Interesting Japanese songs recommended for men in their 60s

Love Bonchi SheetZa Bonchi

W0486 The Bonchi “Koi no Bonchi Sheet”

Back during the manzai comedy boom, the comedians at the center of it often sang as well.

Among those songs, this one was a real hit, ranking quite high on shows like The Best Ten at the time.

It’s a fun track that weaves in material from The Bonchi, featuring Mr.

Yamamoto and Mr.

Kawasaki.

The second song, Radio, didn’t catch on because it was too dark.

After all, it’s comedy—so it needs to be upbeat.

Scallop Rock ‘n’ RollYasuoka Rikiya

Rikiya Yasuoka — Scallop Rock ’n’ Roll

This is a song that was created as the theme for Hotate-man, a character that happened to be born spontaneously from our group, The Drifters/Hyōkin-zoku.

Not only that, but the song itself had a great, catchy groove, so it ended up becoming a much bigger hit than expected.

Higashimurayama OndoShimura Ken

Ken Shimura, The Drifters, Higashimurayama Ondo

Looking back now, it’s hard to believe that when Ken Shimura first joined The Drifters as a replacement for Chū Arai, he didn’t get any laughs at all.

The piece that broke through that slump was the “Higashimurayama Ondo.” The anecdote about him being commended by Higashimurayama City is well known.

Hone Hone RockShimon Masato

Honehone Rock / Masato Shimon

From the long-running children’s show Hirake! Ponkikki, which established an unshakable place for itself over many years, a variety of hit songs were born.

Speaking of Masato Shimon, it goes without saying that Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun was a massive hit.

However, I’d like to spotlight Hone Hone Rock here—a song that, due to its lyrics, seems basically unairable nowadays.

Thank you so, so much for your hard work.Za Dorifutāzu

Inugami Circus-dan “Truly, Truly, Thank You for Your Hard Work” (MV)

Among the Drifters’ songs, this one has catchy wordplay and phrases with a brisk tempo, making it a popular track.

Many of the Drifters’ songs are arrangements of existing tunes, and perhaps they were just very good at arranging.

They were quite fond of military songs, and it’s not widely known that they have many tracks related to that genre.

Even Dorifu Daibakushō is a parody of a military song.

Shirake Bird OndoKomatsu Masao

Shirake Bird Ondo – Masao Komatsu

That nostalgic song born from the TV show “Migoro! Tabegoro! Waraigoro!” Released by Masao Komatsu in 1977, this unique ondō-style tune comically shifts through the directions—south, west, north, east—while he sings.

Its lyrics satirize the then-popular notion of the “apathetic generation,” blending social irony with plenty of humor.

Known as one of Komatsu’s signature songs, it was also included on the album “Komatsu no Ooyabun.” Originating from a sketch on the show, it was promoted as a tie-in with “Migoro! Tabegoro! Waraigoro!” It’s perfect for livening up parties or karaoke.

Perhaps it’s a song that gives you the composure to laugh off life’s bitter moments.

What’s your name, Antiene?Toni Tani

Tony Tani, what's your name?

A comic song that delivers laughter and warmth in a unique style blending English and Japanese.

From Martians on the far side of the moon to cages at the zoo, its nonstop, unpredictable twists are sure to make you smile.

It’s a lively, humorous piece that briskly portrays encounters with a parade of colorful characters.

Used in 1962 on “Avec Song Battle,” it was performed by host Tony Tani to the beat of hyoshigi clappers.

Re-released in July 2005, this work is sure to make warm moments with family and friends even more enjoyable.

Best enjoyed in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with people you know well.

Ghost RockGō Hiromi, Kigeki Kirin

Hiromi Go & Kiki Kirin – Ghost Rock (1977)

There was a time when Hiromi Go released comic songs together with Kiki Kirin, his co-star from the drama “The Mu Ichizoku.” This song, “Obake no Rock,” is fun musically, but the choreography is also pretty amusing, so it’s fantastic to imitate the moves and sing along.

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.

Akira’s Zundoko SongKobayashi Akira

Akira’s Zundoko Song

A bright and cheerful love song that portrays youthful romance with a zundoko rhythm.

The lyrics vividly capture scenes of young love, perfectly matched with a lively cha-cha beat.

Released in June 1960, this piece was produced as an insert song for the film “The Harbor Wind Crossing the Sea,” starring Akira Kobayashi, and it impressively sold 300,000 copies.

While based on the prewar “Navy Ditty,” its arrangement is wonderfully infused with the buoyant spirit of the postwar era.

It’s sure to liven up any gathering, from banquets to drinking parties.

The melody, beloved across generations, and the irresistibly singable, playful lyrics will make tonight’s celebration all the more festive.