Lovely senior life

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

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

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 you’ll want to perform at karaoke (41–50)

I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto

Sukiyaki

I Look Up as I Walk by Kyu Sakamoto

“Ue o Muite Arukou” (known internationally as “Sukiyaki”) is Kyu Sakamoto’s U.

S.

number-one hit and Japan’s first global million-seller.

This classic, which inspires us to look ahead and keep trying, is surely a cherished song that many in their 80s have sung countless times at karaoke.

Its lyrics, which celebrate the strength to hold on to hope despite the changing seasons, and its melody that resonates deep in the heart, continue to encourage people today.

Above all, Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle, warm voice seems to embrace every listener.

At karaoke, why not sing it with passion as you reminisce about the past and weave in your own life story? It’s sure to fill you with energy for tomorrow!

Raise the rankinglower

Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Classic Showa-era hits to perform at karaoke (51–60)

Words of FarewellKaientai

Okuru Kotoba

Farewell Words by Kaientai

Among the many classic songs by Kaientai, this track is renowned for its moving lyrics and melody.

Today, it’s cherished across generations as a quintessential graduation song, depicting bittersweet feelings and various facets of life.

Released as a single in April 1983, it became a massive hit when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B,” starring Tetsuya Takeda.

Since then, it has been covered by many artists and firmly established itself as a graduation anthem.

It’s a song that evokes the Showa era and is one we’d especially love people in their 80s to sing.

Raise the rankinglower

It's Tough Being a ManKiyoshi Atsumi

It's Tough Being a Man

It's Tough Being a Man: Kiyoshi Atsumi

This song, which became one of Kiyoshi Atsumi’s signature works, is a number that gently embraces the hardships of a man’s life while giving him the courage to face forward and keep living.

Carried by his warm, personable voice, it portrays the life of a man who, though buffeted by the rough seas of the world, still strives to stick to his convictions.

Many men may have admired Tora-san, the protagonist of “It’s Tough Being a Man.” Even more than half a century after its 1969 release, the song remains beloved for its universal themes.

For those in their 80s in particular, it’s surely a memorable tune that colored their youth.

At karaoke, be sure to link arms with your friends and sing your hearts out about life!

Raise the rankinglower

North TavernTakashi Hosokawa

North Tavern

Kita Sakaba Takashi Hosokawa

One of Takashi Hosokawa’s signature songs, that classic was released in 1982.

Its lyrics tell a heartwarming story of an encounter set in a northern country tavern.

From the scene symbolizing the beginning of a romance between a man and a woman to the gradual closing of the distance between their hearts, it’s portrayed with care.

Coupled with a melody that seeps into the listener’s heart, it’s impossible not to be moved.

While the melody feels bright and poppy, the lyrical world carries the chic sensibility characteristic of enka.

Its relatively narrow vocal range also makes it easy to sing, which is part of its charm.

Why not experience a moment of hearts connecting on a cold night through this work?

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

We’ve introduced a comprehensive list of karaoke songs that are easy for men in their 80s to sing.

Centered on enka, they’re all major hits from the Showa era, so there should be many familiar tunes for people in their 80s.

If you found any songs here that you’d like to try, please practice them many times and perform them proudly in front of everyone!