Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive list of karaoke songs perfect for men in their 70s.
Focusing on tracks from the 1960s to the 1980s that they likely listened to in their youth, we’ve gathered many classic enka and Showa-era pop songs.
If you’re in your 70s, you’ll probably know every song here—and each one may bring back a variety of memories.
We hope this article helps you choose songs for your next karaoke session.
Reminisce about the old days and have a great time singing with friends of the same generation!
[For Men in Their 70s] Karaoke Songs You’ll Want to Sing: Enka and Nostalgic Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (1–10)
Sanguisorba officinalis (Great burnet)sugimoto masato
Masato Sugimoto, known for his gentle and warm singing voice, created a heartwarming piece imbued with deep love for his late mother.
Released by Teichiku Entertainment in February 2007, this work marked a major turning point in his career as a singer.
Alongside a melody full of tenderness, it carefully weaves themes of life’s fragility and feelings for one’s family, resonating with many listeners.
Used as an insert song on TV Tokyo’s music program “Yoko’s Enka Straight Line,” it also earned him a spot in that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
With its warm vocals and lyrics that touch the heart, this is a song you’ll want to sing slowly at karaoke as you look back on memories with your family and friends.
Dream PlayUmezawa Fumio
This song, with its bittersweet melody by Kei Ogura and richly emotional lyrics, moves the hearts of listeners.
Known as one of the most accomplished acting performers in the enka world, Tomio Umezawa established his status as an enka singer with his debut single.
Released in November 1982, the track peaked at No.
8 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.
It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV anime Maison Ikkoku and used in a commercial for Daio Paper’s Elleair, earning affection across a wide audience.
This work is sure to resonate with those who were captivated by theater in their youth or who cherish memories of watching stage performances.
Umezawa’s deeply emotive vocals and acting prowess will remain etched in your heart alongside your own memories.
MotherNEW!Mori Shinichi
Ofukuro-san, one of Shinichi Mori’s signature hit songs, was released as a single on May 5, 1971.
With lyrics by Yasukazu Kawauchi and music by Kosho Inomata, it is also well known for winning the Best Vocal Performance at the 13th Japan Record Awards.
Included on the album Tabiji, the song’s unadorned lyrics, expressing gratitude to one’s mother and portraying her as a source of comfort, resonate deeply.
Many older listeners may find themselves warmed by his conversational singing style, seeing reflections of their own mothers.
Performed on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen and beloved across generations, this kayōkyoku classic is perfect to hum along to in May for Mother’s Day or during the refreshing season, bringing back fond memories.
Journey of the HeartNEW!chūrippu
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.”
I love youOzaki Yutaka
This is a masterpiece that resonates in many hearts as a pinnacle of bittersweet love songs.
Included on the debut album “Seventeen’s Map” and released as a single in 1991, it poignantly sings of a forbidden love between a young man and woman.
The piano ballad that Yutaka Ozaki crafted at the age of seventeen continues to captivate listeners.
Numerous artists, including Hikaru Utada and Koji Tamaki, have covered the song, and it has been featured as the image song for the film “Hot Road” as well as in JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” commercials.
It’s a perfect track for spending a quiet moment immersed in music and reminiscing.
How about a heartwarming karaoke time accompanied by its gentle melody?