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

The road I walked with you

The Road I Walked With You – Shogo Hamada

This song looks back on the road the singer has walked so far and talks about how satisfied they are with their life.

It was released as a single ahead of the 2005 album “My First Love,” included as the B-side to “I am a father.” The simple arrangement of acoustic guitar and percussion seems to highlight the gentle message of the lyrics.

The vocal line, with its modest melodic range and conversational delivery, makes it easy to sing, and performing it in a relaxed manner will likely bring out the song’s atmosphere even more.

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Your smile

Your Smile (ON THE ROAD 2022 LIVE at Budokan)

It’s a love song filled with tenderness and poignancy, looking back on the memories built up with a cherished person.

The way it tries to somehow avoid a sad ending when the two are about to grow apart conveys the strength of its feelings.

The warm, gently unfolding sound and the softly conversational vocals layered together express single-hearted devotion.

Singing slowly and relaxed, as if delivering the words straight and true, is a key point in crafting the song’s world.

A more effortless, unforced singing style may better convey the emotions embedded in the song.

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The continuation of a dream

Dreams, Continued [Album Version] (Music Video / Short Version)

This song portrays memories built with family and the wish for children to grow up healthy.

It is included on the 2015 album “Journey of a Songwriter.” Because of its simple structure—like a solo guitar performance—the warmth of family comes through clearly.

The song’s essence lies in a gentle vocal delivery that faces one’s own heart, so it’s important to sing as if conveying the lyrics directly.

Its relatively modest melodic range also makes it easy to sing, which is part of the song’s appeal.

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Sorrow like snow

Sorrow Like Snow (ROAD OUT “MOVIE”)

This song portrays the warmth of people felt amid winter’s cold, evoking a brightness within poignancy.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni,” and has long been loved as one of Shogo Hamada’s definitive winter classics.

The powerful layering of the band and chorus strongly suggests a hopeful feeling of moving forward.

Its gently ranged melody and relaxed tempo make it easy to sing, so be sure to fully grasp the emotions embedded in the lyrics as you perform.

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ChampionArisu

Alice Champion

This is the 14th single by the Japanese folk/new music group Alice, released in December 1978.

It was a massive hit that reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts at the time, and it unfolds a story—set to a pleasant melody—about a boxing champion being defeated by a younger fighter.

Despite its dramatic content, the vocal melody doesn’t span a particularly wide range, and compared with contemporary songs, the melodic line itself is very simple, easy to remember, and easy to hum.

So even those who aren’t confident singers can likely pick it at karaoke and enjoy it without worry.

The harmonies by Tanimura and Horiuchi aren’t very complex either, so it could be fun for two people to sing in harmony together.

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Kei Takahata

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Body and soulDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando

Mi Mo Kokoro Mo

If you want to sing a passionate song, we recommend “Mi mo Kokoro mo.” This piece was released in 1977 by the band led by Ryudo Uzaki, the Downtown Boogie-Woogie Band.

Since it was used as the theme song for the popular drama “Detective Story,” many people will likely find it familiar.

In this song, most of the vocals are set in the lower register except for part of the chorus.

As your voice gains richness with age, this could be a great track to practice if you want to master a cool, gritty singing style.

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Ryo

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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 that powerfully sings of the doubts and inner conflicts we face as we go through life, with a stirring vocal performance that shakes the heart.

It’s included on the 1974 album “Ima wa Mada Jinsei o Katarazu” (Not Yet Ready to Speak of Life), whose title is said to have been taken from the lyrics of this track.

While it has a strong yet gentle rhythm that makes it approachable—even for beginners—the tempo is also easy to sing.

The melody is simple and singable, but to convey the song’s atmosphere, a passionate delivery is essential.

It’s important to visualize how to let the words flow and where in each phrase to place your emphasis.

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