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Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke

There are many men in their 80s who love karaoke, aren’t there?

I’m sure you enjoy singing your favorite songs, but there are times when choosing what to sing can be tricky.

So in this article, I’ll introduce some recommended songs to help you pick your karaoke set.

This time, I’ve selected easy-to-sing tracks especially recommended for men in their 80s.

There are plenty of hits from the Showa era, so I hope you’ll find songs you want to try and give them a go!

Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke (1–10)

Gardenia blossomTetsuya Watari

This song, cherished by many as a classic from the Showa era, continues to be loved.

The poignant longing for a lost love is layered with the fragrance of gardenia flowers, deeply resonating with listeners.

Released in August 1973, it became a massive hit after the artist’s appearance on the New Year’s Eve music show the following year.

It was later chosen as the theme song for the film “Graveyard of the Yakuza: Gardenia.” With its simple melody and rhythm, it’s easy to sing.

Why not sing it while reminiscing about old memories and overlaying them with your own experiences?

Sōemonchō BluesKatsuji Heiwa and the Dark Horse

A beloved classic from the Showa era by Katsuji Heiwa and the Dark Horse, this song is set in Osaka’s Soemoncho and portrays a heartrending farewell and the hope of reunion—lyrics that truly resonate.

Released in December 1972, it became a massive hit, selling over two million copies.

There’s even an anecdote that the Soemoncho neighborhood association presented a letter of appreciation at the time.

With its wistful melody and emotionally rich lyrics, it remains a karaoke staple cherished by many.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who has experienced a parting from someone dear or wants to bask in nostalgia.

The song is characterized by a broad, dynamic melodic line, making it perfect for those who want to sing it out with feeling.

Yokohama TwilightHiroshi Itsuki

Yokohama Twilight is a celebrated classic known as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

Set in a small hotel room in Yokohama, the lyrics depict the poignant scene of a man and woman parting, beautifully expressing the fragility of human relationships and a deep sense of loneliness.

Released in March 1971, the song won numerous awards, including the Vocal Performance Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards, and marked a turning point in Itsuki’s career.

With its relatively simple rhythm and melody, it’s easy to sing and a recommended choice for karaoke.

Easy-to-Sing Songs Recommended for Men in Their 80s: Showa-Era Karaoke Classics to Perform (11–20)

Parting Cedar (Farewell Cedar)Kasuga Hachirō

This is a quintessential Showa-era masterpiece that sings of the bittersweet feelings of someone leaving their hometown.

Hachiro Kasuga’s clear, beautiful voice resonates deep in the heart.

Released in December 1955, it became a massive hit with 500,000 copies sold.

The following year, a film of the same title was produced, turning it into a social phenomenon.

The melody, inspired by Bizet’s opera Carmen, is memorable and easy to sing.

Why not hum it while thinking of your hometown? Its relaxed tempo makes it easy to sing.

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Ryotaro Sugi

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)
Drafty Wind Sugihiro Taro

Ryotaro Sugi’s signature song “Sukima Kaze.” This classic celebrates the importance of overcoming life’s hardships and trials to find happiness.

Released in October 1976 and used as the ending theme for the period drama “Toyama no Kinsan,” the song enjoyed an unusually long run on the Oricon charts.

It has been covered by various artists and continues to be loved by many.

With a relatively narrow vocal range and simple rhythm, it’s an easy choice for karaoke.

This representative number from Ryotaro Sugi reminds us that every life experience helps us grow and leads us to true happiness—so try expressing it with your own voice!

Woman's PathShirō Miyako and the Pinkara Trio

A classic song representing the Showa era and the signature work of Shiro Miya and the Pinkara Trio.

Its lyrics portray the feelings of a heartbroken woman, and the wistful yet powerful melody resonates with many listeners.

Released in May 1972, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart as the annual No.

1 for two consecutive years and became a massive hit with total sales exceeding 4 million copies.

It was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1973, which further boosted its popularity.

Why not try singing this song—with its relaxed tempo that makes it easy to sing—while reflecting on your own life?

Yanagase BluesKenichi Mikawa

This song has been cherished for many years as a classic from the Showa era.

Its gentle vocals and wistful melody resonate deeply with listeners.

Since its release in April 1966, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.

2 million copies, and is known as one of Kenichi Mikawa’s signature songs.

In 1967, a film of the same title was produced, starring Tatsuo Umemiya, and the song was used within the film.

Singing it while picturing the nightlife of an entertainment district may enhance the atmosphere.

It is characterized by being sung in a generally low register, and the melody is calm and unhurried, so give it a try.