Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop

Bus StopTaira Koji

Koji Taira “Bus Stop”

Released in September 1972 and ranking high on the Oricon charts, this song has remained beloved over the years, even being re-recorded in 1982 as a jingle for a Meiji Seika commercial.

It portrays the complex emotions of a woman who must accept parting from the one she loves—gracefully stepping back while secretly wishing not to let go—a sentiment that has moved many listeners.

It’s a profoundly expressive piece that can only be conveyed through the rich life experience of those in their seventies.

Be sure to take your time and sing it with feeling at karaoke.

Tokyo lights, foreverShinkawa Jirō

Tokyo lights, forever

Because enka requires applying kobushi (melismatic bends), it tends to be harder to sing than typical J-pop.

Even so, I imagine many men in their 70s still want to sing enka.

In that case, I recommend Tokyo no Hi yo Itsu Made mo.

Compared to standard enka, this song has a somewhat plain vocal line.

As a result, the instances of kobushi are relatively few for enka, and the ones that do appear are on the easier side.

Although the piece sits a bit higher in range, it doesn’t demand many long sustained notes, so anyone who can produce moderately high tones should be able to sing it without issue.

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Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō

Otomi-san, nostalgic songs, Kabuki, popular songs

A quintessential enka classic of the Showa era, this song poignantly depicts the bittersweet fate of a man and a woman.

Based on a Kabuki play, the story artfully portrays vivid Edo-period scenery and the complex emotions of the two lovers.

Incorporating elements of Okinawan music and kachāshī, its lively rhythm paired with Hachiro Kasuga’s clear, soaring vocals creates a pleasing resonance.

Released in August 1954, it sold 400,000 copies in just four months and was later covered by many artists, including Mina Aoe and Harumi Miyako.

Evoking warm nostalgia, it’s a perfect piece for recreation—easy to sing together with cheerful handclaps.

Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

A heartwarming, approachable song that makes the most of rhythms found in folk songs and enka.

This masterpiece fully showcases Kiyoshi Hikawa’s charm, beautifully expressing the bittersweetness of love, masculine strength, and longing for one’s hometown.

With his natural vocal talent and refreshing appeal, Hikawa presents a uniquely modern take on the traditional enka worldview.

It was released by Nippon Columbia in February 2002.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards and is known as one of Hikawa’s signature tracks.

With its relaxed tempo and narrow melodic range, it’s a piece you can sing with a calm mindset.

During the chorus, it’s also nice to have listeners add call-and-response interjections!

It’s okayHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Daijoubu [Official]

Life brings various hardships and joys, and Kiyoshi Hikawa delivers a warm, gentle song that embraces them all.

Released in 2019, this work expresses the sadness and feelings of love that everyone experiences through his beautiful vocals.

Like the moon setting and the sun rising, its hopeful message—that tomorrow will surely come—resonates in the heart.

Also included on the album “Shin Enka Meikyoku Collection 9,” this piece is perfect for singing along at recreational gatherings.

Its friendly, singable melody and uplifting lyrics are part of its charm.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

This work fully conveys the appeal of a traditional traveling-swordsman enka.

Its lyrics delicately depict the loneliness, melancholy, and inner conflict of a drifter, and when combined with Kiyoshi Hikawa’s emotionally rich vocals, you can’t help but be drawn in.

The lone-wolf protagonist, sword in hand, is moved by the warmth of the people he meets in post towns and by his feelings for his mother—truly touching.

Released in February 2000, it became the first debut song in history to win the Grand Prize at the 33rd Japan Lyricist Awards.

It was also used in Taisho Pharmaceutical’s Tiovita Drink commercial.

This piece is recommended for older listeners who love enka.

It’s even more enjoyable when everyone claps along while singing.

As time goes bysawada kenji

As time goes by

A gem of a ballad that depicts the wounded hearts of lonely men and women, gently wrapped in tender love.

The poignant lyrics about men and women burdened with exhausted hearts strike deep, and when combined with Kenji Sawada’s sultry vocals, they evoke profound emotion.

Released as an insert song for the drama “Akuma no Youna Aitsu,” which premiered in August 1975, this work became a major hit, topping the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.

The fusion of Yu Aku’s masterful lyrics and Katsuo Ohno’s lyrical melody produced a treasured classic that quietly stays by your side when you feel weary of life or uncertain about a relationship with someone dear.