Japanese karaoke songs that are easy for men in their 60s to sing

Tokyoyashiki takajin

Tokyo

This song tells a bittersweet love story, with lyrics that strikingly blend Kansai dialect and standard Japanese.

It conveys the pain of heartbreak and complex feelings toward Tokyo, resonating deeply with listeners.

Although it didn’t attract much attention when it was released in March 1993, its popularity surged through cable radio.

Among Takajin Yashiki’s works, it became a catalyst for gaining support outside the Kansai region.

With a comfortable vocal range, it’s easy to sing and sure to liven up any karaoke session.

Why not add it to your repertoire the next time you get together with friends?

Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando

Minato No Yoko Yokohama Yokosuka

This song captivates with lyrics that unfold like a spoken narrative and a rock sound rooted in the blues.

Set in the two port towns of Yokohama and Yokosuka, its story of a man searching for a missing woman poignantly captures his sorrow, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Incorporating the American talking blues style crafted by Ryudo Uzaki, its innovative arrangement favors speaking over singing, bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.

Since its release in April 1975, the work spent five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With a recitative, storytelling delivery, it’s a song that even those lacking confidence in their vocal technique can enjoy performing.

Why not let yourself drift with its unhurried flow and sing while picturing the scenery of the harbor towns?

freezing rainKayama Akio

freezing rain

A mature, melodramatic enka that embraces aching love and loneliness—this is Akio Kayama’s debut song.

Its folk-tinged arrangement that gently conveys a woman’s feelings and his richly emotive vocals blend perfectly to create a gem of a classic.

Beginning in December 1977, he sold over 30,000 copies through hand-to-hand sales, and in 1983 he received honors including the Asahikawa Cable Radio Award and the All-Japan Cable Broadcasting Grand Prix.

In 2008, the song was featured in a Kirin Beverage canned coffee commercial, and it continues to be loved by many across generations.

With its relaxed tempo and an accessible melody line that anyone can hum, it’s a highly recommended track that you can sing with confidence at karaoke.

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video]

A timeless adult classic by Kazuyoshi Saito, celebrated for its deeply moving vocals and rich storytelling.

This exquisite ballad conveys heartfelt emotions for a loved one—feelings that are hard to say out loud—set to song with disarming honesty.

Its simple melody and resonant guitar gently enfold the lyrical world.

Since its release in November 1997, many artists have covered it, and in 2017 it was used as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall.” In August 2022, a performance on THE FIRST TAKE drew significant attention, extending its appeal to a new generation.

With a relaxed tempo and a relatively narrow vocal range, it’s easy to sing with ease.

Why not sing it with all your heart, pouring your feelings for someone special into every note?

Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

A heartwarming, approachable song that makes the most of rhythms found in folk songs and enka.

This masterpiece fully showcases Kiyoshi Hikawa’s charm, beautifully expressing the bittersweetness of love, masculine strength, and longing for one’s hometown.

With his natural vocal talent and refreshing appeal, Hikawa presents a uniquely modern take on the traditional enka worldview.

It was released by Nippon Columbia in February 2002.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards and is known as one of Hikawa’s signature tracks.

With its relaxed tempo and narrow melodic range, it’s a piece you can sing with a calm mindset.

During the chorus, it’s also nice to have listeners add call-and-response interjections!

North TavernHosokawa Takashi

North Tavern

Set in a northern country tavern, this heartwarming enka classic captures the very moment a romance begins.

It richly portrays everything from the fateful encounter in a bar district to the deepening of their relationship.

Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful yet delicate vocals brilliantly convey the thrill of a man whose heart leaps at a chance meeting in a tavern.

After its release in March 1982, the song became a huge hit when it was performed on the TV show “Kin-chan no Doko Made Yaru no?” That same year, it won the 24th Japan Record Award and was also performed on the 33rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Blending a light, poppy melody with the emotive depth characteristic of enka in perfect balance, this piece is ideal for singing at a relaxed pace while soaking in the tavern’s atmosphere.

Why not try it as the perfect finale to a fun night out with friends?

Luoyangyoshida takurou

setting sun

It’s one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature songs, contrasting the image of contemplating life’s long journey with the scenery of the sun setting on the horizon.

It’s also memorable for its many arrangements, including the version used as the theme song for the drama “Ano Natsu ni Dakaretai.” The lyrics, written by Osami Okamoto, are said to be based on his real experiences, and you can feel the authenticity that comes from scenes he actually witnessed.

The gentle, deliberate delivery makes it easy to sing, and it’s important to cherish the words and perform them with care.

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