![[Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/4UgkEGh3gLg/maxresdefault.webp)
[Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out
Some of you may have chances to enjoy karaoke with people in their 80s—whether at family or relatives’ gatherings, or as recreation at a care facility.
In those situations, many might wonder, “What songs should I sing?” In this article, we’ll introduce songs popular among men in their 80s to help anyone who’s unsure about song selection.
We hope this will be useful not only for finding songs that people in their 80s will enjoy singing, but also as a reference for younger generations who will be singing together.
Now, let’s take a look at the recommended songs!
[Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out (1–10)
Sōemonchō BluesKatsuji Heiwa and the Dark Horse
Released in 1972 under the name Katsuji Heiwa and the Dark Horse, “Sōemonchō Blues” is a song set in the streets of Osaka that poignantly portrays a man and woman reluctant to part.
The chorus is one that almost everyone has surely hummed at least once.
Its charm lies in a retro atmosphere steeped in the Showa era and a gently penetrating, heartfelt melody.
It’s a great choice for karaoke—not only for people in their 80s, but also for the younger generations you sing with.
While you bask in memories with someone special, give it your all and sing your heart out.
Northern fishing groundsSaburō Kitajima
A classic Showa-era song that portrays the harsh lives and emotions of fishermen working in the northern seas.
Released in June 1986, it is one of Saburo Kitajima’s signature works.
It won the Best Vocal Performance at the 28th Japan Record Awards and ranked fifth in JASRAC’s annual copyright royalty distribution for 1987.
With its powerful melody and emotionally rich lyrics, the song vividly conveys the severity of the northern seas and the pride of the men who live there, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a perfect song to sing together with seniors.
Why not raise your voices as one and sing it while reflecting on the lives of the fishermen?
Melancholy TrainMichiya Mihashi
It is one of the iconic songs of the Showa era.
Its poignant lyrics, depicting a farewell to a loved one, and its wistful melody resonate deeply.
Michiya Mihashi’s soaring high notes and expressive phrasing convey the protagonist’s sorrow in full.
Released in 1956, it became a massive hit, selling over 2.
5 million copies.
It was adapted into a film in 1957, which further boosted its popularity.
The song was also performed on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen and is known as one of Mihashi’s signature pieces.
Why not sing it while picturing a farewell scene on a train platform, pouring your feelings for someone dear into the song?
a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara
A classic song that weaves a poignant tale of parting against the backdrop of a northern spring when acacia flowers bloom.
Released in 1962, the piece is etched in many hearts as one of Yuzo Ishihara’s signature works.
Its wistful melody and poetic lyrics vividly portray lost love and lingering attachment to the past.
It was also used as the theme song for the film of the same name, released on January 3, 1964, and, together with the film, has become deeply rooted in Japanese popular culture.
This song is one that brings back memories of youth for many older listeners.
It might be nice for everyone to join voices and sing it together, along with the warm nostalgia it evokes.
Nagaragawa ElegyHiroshi Itsuki
Nagaragawa Enka is truly a signature masterpiece by Hiroshi Itsuki that symbolizes the Showa era.
Released in 1984, it has continued to captivate many with its emotionally rich lyrics and beautiful melody.
The lyrics, which sing of the night scenery along the Nagara River and a fleeting yet beautiful one-night love, brilliantly express traditional Japanese aesthetics and a universal view of love, leaving a deep resonance in listeners’ hearts.
This song, which helped propel Itsuki’s total single sales past 10 million, has been covered by many artists and remains a beloved classic across generations.
For those in their eighties, it likely lingers as a song linked to memories of youthful romance.
By all means, try singing it together with someone dear to you.
Parting Cedar (Farewell Cedar)Kasuga Hachirō
A quintessential Showa-era classic that poignantly captures a man’s bittersweet feelings as he leaves his hometown.
Released in December 1955, it achieved an astonishing 500,000 in sales.
Incorporating the habanera rhythm from Bizet’s opera Carmen, it offers a unique charm in which exotic flair and Japanese sentiment are beautifully fused.
In 1956, a film of the same title was produced, and the song was featured in the 7th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
It has been covered by many artists, including Saburo Kitajima and Yuzo Kayama.
It’s a song that resonates not only with those who have left their hometowns, but also with anyone who has experienced parting from a loved one.
Sing it together, and you’ll share a moving, heartfelt experience.
12th graderKazuo Funaki
A classic of youth pop songs that represents the Showa era.
It’s the debut single by Kazuo Funaki, capturing memories of student days and hopes for the future after graduation.
Released in June 1963, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies within a year.
It also brought numerous honors, including the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards and his first appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.
Its approachable melody and lyrics that beautifully depict the end of youth are especially appealing.
For many seniors, it’s a song that brings back nostalgic memories of their school days.
Singing it with family or friends can create a wonderful time that deepens bonds across generations.