Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A roundup of tracks also great for karaoke

Playback Part 2Momoe Yamaguchi

Showa Dance Hisai (Playback Take 2) Choreography: Yoko Iida

Let’s move our bodies along with nostalgic memories to the timeless hits of the Showa era.

The single released by Momoe Yamaguchi in May 1978 is a masterpiece with lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by Ryudo Uzaki.

With its innovative structure and emotionally rich vocals, this work reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts and sold over 500,000 copies.

Its warmth that resonates with listeners’ hearts and its light, buoyant melody are especially appealing.

It’s a song you can enjoy dancing to with a smile, whether in the living room or at a senior community salon.

Move at your own pace to the naturally uplifting rhythm.

It’s a tune that sparks conversations full of fond memories and helps you spend a wonderful time.

Ozasiki Song

Ozashiki kouta, popular song, Kyoto, geiko

It was sung in 1964 by Hiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars along with Kazuko Matsuo.

While the Tokyo Olympics likely helped, the economy at the time was far from strong, yet the song became a massive hit with total sales of 2.

5 million copies, setting a new record for record sales back then.

Thanks to its musical style, it also became wildly popular at drinking parties across the country: people would sing just the first verse, then others around them would join in with humorous parody verses and enjoy themselves.

It’s said that it can be even more enjoyable at senior care facilities’ recreational events if, in addition to singing the original lyrics, participants share parody versions they know.

Kawachi Ondo

Kawachi Ondo (Osaka Prefecture folk song)

Kawachi Ondo, one of the folk songs best known from Bon Odori, is said to have formed through a blend and arrangement of indigenous ondo and folk tunes that were sung in the area corresponding to the southeastern part of present-day Osaka Prefecture.

Because it came to be sung primarily as a Bon dance song, it has deep ties to Buddhism and also carries the character of a requiem.

Although Kawachi Ondo was born in a single locality, the 1961 record Teppō-bushi Kawachi Ondo became a million-seller, spreading its name not only throughout Japan but overseas as well.

For older listeners, just hearing the sound might be enough to set their hands moving involuntarily.

A Sign of Spring ~I’ve been mellow~Saori Minami

Saori Minami Yokan of Spring ~I’ve been mellow~ (with lyrics)

This song is striking for its clear, translucent vocals filled with warmth.

It delicately portrays the subtle emotions of adult romance, conjuring up a scene of two people slowly talking while sipping wine.

Its gentle, calm melody tenderly envelops the listener’s heart.

Released in January 1978, the song was chosen for Shiseido’s spring campaign and became beloved by many.

It was also used in a DDI (now KDDI) commercial in the 1990s and included on the soundtrack of the 2006 film “The Rainbow Song,” making it a favorite across generations.

With a singable melody you can perform while seated and a slow, soothing tempo, it’s enjoyable even for older listeners.

Soothed by Saori Minami’s gentle voice, you can spend a moment reminiscing about days gone by.

IzakayaHiroshi Itsuki

Izakaya – Hiroshi Itsuki x Nana Kinomi [1982] #Izakaya #HiroshiItsuki #NanaKinomi

Set in an izakaya, this song delicately portrays the subtle emotions of lonely men and women.

Yu Aku’s woven lyrics and Katsuo Ono’s soul-stirring melody blend beautifully, evoking a mature worldview steeped in the atmosphere of the Showa era.

The distinctive voices of Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi gently envelop a scene where loneliness and warmth intertwine.

Released in October 1982, this work has continued to be loved as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

A new duet version with Fuyumi Sakamoto was produced in October 2017.

With lyrics that touch on the nuances of life and a familiar, accessible melody, it’s a wonderful choice for everyone to enjoy singing at karaoke.

My heart is stop-motionTomoko Kuwae

My Heart Is Stop-Motion – Tomoko Kuwae

This song captures the thrilling moment of a new encounter that makes the heart dance with the arrival of spring.

Tomoko Kuwae’s clear, translucent voice gently wraps the flutter of a love sparked by a chance meeting in an elevator.

The piece beautifully portrays the feeling of one’s heart being set free as the seasons shift from the end of winter to spring.

Released in 1979, it became well-loved as a commercial song for POLA cosmetics and ranked 12th on the Oricon charts.

In 2013, a bossa nova–style arrangement was also released, revealing a new charm.

It’s a highly recommended track for older listeners who wish to spend a heartwarming moment wrapped in fond memories.

tricolor violetJunko Sakurada

KENWOOD KX-1100G Three-Colored Violet Junko Sakurada

Let me introduce a song by Junko Sakurada that beautifully captures springtime scenes with her gentle, translucent voice.

Released in February 1974, it features a strikingly pure, idol-like melody.

Through the motif of tricolor violets, it quietly tells of a first love and cherished memories.

The lyrics gracefully express the delicacy and fragility of budding feelings, resonating deeply with listeners.

The song reached No.

10 on the Oricon charts and was widely loved by young people at the time.

It was frequently featured on radio and TV music shows, and for many, it has become a memorable anthem of their youth.

I hope you can spend a heartwarming moment, listening to that nostalgic voice as you bask in the cheerful warmth of spring.