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

Journey of the HeartNEW!chūrippu

Kokoro no Tabi / Tulip (with lyrics)

This is the song that you can’t help but hum during the season of departures.

It’s a signature work by Tulip, a band formed in Fukuoka Prefecture, and a classic released in April 1973 as their third single.

Its melody, which evokes the poignant feelings for a lover far away and the scene of setting off by train, truly resonates.

In fact, just before release, the lead vocal was changed from Kazuo Zaitsū to Tatsuya Himeno, and the structure was altered to start with the chorus—changes that led to a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Beloved as a TV drama theme and in commercials, this piece has been cherished across generations.

As you reminisce about youthful journeys together, raise your voices and sing “Kokoro no Tabi.”

MotherNEW!Mori Shinichi

Shinichi Mori — Ofukuro-san

Ofukuro-san, one of Shinichi Mori’s signature hit songs, was released as a single on May 5, 1971.

With lyrics by Yasukazu Kawauchi and music by Kosho Inomata, it is also well known for winning the Best Vocal Performance at the 13th Japan Record Awards.

Included on the album Tabiji, the song’s unadorned lyrics, expressing gratitude to one’s mother and portraying her as a source of comfort, resonate deeply.

Many older listeners may find themselves warmed by his conversational singing style, seeing reflections of their own mothers.

Performed on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen and beloved across generations, this kayōkyoku classic is perfect to hum along to in May for Mother’s Day or during the refreshing season, bringing back fond memories.

Sanguisorba officinalis (Great burnet)sugimoto masato

Masato Sugimoto / Burnet

Masato Sugimoto, known for his gentle and warm singing voice, created a heartwarming piece imbued with deep love for his late mother.

Released by Teichiku Entertainment in February 2007, this work marked a major turning point in his career as a singer.

Alongside a melody full of tenderness, it carefully weaves themes of life’s fragility and feelings for one’s family, resonating with many listeners.

Used as an insert song on TV Tokyo’s music program “Yoko’s Enka Straight Line,” it also earned him a spot in that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

With its warm vocals and lyrics that touch the heart, this is a song you’ll want to sing slowly at karaoke as you look back on memories with your family and friends.

Dream PlayUmezawa Fumio

Umezawa Tomio - Yume Shibai (with lyrics)

This song, with its bittersweet melody by Kei Ogura and richly emotional lyrics, moves the hearts of listeners.

Known as one of the most accomplished acting performers in the enka world, Tomio Umezawa established his status as an enka singer with his debut single.

Released in November 1982, the track peaked at No.

8 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.

It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV anime Maison Ikkoku and used in a commercial for Daio Paper’s Elleair, earning affection across a wide audience.

This work is sure to resonate with those who were captivated by theater in their youth or who cherish memories of watching stage performances.

Umezawa’s deeply emotive vocals and acting prowess will remain etched in your heart alongside your own memories.

Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi

Masafumi Akikawa “A Thousand Winds” Music Video

As a masterpiece of beautiful Japanese ballads, Masafumi Akikawa’s singing voice has left a deep impression on many hearts.

With the powerful, soaring tone characteristic of a tenor, this gem of a song gently conveys the preciousness of life and feelings for loved ones.

Released in May 2006, it became an extraordinary hit for a classical singer, creating a major buzz that included Akikawa serving as the closing performer for the White Team at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

In 2007, it was also selected as the theme song for a Fuji TV documentary drama.

Singing about the feelings one has for someone dear, this work continues to be cherished across generations as a song that resonates in many moments of life.

I love youOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki 'I Love You' [Lyric Video]

This is a masterpiece that resonates in many hearts as a pinnacle of bittersweet love songs.

Included on the debut album “Seventeen’s Map” and released as a single in 1991, it poignantly sings of a forbidden love between a young man and woman.

The piano ballad that Yutaka Ozaki crafted at the age of seventeen continues to captivate listeners.

Numerous artists, including Hikaru Utada and Koji Tamaki, have covered the song, and it has been featured as the image song for the film “Hot Road” as well as in JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” commercials.

It’s a perfect track for spending a quiet moment immersed in music and reminiscing.

How about a heartwarming karaoke time accompanied by its gentle melody?

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI

An emotionally moving love ballad that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this song captivates with Keisuke Kuwata’s deep vocals and a warmly poetic world.

It begins quietly, then swells like waves of emotion with a beautiful, memorable melody that conveys both the strength and the fragility of love.

Released in January 2000, it was also used as the theme song for the ‘Future Diary III’ segment of the TV show ‘Uunnan no Hontoko!’ and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It won the Grand Prize at the 42nd Japan Record Awards, becoming a definitive song of the year 2000 in both name and substance.

It is a gem that resonates deep in the heart when you want to immerse yourself in memories of a loved one or reflect on life.