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

Azusa No. 2karyūdō

Azusa Nigo (2015 Remaster)

Woven with care around the image of a train bound for one’s hometown, this song carries profound, relatable emotion alongside the warm, enduring vocals of Hunters.

Released in March 1977, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and led to winning the New Artist Award at the 19th Japan Record Awards.

Many artists, including Saya Asakura and Kaori Mizumori, have covered the song.

It’s a heartwarming piece perfectly suited for scenes of gazing at nostalgic landscapes from a gently rolling train window, lost in cherished memories.

a red handkerchiefIshihara Yūjirō

Red Handkerchief: Yujiro Ishihara

Set against the backdrop of a northern spring, this song tells the story of a bittersweet farewell in love.

Carried by a gentle, lyrical melody, Yujiro Ishihara’s rich vocals vividly portray the lingering feelings of heartbreak.

Released by Teichiku Records in October 1962, the track is also included on the album “Yujiro Ishihara Original 6.” In January 1964, it was used as the theme song for a film of the same name starring Ishihara, captivating the hearts of many alongside the movie.

Even today, it remains a beloved classic that everyone can hum along to and is very popular at karaoke.

With its heartfelt lyrics and approachable melody, it’s the perfect song for singing together and having fun.

Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi

Kenichi Mikawa “Woman of Scorpio (New Recording)” (Official Audio)

A signature song by Kenichi Mikawa that portrays the strength and poignancy of a passionate woman who lives for love.

Released in December 1972, this memorable enka number expresses straightforward affection and the sorrow of betrayal.

Mikawa’s powerful vocals blend beautifully with a distinctive worldview inspired by Scorpio, one of the twelve zodiac signs, and the song sold about 97,000 copies on the Oricon charts.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for four consecutive years from 2006 to 2009, revealing new charms through various arrangements, including operatic and samba styles.

With its relaxed tempo and gentle melodic contours, it’s also easy to sing—another part of its appeal.

Why not sing it with a sense of nostalgia as a treasured song tied to precious memories?

Forget-me-not to youSugawara Yoichi

②_ Yoichi Sugawara Forget-me-not to You (with lyrics)

This is a masterpiece that has long been cherished as a romantic lyrical song.

It gives voice to the bittersweet feelings for someone you’re parting from and the wish to meet again someday, carried on a blue flower with a cherished meaning.

Released in November 1971 and performed at that year’s Red and White Song Battle, it was presented again at the 1984 edition, thirteen years later.

It’s a song you’ll want to hum as you recall precious memories and think of someone dear.

How about spending a quiet evening thinking of someone you love?

Tokyo RhapsodyFujiyama Ichirō

Tokyo Rhapsody, nostalgic song, Tokyo

A classic song representing 1936 (Showa 11) was born in a work set in Ginza, Kanda, Asakusa, and Shinjuku, portrayed in a pure and light foxtrot style.

Ichiro Fujiyama’s beautiful voice elegantly sings of urban scenes and a love story.

This piece, which vividly brings to mind the bustling districts of Tokyo at the time, became a massive hit, selling 350,000 copies.

It was Fujiyama’s first release after moving to Teichiku, and a film of the same title was later produced, cementing its status as a beloved song that symbolizes the Showa era.

It’s a perfect track for a calm moment or when reminiscing about the past.

Enjoy a heartwarming time discussing what Tokyo was like back then together with older listeners.

Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō

[With Large Lyrics] Blue Mountain Range [Recreation]

The celebrated song, which beautifully depicts postwar hope and the breath of a new era, was performed by Ichirō Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara as the theme for a film of the same name released in 1949.

Along with the splendor of nature, it warmly portrays young people forging a bright future, like flowers that bloom after enduring a harsh winter.

For those who lived in the years immediately following the war, it is surely a piece filled with memories.

Beloved across generations, it was chosen as No.

1 in NHK’s 1989 program “Songs of the Showa Era: 200 Unforgettable Songs.” Its beautiful melody, infused with elements of classical music, and its heartwarming lyrics are sure to evoke fond recollections of days gone by.

Private railway line areaNoguchi Goro

Shitetsu Ensen

Beginning with the scene of waiting at a ticket gate for a lover, this classic song traces shifting emotions along with the changing seasons, rendered with gentle yet powerful vocals by Goro Noguchi.

Weaving the protagonist’s deeply etched memories together with a beautiful melody, the piece vividly captures the bittersweetness of love that anyone living in the city may have experienced.

Released as a single in January 1975, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart and garnered numerous honors, including the Grand Prix at the 8th Japan Cable Radio Awards.

It’s a song to listen to slowly and quietly, as you reflect on precious moments with someone you love.