Recommended Japanese karaoke songs for men in their 60s

Run, Kotaro!Sorutī Shugā

Run, Kotaro!

A masterpiece packed with humor and satire, modeled after a live horse race broadcast.

Released in July 1970, Salty Sugar’s work began as a joke about a chronically late band member and blossomed into superb popular entertainment.

The production weaves in race-style narration, horse names that parody popular buzzwords of the time, and even an impersonation of Governor Minobe, resulting in uproarious comedy.

It was adapted into a Toho-distributed film in February 1971, starring Shunji Fujimura.

The song sold around one million copies and won the New Artist Award at the 12th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect pick to liven up parties and drinking gatherings with friends.

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda

Barracuda: 1979: Nationwide Sake Drinking Ondo (Japan)

A heartwarming comic song that celebrates the joy of drinking, themed around annual events and regional specialties.

Originally released independently by Baracuda in December 1979, the track gained popularity on cable radio and was officially reissued by Toshiba EMI, reaching No.

11 on the Oricon chart and selling around 700,000 copies.

With a warm musical style that incorporates regional dialects, it is a classic deeply etched in the hearts of the Japanese people.

In 2021, an arranged version with a “hot pot” theme was featured in a Mizkan commercial, winning the hearts of a new generation.

It’s a song that brings smiles to everyone—perfect for livening up banquets and parties, or sharing joyful moments with close friends.

In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu

In the Great Sky and on the Vast Earth

This is one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, known as an anthem of encouragement for young people.

Its powerful message resounds amid vast natural landscapes, urging listeners to seize their dreams through their own effort and will.

It conveys the resolve to believe in your true self and to live with all your strength, like a wildflower blooming in the fields, even when times are hard—an inspiring classic that gives courage to all who hear it.

Featured on the album “A Song Made for You,” the piece was released in June 1977 and remains enduringly popular.

It has been cherished as an insert song in the drama “The Ugly Duckling” and as a cheer song for high school baseball in Matsuyama’s home of Hokkaido.

With its dramatic melody, powerful vocals, and stirring lyrics, it’s a song to listen to when you’re at a crossroads in life or about to take a new step forward.

Love will winKAN

Aiwa Katsu

A signature song by KAN, known for his warm vocals and relatable lyrics.

With its bright, catchy rhythm and a simple yet deeply resonant message, it has brought comfort to many listeners.

Both the melody and the abstract, universal lyrics make it a gem that skillfully incorporates elements of Western music while remaining distinctly Japanese pop.

Released in September 1990 by Polydor Records, it was featured as an insert song on the TV program “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsute Nai Terebi.” Sales exceeded 2.01 million copies, and KAN also performed it at the 1991 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The song’s pleasant piano tone and relaxed tempo make it an easy and enjoyable choice for karaoke.

Funky Monkey BabyKyaroru

Funky Monkey Baby / Carol

A quintessential Carol song that wraps a straightforward love story in breezy rock ’n’ roll, remaining as vibrant as ever.

It portrays the protagonist’s pure feelings as he becomes captivated by his lover’s playful gestures, carried by a melodious sound.

Released in June 1973, it achieved an exceptional 300,000 sales for a rock band at the time.

Its edgy guitar riffs and rhythmic phrases left a significant mark on the history of Japanese rock.

The track was also included on the album “Funky Monkey Baby.” With its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, this song is perfect for getting hyped with close friends at karaoke.

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.

festivalKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima “Matsuri” (Official Audio)

A song that powerfully sings of the spirit of Japan’s festival culture was released by Saburo Kitajima in November 1984.

It beautifully expresses gratitude to the mountain and sea deities, traditions passed from parent to child, and the passion of men.

The song was performed a total of six times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen up to 2013, serving as the grand finale five of those times.

In 2014, it was also used in Suzuki’s New Year sales campaign commercial, making it beloved by a wide audience.

With its powerful vocals, moving melody, and the universally relatable fervor of festivals, this is a song that’s perfect for belting out at karaoke.