Many younger people who have the chance to enjoy music with women in their 80s may be wondering which songs are popular and get everyone excited.
When it comes to songs familiar to people in their 80s, there are Showa-to-Heisei-era kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) and enka, but it can be hard to know exactly which songs are the most popular.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are sure to be hits with people in their 80s.
We’ve gathered a variety of tunes, from up-tempo numbers to passionate ballads.
Use this article as a guide and enjoy music together with the 80-somethings in your life.
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Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A curated list of karaoke-friendly tracks (1–10)
NoraYuki Kadokura
A signature song by Yuki Kadokura that moves people’s hearts with her husky voice and powerful vocals.
Released in August 1998, this track is loved by many as a kayōkyoku that fuses elements of enka and pop.
It features poignant yet strong lyrics and an emotionally rich melody.
The lyrics, depicting loneliness, love, and the hardships of living, resonate with many listeners.
It’s also a popular karaoke number, so why not enjoy singing it together with older adults? You’re sure to share a wonderful, heartwarming time.
A Woman’s HarborMiyako Otsuki
A song distinguished by its wistful melody and lyrics that resonate deep in the heart.
Set in a port town, it portrays a woman’s poignant feelings of love.
Released in August 1983, it has been cherished by many as one of Miyako Ōtsuki’s signature songs.
With lyrics by Tetsurō Hoshino and music by Tōru Funamura—two of Japan’s leading creators—it stands as a masterpiece.
Celebrated as a quintessential work of enka, it has been performed frequently at concerts and on television.
Why not sing it while recalling a memorable place or a special someone, letting yourself feel the uncertainty of love and the sorrow of parting?
Rain at JogashimaChō Hōyūki
A classic enka masterpiece set on rainy Jogashima, passionately singing of heartbreak and lingering attachment.
Yuki Nagaho’s clear voice richly conveys the poignant feelings of a woman’s heart.
Released in May 2005, the song reached No.
36 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the charts for an impressive 31 weeks.
Issued as her second single after moving to Nippon Crown, it has resonated with many as a quintessential travel-themed enka.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to reminisce about a special person while picturing the wave-battered shore glistening in the rain.
snow camelliaSachiko Kobayashi
Yukitsubaki is one of Sachiko Kobayashi’s favorite songs.
The lyrics, which liken a mother’s strength and kindness to a snow camellia, are striking.
Released in 1987, it became one of Kobayashi’s signature songs.
Many listeners are surely moved by the graceful yet dignified image of a mother who accepts her life without hesitation.
Why not sing it with someone important to you at life’s milestones? You’ll feel the depth of the bonds between people.
A solitary journey through SatsumaKaori Mizumori
This is a memorable song featuring an emotionally rich vocal performance and lyrics that skillfully depict the scenery of Kagoshima.
Released in April 2007, it won the Gold Prize at the 49th Japan Record Awards.
It was also performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, moving the hearts of many.
The emotions of the protagonist walking alone along the Satsuma road resonate deeply with listeners, making it a timeless classic.
Singing it together with older adults may bring back nostalgic memories and thoughts of loved ones.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing, so it’s also great for everyone to enjoy together in unison.
From the northern innHarumi Miyako
A quintessential masterpiece of the Showa era, woven from lyrics that distill the subtleties of life and Harumi Miyako’s overwhelming vocal prowess.
“Kita no Yado Kara” is Harumi Miyako’s 67th single, released in 1975, and it became a massive hit, selling over 1.
4 million copies.
Its popularity has not waned; it continues to be loved across generations, even being featured as the theme song for a Nissin Donbei commercial in 2021.
A woman knits a sweater while thinking of her lover, then sobs in a blizzard—the raw portrayal of a heart torn to shreds by longing and loneliness comes through vividly.
Please savor this quintessential winter classic of Showa-era pop with someone dear to you.
Life won't give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeEiko Segawa
“Inochi Kurenai” is one of Eiko Segawa’s signature enka songs and a masterpiece that poignantly portrays the bond of a married couple who have overcome life’s hardships together.
Beginning with their fateful meeting, the lyrics impressively depict how they support each other through the difficulties of daily life.
Although preorders were few when it was released in 1986, its popularity steadily grew, and it became a massive hit, selling 1.
7 million copies.
Thanks to this song, Segawa made her first appearance the following year on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear at life’s milestones—when a couple enjoys karaoke together or on anniversaries for longtime partners.