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

North TavernHosokawa Takashi

North Tavern

A heartwarming classic that portrays the romance of a man and woman who meet in a northern country tavern.

Released in March 1982, it is one of Takashi Hosokawa’s signature songs.

It reached No.

5 on the Oricon year-end hit chart and won the Japan Record Award.

Rather than a traditional enka number, this piece has a lively kayōkyoku-style feel and earned support across generations.

It’s an upbeat track guaranteed to get the crowd going when sung at a lively tempo.

It’s also easy for older listeners to enjoy—why not give it a try at karaoke?

Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri

Yukio Hashi & Sayuri Yoshinaga / Itsudemo Yume o (Always Dream)

When it comes to duet songs that colored the youth of the Showa era, many people probably think of “Itsudemo Yume wo” sung by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.

Released in 1962, this song carries a positive message: keep a dream in your heart no matter what.

Its gently conversational melody warms the heart even in the cold season.

The song won the Japan Record Award the same year, and the following year it was chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Championship.

It was memorably featured in the 2013 NHK morning drama Amachan, and it continues to be loved across generations.

At New Year’s parties, if a man and woman pair up to sing it as a duet, smiles naturally spread.

Add some handclaps and sing it with hope for the year ahead.

Tsugaru Jongara-bushiHosokawa Takashi

Tsugaru Jongara-bushi

This song is a full-fledged reinterpretation by Takashi Hosokawa of a folk tune that powerfully sings of the scenery and climate of the Tsugaru region.

With lyrics that conjure up images of local vistas like Mount Iwaki and apple orchards, the driving sound of the shamisen leaves a strong impression.

The distinctive melodic inflections, drawing on folk-music technique, convey pride and affection for the homeland.

It was included on the album “Bokyō” (Nostalgia), released in December 1978, and was also performed earlier that year, in January, on Fuji TV’s Night Hit Studio.

It’s a perfect track for reminiscing about your hometown while picturing Tsugaru’s winter landscapes.

Try clapping along to the shamisen’s rhythm, or sing along together with everyone.

City LightsSakai Masaaki

City Lights

Masaaki Sakai is a multi-talented entertainer who debuted with The Spiders in 1962 and also thrived as a solo artist in the 1970s.

His 1973 release “Machi no Akari” (City Lights) is a masterpiece where Yu Aku’s delicate lyrics blend seamlessly with Keisuke Hama’s melody, evoking a profound loneliness and the dawn of new love.

Sakai’s expansive, captivating vocals that enchanted listeners back then remain timeless even today.

For those in their 70s, it’s a wonderful song that brings back nostalgic emotions and makes you want to belt it out at karaoke!

sunset cloudsSen Masao

sunset clouds

Sen Masao, a master of enka, has continued to win the hearts of many listeners with his song “Yuyakegumo” since its 1976 release.

This moving piece weaves bittersweet feelings and resolve toward one’s hometown into its lyrics.

Sen Masao’s passionate vocals evoke nostalgic Showa-era scenes, especially for men in their seventies.

Among many memorable former hits, “Yuyakegumo” is particularly recommended as a karaoke choice sure to move everyone.

Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

In 1986, Ikuzo Yoshi released “Yukiguni,” which became a massive hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

The song, a landmark of Showa-era pop, continues to be loved by many listeners and helped establish him as a full-fledged enka singer.

It’s a masterpiece that delicately portrays the snowy northern landscape and a bittersweet love.

It’s perfect for the cold season—try singing it at karaoke.

You’re sure to feel a warm sense of nostalgia when you share it with friends of the same generation!

There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu

With Lyrics: There’s Always Tomorrow – Kyu Sakamoto

This song conveys a positive message about moving forward with an upbeat, cheerful melody, and Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals make a strong impression.

Even when things don’t go well, it celebrates the strength to never give up, sung with a refreshing voice full of energy.

Released as a single in December 1963, it was also used as the theme song for a Nippon TV variety show.

At the time of its release, it sold over 800,000 copies and has continued to be loved across generations, later even appearing in Kyoiku Shuppan’s music textbooks.

This work is recommended for older listeners who wish to spend a heartwarming moment wrapped in nostalgia.

It would be wonderful to hum along, immersed in memories, while being enveloped by Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle singing voice.