[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!
- A roundup of recommended Japanese songs for karaoke that will excite men in their 80s
- Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke
- Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
- Energizing songs recommended for men in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic tracks that give you strength
- Songs to Enjoy with Women in Their 90s: A Collection of Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 90s: A roundup of tracks to sing at karaoke
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for women in their 80s: a reference for choosing karaoke tracks!
- Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
- Tear-jerking songs for men in their 80s: a collection of timeless masterpieces that touch the heartstrings
- Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A roundup of tracks also great for karaoke
- Recommended love songs for men in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic love songs
- For seniors in their 80s: Stay healthy while having fun. Introducing dance songs that make you want to move!
[Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out (1–10)
Brother ShipsIchiro Toba
A classic that sings of the indomitable spirit of fishermen.
Released in 1982, Ichiro Toba’s debut single won the Mid-Year Encouragement Prize and the Newcomer Award at the All-Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
Since his first appearance on the 1985 Kohaku Uta Gassen, it has been performed there many times as a hit song.
Depicting the bond between fisherman brothers and their love for family, the piece gains exceptional credibility from Toba’s vocals, rooted in his real-life experiences.
The harshness of the sea and the warmth of familial love strike a deep chord.
How about listening to it with seniors while sharing memories of life?
Oh, sake!Ikuzo Yoshi
Ikuzo Yoshi’s “Sake yo” is a masterpiece that sings of life’s joys and sorrows through the lens of alcohol.
As he drinks, he looks back on the past, speaking of dreams, setbacks, and hopes for the future—lyrics that resonate deep in the listener’s heart.
Released in 1988, the song has long been cherished as one of Yoshi’s signature works.
His husky voice and powerful vocal ornamentation perfectly match the world of this song.
It’s the kind of track you want to listen to alone with a drink in hand when you’re burdened by sadness or loneliness.
Many people have likely found encouragement from this song when standing at a crossroads in life.
It’s a highly recommended number when you want to fully belt out a classic from the Showa era.
Woman's PathShirō Miyako and the Pinkara Trio
Shirō Miya and Pinkara Trio’s “Onna no Michi” is a timeless, universal song.
It candidly depicts the feelings of a woman abandoned by the man she loved, and together with its wistful melody, it strikes straight at the heart.
Released in 1972, it achieved record-breaking success on the Oricon charts.
Furthermore, after it was sung in sketches on TBS’s “It’s 8 O’Clock! Everyone, Gather Around,” it became known across a wide range of generations.
When you feel like recalling and singing a classic from the Showa era, be sure to give it a try at karaoke.
[Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out (11–20)
I'm appearing under my former name.Akira Kobayashi
“I’m Appearing Under My Former Name” is one of Akira Kobayashi’s signature songs.
Released in 1975, it became a long-selling hit and a classic, with total sales exceeding two million copies.
Set against the backdrop of the snack-bar culture of the time, it vividly portrays the complexities of a man–woman relationship, and Kobayashi’s distinctive husky voice and ornamented singing style perfectly match the song’s lyrical world.
It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1977 and featured as an insert song in a 1978 film, earning love from a wide audience.
It’s an ideal tune to sing when you want to reminisce about the great songs of the Showa era.
Yagiri no Watashi (Yagiri Ferry)Takashi Hosokawa
Takashi Hosokawa’s “Yagiri no Watashi” is a classic song that depicts the elopement of two lovers.
Since its 1983 release, it has been covered by many artists and has had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.
Its melody is easy to hum, and the lyrics are story-like, making it easy to become emotionally engaged.
For people in their 80s, it may be a song that brings back memories of their youth.
How about singing it with your family or friends while reminiscing about the old days?
Lonely-for-Company TavernHiroshi Miyama
A timeless enka classic filled with melancholy.
Released in June 2009 as Hiroshi Miyama’s debut single, it became a hit, surpassing 100,000 copies sold by September the following year and earning Gold Disc certification.
The lyrics poignantly portray a woman who continues to wait for her lover, perfectly matched by Miyama’s warm, heartfelt vocals.
This song has even been performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s an ideal karaoke choice to enjoy with older audiences—why not sing it together, blending your voices to share the pain of heartbreak and the yearning for love?
The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka
A timeless classic from the Showa era that continues to be loved by many.
In the postwar reconstruction period, when overseas travel was not yet common, its bright, lively melody and dreamy lyrics captured people’s hearts.
Released in October 1948, it became a huge hit, even inspiring a film of the same name in 1950.
Combined with Haruo Oka’s expansive vocals, it beautifully conveys the longing for Hawaii, an unknown paradise.
For many older listeners, it’s a song that overlaps with memories of their youth.
Sing it together, and it will surely spark joyful conversations filled with fond memories.