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Lovely senior life

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 (21–30)

Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima 'Northern Fishing Grounds' (Official Audio)
Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima’s classic enka song “Kita no Ryojo” (Northern Fishing Grounds) has remained beloved by many since its 1986 release.

Powerfully portraying the life of men of the sea, the song enjoyed immense popularity at the time, winning the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance.

Its melody and lyrics are sure to resonate deeply with men in their seventies.

It also makes an ideal karaoke choice to spark nostalgia and liven up the mood.

Why not sing it with friends of the same generation and relive the days of your youth?

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki / High School Senior
12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki enjoyed such popularity in the 1960s that, along with Teruhiko Saigō and Yukio Hashi, he was known as one of the “Gosanke” (The Big Three).

His signature song, “Kōkō Sannensei” (High School Senior), released in 1963, poignantly and beautifully captures a page of youth.

The charm of this work lies in its memorable melody and relatable lyrics.

It’s an ideal karaoke choice for people in their seventies, sure to rekindle memories of their younger days.

At gatherings of the same generation, it will undoubtedly create moving, memorable moments!

[For men in their 70s] Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era kayōkyoku (31–40)

Love You, TokyoKurosawa Akira to Rosu Purimosu

Akira Kurosawa and Los Primos “Love You Tokyo” [Mood Kayō] (Official Audio)
Love You, TokyoKurosawa Akira to Rosu Purimosu

A debut single by Akira Kurosawa and Los Primos with a charmingly nostalgic vibe.

Released in April 1966, the song weaves scenes of Tokyo’s nightlife together with the sorrow of heartbreak and the glimmer of new hope.

Although it originally appeared as a B-side, it became a smash hit after gaining popularity among hostesses in Kofu, Yamanashi, and receiving radio play.

Total sales reached 2.5 million copies, and it topped the Oricon chart in January 1968.

For those in their seventies, it may be a track that overlaps with memories of their youth.

Why not relive those nostalgic feelings and enjoy it at karaoke?

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Yujiro Ishihara enjoyed unwavering popularity as an actor and singer who symbolized the Showa era.

In particular, “Kita no Tabibito” (Traveler of the North) remains a classic that has stayed deeply in listeners’ hearts even after his death in 1987.

Its lyrics, imbued with the atmosphere of the times, evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Moreover, as Ishihara’s final hit, the song stands as one of his posthumous works.

It’s a piece you’ll want to sing with vigor while reminiscing about the Showa days—and it’s sure to be perfect for energizing a gathering of friends!

Traveler,Kayama Yūzō

Born in 1937, Yuzo Kayama has long been a leading figure in Japan’s Showa-era music.

Among his works, “Tabibito yo” is a masterpiece that deeply moves many listeners.

Released in 1994, the song expresses feelings for a distant hometown and the adventurous spirit of youth through Kayama’s powerful vocals.

Its poetic lyrics and melody, especially through the theme of travel, will strongly resonate with men in their seventies.

It’s an ideal song to belt out at karaoke as they recall their younger days.

When people in their seventies, enriched by life experience, sing this song among friends, it will surely create new memories.

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

Kiyohiko Ozaki produced numerous hit songs with his powerful vocal ability.

In particular, “Mata Au Hi Made,” released in 1971, is cherished by many as a song that resonates deeply in the heart.

For its time, it was notable for depicting the pain of parting, while featuring beautifully refined lyrics.

Its melody is sure to bring back scenes from one’s youth for listeners in their seventies.

When sung at karaoke, it’s a song that naturally brings tears along with cherished memories held in the heart.

It’s a timeless classic, perfect for reflecting on bygone days and enriching moments with friends of the same generation.

Parting at 22kaze

Parting at 22 / Kaze (with lyrics)
Parting at 22kaze

The debut song by the folk duo Kaze is a heartwarming classic, as gentle as the spring sunshine.

The lyrics vividly portray the pure love and parting of youth, while the tender acoustic guitar melody weaves a beautiful harmony.

Since its release in 1975, it has been covered by many artists and even adapted into a film by director Nobuhiko Obayashi in 2007, remaining beloved across generations.

In NHK’s “SukiUta — Kouhaku Everyone’s Survey,” it ranked 71st for the White Team.

It’s a perfect song for savoring slowly when you want to bask in nostalgic memories, and it could also spark lively conversations among older listeners about their experiences from back in the day.