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

Freeze my heartTakayama Iwao

Goro Takayama – Freeze My Heart

A classic song that weaves a poignant love story.

Released in 1992, it became a huge hit as the theme song for a morning drama.

Takayama Iwao’s deeply expressive vocals beautifully capture the subtleties of life.

The lyrics convey feelings for a loved one and the anxiety of parting, resonating deeply with listeners.

Though Takayama’s vocal prowess can be overwhelming at karaoke, its slow tempo makes it comfortable to sing.

If you sing it with heartfelt feelings for someone important, it will surely touch those around you.

It’s a piece that evokes even deeper emotion when performed by someone with rich life experience.

There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu

Kyu Sakamoto – There’s Always Tomorrow

This work humorously portrays a young man who has fallen in love with a schoolgirl in a sailor uniform he sees at the station every day, yet can’t quite find the courage to speak to her.

Its optimistic message—that even if you fail, there’s always tomorrow—warms listeners’ hearts.

Sung by Kyu Sakamoto in 1963, the song became a major hit, selling around 800,000 copies, and was later covered by artists such as Ulfuls and Re:Japan.

Its bright major-key melody and catchy chorus are the kind that make you smile the moment they start playing in an intro quiz: “Oh, it’s this one!” Why not hum along together as you reminisce about the tender feelings of youthful love?

Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri

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

This song, a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga in 1962, is a classic of youth pop that won the 4th Japan Record Award and sold a total of about 2.6 million copies.

With lyrics by Takao Saeki and music by Tadashi Yoshida—their golden partnership—the words, likened to stars and rain, gently weave a message urging listeners to keep dreaming no matter their circumstances.

The piece was adapted into a film by Nikkatsu in 1963 and was also chosen as the entrance march for high school baseball.

It’s a song I’d love for everyone to hum together on a cold winter’s day in a warm room.

Why not spend some time sharing memories of your hopeful younger days, carried along by its tender melody?

As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira

Akira Nishikino - As Long as There Is a Sun in the Sky

A great song recommendation for a man in his 70s is Akira Nishikino’s signature hit “Sora ni Taiyo ga Aru Kagiri” (“As Long as the Sun Is in the Sky”).

It’s the ultimate love song, expressing deep affection for a beloved person and the certainty that this love will last forever.

The lyrics, which sing of eternal love—“As long as the sun is in the sky, we’ll be together”—are incredibly romantic.

Released in February 1971, the song reached No.

3 on the Oricon chart and sold 308,000 copies, becoming a major hit.

It’s an enduring classic loved across generations, making it a perfect choice to sing at karaoke when people of various ages are gathered.

bridehashida norihiko to kuraimakkusu

Hanayome

Through the image of a bride boarding a night train to set off for her beloved, this song portrays the resolve and determination at a life’s turning point, as well as deep feelings for a loved one.

It is one of the representative masterpieces of Japanese folk songs from the 1970s.

Released as a single in January 1971, it was also performed at that year’s 22nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its expansive, gently flowing melody feels wonderfully comfortable to sing.

It’s especially recommended for those who listened to it back in the day.

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.

homeKiyama Yusaku

[With Lyrics] home – Yusaku Kiyama

Yusaku Kiyama’s signature song, which gently weaves a father’s tender love into its lyrics, was released in February 2008 as his major-label debut.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Uta Star!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and later that year, he performed it at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

With a melody that tenderly embraces scenes like holding a child’s hand in the park and a parent watching over their child’s growth, this piece resonates deeply and invites listeners to reflect on family memories.

Incorporating it into a Father’s Day music activity is sure to spark warm, nostalgic conversations.

Its gentle vocals and warm melody softly wrap your feelings of gratitude for your family.

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.

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.