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

Crimson SunMisora Hibari

Crimson Sun

This work, which evokes both the passion of a blazing sun and the transience of a passing summer, left a striking impression as a new facet of Hibari Misora, the queen of the kayō music world.

In its lyrical world, a love that flares up against the backdrop of midsummer seas is skillfully depicted alongside a poignant premonition that it will one day come to an end.

Originally included as a track on the album “Song Is My Life: Celebrating 20 Years of Hibari Misora’s Career,” the piece received such an overwhelming response that it was released as a single in May 1967.

Its innovative sound, backed by Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets, drew major attention and went on to sell over 1.4 million copies.

As a song emblematic of summertime in the Shōwa era, why not give it a listen during a seaside drive or when you’re in the mood to bask in slightly more grown-up summer memories?

Journey of the Heartchūrippu

TULIP “Kokoro no Tabi” (Lyric Video)

Indispensable when discussing classic songs of the Showa era, “Kokoro no Tabi” has continued to be loved by many listeners ever since its 1973 release.

This hit by Tulip marked a turning point in their career, and Tatsuya Himeno’s sweet vocals further enhanced the song’s appeal.

The fact that it topped the Oricon charts and sold about 870,000 copies speaks to its significant impact.

Its approachable melody that begins with the chorus remains a reason it’s still beloved at karaoke today.

How about belting it out while reminiscing about those days?

What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.

The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.

The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.

Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.

The Drunkard Has ReturnedZa Fōku Kurusedāzu

The Drunkard Has Returned 2017 REMASTER

With a high-pitched voice and humor-laden musical expression, a fantastical story unfolds that shuttles between heaven and earth.

While satirically conveying the dangers of drunk driving, its innovative musicality—woven with nods to the Beatles, the Heart Sutra, and even Beethoven—is captivating.

Released by The Folk Crusaders in December 1967, the song became the first million-seller in Oricon chart history and was even adapted into a Toei film.

Far from sounding like a track born to fill out an album, this masterpiece combines experimental sound with social consciousness, making it a recommended tune for those who want to savor life’s subtleties along with a good laugh.

Run, Kotaro!Sorutī Shugā

Run, Kotaro!

A masterpiece packed with humor and satire, modeled after a live horse race broadcast.

Released in July 1970, Salty Sugar’s work began as a joke about a chronically late band member and blossomed into superb popular entertainment.

The production weaves in race-style narration, horse names that parody popular buzzwords of the time, and even an impersonation of Governor Minobe, resulting in uproarious comedy.

It was adapted into a Toho-distributed film in February 1971, starring Shunji Fujimura.

The song sold around one million copies and won the New Artist Award at the 12th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect pick to liven up parties and drinking gatherings with friends.

Ladybug Sambacherisshu

Ladybug Samba Cherish 1973

Let me introduce a lovely song that captures the arrival of spring.

Its bright, buoyant rhythm and lyrics depicting tiny creatures celebrating a wedding are especially memorable.

Released in July 1973, it was a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It has long been cherished as a classic wedding song.

For many older listeners, it may also bring back fond memories.

It’s perfect when you want to savor the cheerful atmosphere of spring or lift your spirits.

If everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to become a wonderful time filled with smiles.

Tokyo Olympic OndoMinami Haruo

Haruo Minami “Tokyo Olympic Ondo” [from ~The Trajectory of Vocal Art: The Complete Works of Haruo Minami~]

As the name suggests, Tokyo Olympic Ondo was the theme song for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and in addition to Haruo Minami, it was performed by prominent singers such as Yukio Hashi, Michiya Mihashi, Kyu Sakamoto, and Saburo Kitajima.

It is said that the association with Haruo Minami became fixed because his version sold the most.

At the time, Minami said, “Japan worked hard and achieved such a remarkable recovery.

The Tokyo Olympics is an opportunity to show that to the world, and I poured my strong desire to make it a success into the song.” For seniors, it may be a track that brings back the feelings of that era.

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