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

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu

[Masterpiece] Itoshi no Ellie / Southern All Stars [Full Lyrics Included] [covered by Yuki Kuroki & Tomotaka Suzuki]

This song, also known for being covered by the great American artist Ray Charles, was released by Southern All Stars in 1979.

It’s said that before their marriage, Kuwata wrote it for Yuko Hara as a way of saying “I’m sorry.” It’s such a classic that virtually everyone knows it, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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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.

summer vacationyoshida takurou

Summer Vacation by Takuro Yoshida

This song portrays someone reminiscing about childhood summer vacation memories and basking in nostalgia.

As one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature works, it has been released in various versions and covered by many artists as a song that sings of the Japanese summer.

The expansive, layered sound evokes the feeling of casting one’s thoughts into the distance, further emphasizing its nostalgic mood.

With relatable lyrics delivered gently over a simple melody, it leaves a strong impression and, with a light touch, should be quite singable.

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kappamaki

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I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Walk looking up Sakamoto Kyu — with lyrics

A song distinguished by its buoyant melody and heartwarming lyrics.

It carries a positive message that encourages you to keep moving forward even in tough times, and it continues to resonate with many people.

Released in 1961, it became a huge hit not only in Japan but also overseas.

In the United States, it became known as “Sukiyaki” and reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

With a modest range that makes it easy to sing and suitable for a wide variety of voices, it’s also a popular choice for karaoke.

As a timeless classic loved across generations, why not add it to your repertoire? Sing it with your own feelings, carried by Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals.

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!