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

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda

Barracuda: 1979: Nationwide Sake Drinking Ondo (Japan)

A heartwarming comic song that celebrates the joy of drinking, themed around annual events and regional specialties.

Originally released independently by Baracuda in December 1979, the track gained popularity on cable radio and was officially reissued by Toshiba EMI, reaching No.

11 on the Oricon chart and selling around 700,000 copies.

With a warm musical style that incorporates regional dialects, it is a classic deeply etched in the hearts of the Japanese people.

In 2021, an arranged version with a “hot pot” theme was featured in a Mizkan commercial, winning the hearts of a new generation.

It’s a song that brings smiles to everyone—perfect for livening up banquets and parties, or sharing joyful moments with close friends.

Akira’s Zundoko SongKobayashi Akira

Akira’s Zundoko Song

A bright and cheerful love song that portrays youthful romance with a zundoko rhythm.

The lyrics vividly capture scenes of young love, perfectly matched with a lively cha-cha beat.

Released in June 1960, this piece was produced as an insert song for the film “The Harbor Wind Crossing the Sea,” starring Akira Kobayashi, and it impressively sold 300,000 copies.

While based on the prewar “Navy Ditty,” its arrangement is wonderfully infused with the buoyant spirit of the postwar era.

It’s sure to liven up any gathering, from banquets to drinking parties.

The melody, beloved across generations, and the irresistibly singable, playful lyrics will make tonight’s celebration all the more festive.

Our JourneyNakamura Masatoshi

Our Journey

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.

Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto – Look Up at the Stars in the Night (with lyrics)

Beloved as a song for gazing up at the night sky, this piece resonates as a warm cheer for those facing hardships.

With lyrics by Rokusuke Ei and music by Taku Izumi, it has long been cherished in the enveloping voice of Kyu Sakamoto.

Released as a single in May 1963, it was originally written as the theme song for a musical.

It is also a celebrated masterpiece that won the Japan Record Award for Composition.

Though born as a message of encouragement for young people studying at night school, it is a song that transcends generations to bring hope and courage.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together during recreation time at the facility.

my dadkaguya hime

Kaguyahime – My Father (LIVE) Official Audio

A heartwarming folk song that warmly portrays a father within the family.

Set to a gentle acoustic guitar melody, it depicts a simple, down-to-earth father figure, as if capturing snapshots of everyday life.

Included on the album “Sankaidate no Uta,” released in March 1974, the song was written and composed by Kousetsu Minami, making full use of Kaguyahime’s folk sensibilities.

A live performance filled with a strong sense of unity with the audience is also featured on the live album “Kaguyahime LIVE,” released in September of the same year.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with your family, packed with gratitude that’s hard to express in everyday words.

In adult day-care settings, it may spark lively reminiscences through song.

Words of FarewellKaientai

It’s a beloved song with a gentle melody that accompanies moments of departure and farewell, carrying a warm message.

It carefully speaks to life lessons such as “loving someone deeply,” “accepting sorrow through tears,” and “trusting others and moving forward.” The lyrics were written by Kaientai’s leader, Tetsuya Takeda, based on a heartbreak he experienced in college, and the many words that strike the heart are especially compelling.

Released as a single in November 1979, it was chosen as the theme song for the first season of the TBS drama Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B, starring Tetsuya Takeda.

For older adults who have experienced the loss of a family member, it is sure to be a song that resonates deeply.

By reminiscing together or keeping time with handclaps to the melody, everyone can share a peaceful moment.

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.