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!
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[For Men in Their 70s] Karaoke Songs You’ll Want to Sing: Enka and Nostalgic Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (71–80)
Our JourneyNakamura Masatoshi
Masatoshi Nakamura’s signature work, steeped in nostalgic memories of sunlight filtering through the trees.
Kei Ogura spun a beautiful tale tracing dreams and adventures, layered with a clear, transparent singing voice.
Released in October 1975, this song was used as the theme for a drama of the same name and peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
It stayed on the charts for 45 weeks and achieved a brilliant 870,000 copies sold.
This piece feels as if the memories of youth are your own story.
Sing it leisurely at karaoke, and you’ll be immersed in a gemlike melody that resonates across time and in lyrics that gently illuminate life’s journey.
A perfect song for calm, companionable moments with friends.
SaraiKayama Yūzō
This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.
It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.
The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.
It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.
A Man’s LifeKitajima Saburō
A heartfelt, powerful song that reexamines the joys and sorrows of life and celebrates living with sincerity.
It carefully weaves together a half-life spent overcoming hardships and trials while valuing duty and truth.
Released by Saburo Kitajima in January 2011, this work conveys the sentiments of his more than 50-year career in show business with a mature vocal performance that deeply resonates with listeners.
While honoring the traditional flavor of enka, the song features contemporary arrangements that give it a profoundly moving quality that sinks into the heart.
It is a gem of a masterpiece to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life or want to savor your gratitude toward someone important.
[For Men in Their 70s] Karaoke Songs You’ll Want to Sing: Enka and Nostalgic Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (81–90)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu
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?
The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō
A song that gracefully celebrates the natural beauty of the highlands and the romance of train travel evokes heartwarming memories of family trips and brings to mind wonderful moments with loved ones.
Its sweeping scenery and romantic spirit are sure to soothe anyone’s heart.
Carried by Atsuro Okamoto’s comforting vocals, the pastoral landscapes gently resonate within.
Since its release in 1954, this work has continued to be beloved by many and was featured in the 2020 NHK morning drama series “Yell,” moving audiences across generations.
It’s perfect for a time of sharing old memories over tea with everyone.
Settle in, relax, and enjoy a peaceful moment.
Bus StopTaira Koji
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
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.
