Interesting Japanese songs recommended for men in their 60s

Kamonegi OndoHirano Remi

Kamonegi Ondo (Leek-and-Duck Dance) — Remi Hirano, 1972

A delightful comic song that humorously portrays the back-and-forth between a hostess and her patrons, set in a glamorous Ginza club.

Remi Hirano’s distinctive vocals pair perfectly with the lively ondo rhythm, lifting listeners’ spirits.

Released in November 1972 as Hirano’s fourth single, the song was later covered by multiple artists, including Leo Nakagawa and Yoko Nagisa.

Framed by the neon-lit nights of Ginza, it uses animal metaphors to depict the exchanges between men and women, offering a symbolic snapshot of the era.

It’s a track brimming with laughter and nostalgia that can liven up parties and gatherings across generations.

Electric Wire OndoItō Shirō

Densen Ondo / Shirō Itō

This is a song sung by Shiro Ito (credited as Benjamin Ito in the show) on a variety program that became a hit.

It’s a song that rides entirely on momentum.

On the same program, Masao Komatsu also turned out several hits, such as Shirake-dori Ondo.

Don’t underestimate me.Matayoshi & Namenna yo

Matayoshi & Namenna yo “Don’t Underestimate Me”

In the early 80s, for some reason, Name-neko (the “bad-boy cat” craze) briefly became a fad.

Merchandise modeled after driver’s licenses featuring Name-neko photos was popular at the time.

This song is the image song that came out riding that momentum.

But trends moved quickly back then, and after a brief gust of hype, it faded away just as fast.

Sūdara-bushiUeki Hitoshi

Hitoshi Ueki “Sūdara-bushi” ANALOG RECORD MUSIC

A song by Hitoshi Ueki known as an iconic masterpiece of the Showa era.

It’s irresistibly catchy—you’ll find yourself humming along.

Released in August 1961, it became a huge hit, ranking 16th on the year-end charts that year and 20th the following year.

In 1984, it was also used in an Asahi Beer commercial, bringing it to an even wider audience.

With lyrics that humorously portray everyday mishaps—like drinking too much or losing at the races—it’s something anyone can relate to.

Sing it while sharing drinks with friends, and it’s sure to liven up the atmosphere in no time!

Mexican Rock of LoveHashi Yukio

Sukapontas: Mexican Rock of Love (feat. Yukio Hashi)

Perhaps this could be called a signature comic song by the veteran Yukio Hashi, known for his distinctive voice and singing style.

I think it would be reasonably amusing even if an ordinary person sang it, but because Yukio Hashi is the one performing it, there’s a subtly pleasant sense of incongruity—and that, I feel, is where the humor lies.

Heroic!! JiraiyaFunaki Kazuo

KAIKETSU!! Jiraiya — Kazuo Funaki

This is a song that the one and only Kazuo Funaki asked Mr.

Chuumei Watanabe to write, saying he wanted a hero-style song he could use on his own stage.

Speaking of Mr.

Chuumei Watanabe, he’s a legendary composer of hero songs for robot anime like Mazinger Z and sentai series like Gorenger.

Hence, it ended up sounding completely like an anisong.

Goten GrandmaFujimoto Fusako

Fujimoto Fusako, Gotemba Lady

This is a commercial jingle created by the local Shizuoka station, TV Shizuoka, for a campaign, and it was aired only within Shizuoka Prefecture.

The lyrics are sprinkled with the names of cities and towns in Shizuoka, making it educational as well.

The singer is Fusako Fujimoto, well-known for anime and commercial songs such as the theme song of Patalliro.

Nodding Marchunazuki torio

Nodding March / Nodding Trio

Various units were born from the hugely popular 1980s show “Oretachi Hyōkin-zoku.” Among them, one of the units that became quite a hit within the show was the “Unazuki Trio,” a group formed, in a twist, by only the plain, straight-man partners who usually did the “tsukkomi.” It’s an example of turning the idea on its head and ending up being funny precisely because of it.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. WatsonTani Kei

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson / Kei Tani

Speaking of Kei Tani, I have the impression that, while he was a core member of the Crazy Cats, he also did a lot on his own.

He was hugely successful as an actor, and he even sang anime songs as a solo performer.

This one was something he sang for NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and it’s a quietly popular song.

Meow meow meowanonenone

Anone-none – Cat, Nyan Nyan Nyan

Ano-ne no Ne is a duo that originally only sang comic songs.

This song uses a phrase that Harada used as a kind of one-shot gag and that always got laughs, and it’s such a famous phrase that it’s practically synonymous with Harada.