RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

Songs I want men in their 70s to sing: a roundup of tracks I'd like to hear at karaoke

When you go to karaoke, do you ever feel hesitant to sing only the songs you personally want, but also find yourself unsure what else to choose? In times like that, why not try songs that the people around you would love to hear? In this article, we’re introducing a selection of songs we’d love men in their 70s to sing—all in one go.

We focused mainly on well-known tracks that many people are likely familiar with.

There are plenty of songs that are especially cool when sung by men in their 70s, so please use this as a reference!

Songs I’d like men in their 70s to sing: A collection of tracks I want to hear at karaoke (71–80)

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)
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?

Goodbye once moreOzaki Kiyohiko

A ballad distinguished by its rich vocal power and expressive nuance, this is a song by Kiyohiko Ozaki released in July 1971.

It’s not just a typical heartbreak tune; it tells of choosing to part ways out of love, set to a beautiful melody that sings of hope for the future.

Its deeply affecting vocals resonate with listeners, and the emotive melody portrays mature love within a calm atmosphere.

Released following the massive hit of the previous single “Mata Au Hi Made,” it reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts and sold a total of 444,000 copies.

In 1999, it was sung on screen by Naoto Takenaka in the film “Nodojiman,” and it has continued to be loved across generations.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with cherished companions, drawing on the depth of your life experiences.

The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka

Longing for the Hawaii Route — Popular Song — Nostalgic Tune
The Longed-For Hawaii Route Haruo Oka

As a classic that lit a bright light in postwar Japan, one of Haruo Oka’s signature works is beloved by many.

With its lively melody and yearning for an unseen paradise, the song was released by King Records in 1948.

Its lyrics beautifully express a longing for unknown lands and the exhilaration of setting sail, resonating deeply with people of the time.

Owing to its popularity, it was adapted into a film by Shintoho in 1950, starring Haruo Oka himself, with Hibari Misora as co-star.

It’s a tune that lets you hum along with friends and bask in wonderful memories.

Perfect for music recreation at day-service centers, it’s a classic that everyone can enjoy together.

Songs I'd like men in their 70s to sing: A collection of karaoke tracks (81–90)

Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō

Otomi-san, nostalgic songs, Kabuki, popular songs
Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō

A quintessential enka classic of the Showa era, this song poignantly depicts the bittersweet fate of a man and a woman.

Based on a Kabuki play, the story artfully portrays vivid Edo-period scenery and the complex emotions of the two lovers.

Incorporating elements of Okinawan music and kachāshī, its lively rhythm paired with Hachiro Kasuga’s clear, soaring vocals creates a pleasing resonance.

Released in August 1954, it sold 400,000 copies in just four months and was later covered by many artists, including Mina Aoe and Harumi Miyako.

Evoking warm nostalgia, it’s a perfect piece for recreation—easy to sing together with cheerful handclaps.

Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro

It captivates with a rock sound emblematic of the 1970s and a sultry male vocal.

Depicting a passionate relationship between a man and a woman that exudes a bewitching sensuality, the piece is adorned with Takashi Matsumoto’s sophisticated lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s masterful melodic lines.

Released in 1979 as a campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics, it topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks.

Also included on the album “Communication,” it continues to enchant countless listeners.

Masahiro Kuwana’s wild, husky voice and mature allure vividly convey a world steeped in the melancholy of love.

It’s a perfect track for parties or karaoke—ride the catchy rhythm and sing along, and everyone is sure to feel their spirits lift.

It’s okayHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Daijoubu [Official]
It's okayHikawa Kiyoshi

Life brings various hardships and joys, and Kiyoshi Hikawa delivers a warm, gentle song that embraces them all.

Released in 2019, this work expresses the sadness and feelings of love that everyone experiences through his beautiful vocals.

Like the moon setting and the sun rising, its hopeful message—that tomorrow will surely come—resonates in the heart.

Also included on the album “Shin Enka Meikyoku Collection 9,” this piece is perfect for singing along at recreational gatherings.

Its friendly, singable melody and uplifting lyrics are part of its charm.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]
Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

This work fully conveys the appeal of a traditional traveling-swordsman enka.

Its lyrics delicately depict the loneliness, melancholy, and inner conflict of a drifter, and when combined with Kiyoshi Hikawa’s emotionally rich vocals, you can’t help but be drawn in.

The lone-wolf protagonist, sword in hand, is moved by the warmth of the people he meets in post towns and by his feelings for his mother—truly touching.

Released in February 2000, it became the first debut song in history to win the Grand Prize at the 33rd Japan Lyricist Awards.

It was also used in Taisho Pharmaceutical’s Tiovita Drink commercial.

This piece is recommended for older listeners who love enka.

It’s even more enjoyable when everyone claps along while singing.