[Men in their 60s] Even if you're not good at singing, it's okay! Easy-to-sing songs for karaoke

I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Walk looking up Sakamoto Kyu — with lyrics

It was Kyu Sakamoto’s debut single, first released in October 1961.

It became a huge hit overseas under the title “Sukiyaki,” a classic Showa-era song! Its cheerful, heartwarming melody can lift your spirits just by listening, making it a perfect choice for a fun karaoke session.

Don’t overthink it—just hum along and enjoy singing it in whatever style suits your mood and preferences.

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Kei Takahata

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With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira

With a Fiery Heart ☆ Akira Kobayashi

This is a single released by Akira Kobayashi in 1985, with lyrics by Yū Aku and music composed by Eiichi Ohtaki.

The song was used in a commercial for Ajinomoto General Foods (AGF) “Maxim,” and it won the Gold Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.

It is a powerful track supported particularly by men and is regarded as one of Kobayashi’s signature songs.

homeKiyama Yusaku

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

An inspiring ballad filled with a father’s warm love and his hopes for his child’s growth has been delivered by Yusaku Kiyama.

His gentle, soothing vocals convey deep affection for family, and though the storytelling is simple, it leaves a lasting resonance in the listener’s heart.

Released in February 2008, the song was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and it also earned a spot in the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

It’s a great choice for karaoke when you want to reflect on family memories or express gratitude to someone special.

Like softly returning a handclasp under a bright sky, it’s a song wrapped in kindness.

Speak not of lifeyoshida takurou

Takuro Yoshida - Don’t Speak of Life (lyrics)Don’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna talk, then sing it outIf you’re gonna love, then give it allIf you’re gonna dream, then stake your lifeDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeWhen the wind blows through the town at duskI stop and listen to my heartI remember someone I used to loveAnd I feel like I can almost see them nowDon’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna cry, then cry it outIf you’re gonna laugh, then laugh out loudIf you’re gonna live, then live it throughDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeOn a night when the rain won’t seem to stopI walk with my collar turned upI hum a tune that no one knowsAnd I feel like I can almost flyDon’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna talk, then sing it outIf you’re gonna love, then give it allIf you’re gonna dream, then stake your lifeDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of life

It’s a song whose powerful vocals, singing of the doubts and inner struggles we face in life, are deeply moving.

It was included on the 1974 album “Ima wa Mada Jinsei o Katarazu,” whose title is said to have been taken from this song’s lyrics.

While the rhythm is calm yet strong—making the tempo approachable even for beginners—the melody is also simple and easy to sing.

However, to convey the atmosphere of the piece, passionate, heartfelt singing is essential.

It’s important to imagine how to flow the words and where in each phrase to apply emphasis.

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kappamaki

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Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki - Fifteen's Night (with lyrics)

This is the debut single by Yutaka Ozaki, released in 1983 alongside the album “Seventeen’s Map.” It portrays the rebellious spirit and pursuit of freedom felt by a 15-year-old boy, and has long been loved as a song that speaks for the feelings of young people.

The structure, which builds gradually from a quiet, piano-centered atmosphere toward the chorus, evokes a rising swell of emotion.

The relatively low pitch and steady, unbroken lyrical tempo make it easy to sing, and the key is how you pour emotion into it.

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kappamaki

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Bang, bang, bangZa Supaidāsu

The Spiders “Bang Bang Bang” (1967)

The Spiders, the legendary band that sparked the Group Sounds boom.

Those in their early 60s might not be familiar with them, but those in their late 60s are likely the generation that experienced Group Sounds firsthand.

With that in mind, I recommend Ban Ban Ban.

It’s a classic, as everyone knows.

While it has a strong rock flavor, the vocal line is surprisingly restrained and set within a relatively narrow range.

There aren’t many long notes, either, so it’s also a good choice for those who feel unsure about their breathing.

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Ryo

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promiseWatanabe Toru

Toru Watanabe - Promise

Toru Watanabe, who was hugely active as an actor and TV personality, also worked as a singer and left behind several classic songs.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is Yakusoku (Promise).

This piece features a moody melody that feels like a blend of J-pop and kayōkyoku.

The vocal line, like the calm melody, is kept understated.

There are few parts where the voice needs to be belted, and there aren’t many long sustained notes either, so it’s highly recommended.

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Ryo

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