Education’s school songs, its melodic line is especially beautiful, and it is said that Tatsuyuki Takano wrote the lyrics infused with memories of his home in Nagano Prefecture.

The delicate flowers blooming along the shore and the fish swimming in the brook are depicted as if in a painting, superbly expressing the quintessential spring landscape of Japan.

Since its inclusion in 1912 in “Elementary School Songs for the Fourth Grade,” it has been sung across generations.

It is a recommended piece for those who wish to spend a heartwarming moment—both as a song of memories and as a tune that evokes the nostalgic scenery of spring.

tea pickingMonbushō shōka

Tea Picking | With Lyrics | The 88th Night as Summer Approaches | Nursery Rhyme/Song for Adults | Romanized: JP subs / English: EN subs

This is a celebrated song from the Ministry of Education’s school song repertoire, passed down since the Meiji era, beautifully portraying the changing seasons.

It vividly depicts the refreshing early-summer scenery and the peaceful scene of people picking tea.

With images of fresh greenery around the Eighty-Eighth Night, tea-pickers’ work garments, and rural landscapes, it conveys traditional Japanese life along with a gentle melody.

Since its inclusion in 1912 in “Elementary School Songs for the Third Grade (Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka),” it has been widely loved through school education.

This piece is a song everyone can enjoy singing together, often tied to fond memories.

Its charm also lies in incorporating simple hand motions while singing, allowing for a heartwarming time.

March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko

Kiyoko Suizenji - “365-Step March” (Official Audio)

This song has long been loved as an anthem of encouragement in life, carrying the message that taking one step at a time is important.

Since its release in November 1968, it has continued to resonate with many people.

Born during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the song is characterized by its cheerful melody and positive lyrics.

It has been used in films, TV commercials, anime, and many other contexts, and has been cherished by people of all ages.

How about humming along with older adults while being enveloped by Ms.

Suizenji’s warm singing voice? It will surely bring back fond memories and give you a boost of energy.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

[With Large Lyrics] High School Senior [Rec]

This lyrical song is filled with memories of youth, and Kazuo Funaki’s fresh vocals in a student uniform make a striking impression.

Set to a march-like, approachable melody, it gently recounts the joys and loneliness of school life and the partings with friends.

After its release in June 1963, the work achieved astonishing sales and won the New Artist Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

It was also adapted into a film, starring Kazuo Funaki himself, with scenes shot in his hometown of Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture.

It’s a song meant to be hummed together as you reminisce about nostalgic youthful days.

Let’s sing along with cheerful handclaps.

What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.

The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.

The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.

Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.