[Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that get everyone excited. Songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

Kawachi Ondo

Kawachi Ondo (Osaka Prefecture folk song)

Kawachi Ondo, one of the folk songs best known from Bon Odori, is said to have formed through a blend and arrangement of indigenous ondo and folk tunes that were sung in the area corresponding to the southeastern part of present-day Osaka Prefecture.

Because it came to be sung primarily as a Bon dance song, it has deep ties to Buddhism and also carries the character of a requiem.

Although Kawachi Ondo was born in a single locality, the 1961 record Teppō-bushi Kawachi Ondo became a million-seller, spreading its name not only throughout Japan but overseas as well.

For older listeners, just hearing the sound might be enough to set their hands moving involuntarily.

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Tokyoyashiki takajin

Tokyo

Released in March 1993, this mood-kayō song fuses tearful enka with sophisticated urban pop.

Through Kansai-dialect lyrics, it movingly portrays a romance and breakup with a man she met in Tokyo, along with her complex feelings toward the city.

Takajin Yashiki was an artist who was active mainly in the Kansai region, also serving as a host of the popular program “Sei! Young.” This piece became a hit as requests on cable radio surged, ultimately selling a total of 600,000 copies.

In live performances, he would sometimes change the place name in the chorus to match the concert location, valuing a sense of unity with the audience.

When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to sing at an easy, relaxed pace while thinking of your hometown and the special people you’ve met.

Spring Has Comeririi

Spring Has Come

This piece gently sings of the warm arrival of spring.

It’s a track from the album “Dulcimer,” released in July 1973, and is notable for Lili’s distinctive husky voice and delicate melodic lines.

Despite its simple arrangement, the calm tone of the song tenderly resonates with listeners.

The work portrays the anticipation of a new season and the hope that sprouts with the coming of spring, and Lili’s soulful vocals evoke deep emotion.

The album “Dulcimer” also includes other heartwarming songs, making it a recommended listen as a whole.

It’s a perfect track for spending quiet moments steeped in nostalgia, or for singing together while sharing a sense of connection.

The Splendor of the PrairieAgunesu Chan

The Shine of the Grasslands / Agnes Chan (with lyrics)

Amidst nature’s rich scenery, a name echoes and the wind’s sound brings tears.

While listening to the babbling of a brook, this moving song by Agnes Chan celebrates moments spent in a meadow scented with lotus blossoms.

As wild strawberries are picked, pure thoughts of a dearly loved one far away blend beautifully with her clear, translucent voice.

Released in 1973, the song became a major hit with sales exceeding one million copies, and it was chosen as the entrance march for the spring National High School Baseball Invitational in 1974.

As a springtime song that evokes the beauty of nature and the season of new journeys, it’s a perfect nostalgic tune to hum together with older listeners.

Love Bonchi SheetZa Bonchi

Love Bonchi Sheet

A parody song of a tabloid TV show, charming for its whimsical worldview and humor-packed lyrics.

It cleverly incorporates the way reporters always sound on television, unfolding a heartwarming love story.

Released in January 1981, the track—paired with Moonriders’ performance—achieved an astonishing record: No.

2 on the Oricon chart and total sales of 800,000 copies.

Crafted by Haruo Chikada and based on a song by the British band Darts, it is known as a masterpiece with a distinctive musical character.

Sung by a master of manzai comedy, it’s a fun tune perfect for get-togethers and parties—sure to surround everyone with a warm, smile-inducing atmosphere.

Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Kāpo

Like a Wildflower – Da Capo #LikeAWildflower #DaCapo #TheNakedGeneral’sWanderingTales

A timeless song with a simple, gentle warmth brings a refreshing breath of spring that makes you want to hum along.

In words anyone can understand, it conveys the importance of living naturally, like flowers blooming in the fields.

Da Capo released this heart-touching piece in July 1983.

Beloved as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Naked General’s Travelogue,” its lyrics inspired many by giving courage to face life’s challenges.

Since 1992, the song has also been included in elementary school music textbooks, and it continues to be sung across generations.

Please enjoy this piece—one that evokes fond memories and the calm arrival of spring—together with older adults.

The two are young.dikku mine & hoshi reiko

The two are young.

With powerful yet warm vocals, Dick Mine and Reiko Hoshi colored the music scene of the Showa era.

The lyrics, which liken the lovers’ calls to mountain echoes and express the joy of calling to one another, are charming in their male–female back-and-forth and evoke a gentle happiness.

This song, depicting the heartwarming exchanges of young lovers, was released in 1935.

Masao Koga’s approachable melody is filled with a tenderness that deeply resonates.

In settings like day-service centers, it can create a pleasant atmosphere where handclaps arise naturally.

It’s familiar to many older adults and lets everyone enjoy the nostalgic feel of Showa-era Japan together.