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[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 (11–20)

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Ryotaro Sugi

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)
Drafty Wind Sugihiro Taro

A song that stands as an iconic masterpiece of the Showa era, deeply etched in the hearts of many.

Its lyrics, which capture the subtleties of life, blend beautifully with a melody that resonates with the soul.

Released in October 1976, it was also used as the ending theme for the TV Asahi drama “Tōyama no Kin-san.” It achieved an astonishing long-run hit, staying within the top 100 of the Oricon charts for 147 weeks.

With Rintaro Sugi’s warm, comforting vocals, it’s a piece that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Why not sing it at a relaxed pace while thinking of someone dear to you?

You are my very lifeHiroshi Mizuhara

A classic that passionately sings a bittersweet love story.

Released in February 1967, this song became the catalyst for Hiroshi Mizuhara’s return to the spotlight.

He made his fourth appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen after five years, and went on to perform it three more times.

The lyrics, where deep affection intertwines with a premonition of farewell, have resonated with many and remained beloved for years.

Its calm yet passionate melody and Mizuhara’s distinctive low voice are especially captivating.

Why not sing it with your family or close friends, carrying thoughts of someone dear?

The Camellia Sasanqua InnEisaku Okawa

Eisaku Okawa’s signature song “Sazanka no Yado” is a classic that portrays the ache of unrequited love.

Even knowing it’s wrong, falling earnestly for someone who’s married… That tangled emotion is expressed through the image of red camellias.

Since its 1982 release, it has become a massive hit, selling over 1.

8 million copies.

The song also earned him his long-awaited first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With lyrics and a melody that tighten the chest, it stands as one of the quintessential love songs of the Showa era.

Whether you have a special memory tied to it or not, try singing it at karaoke—you’ll surely feel the bittersweet, fleeting nature of love.

Dream-Chasing SakeJiro Atsumi

Jiro Atsumi’s classic song “Yumeoi-zake” is an enka piece with poignant lyrics that entrust the pain of heartbreak to drink.

Released in 1978 as his third single, it became a massive hit, topping Oricon’s annual chart the following year.

Its lyrics, which resonate with the sorrow of lost love, are sure to strike a chord with anyone who has been through the same experience.

In particular, men in their 80s who remember the Showa era may be reminded of their youthful romances.

If everyone raises their voices and sings together, it’s sure to liven things up!

A Love Story in GinzaYujiro Ishihara · Junko Makimura

A duet by Yujiro Ishihara and Toshiko Makimura, the 1961 smash hit “Ginza no Koi no Monogatari” (The Story of Love in Ginza).

The lyrics depict a passionate love story between a man and a woman unfolding in Ginza, beautifully expressing the emotions of the two singers.

It was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name and became a major sensation.

Selling 3.

35 million copies, it stands as one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature songs.

Why not sing it with rich emotion while reminiscing about young love? It would also be wonderful to try a duet with a female partner, just like the original.

A life full of scarsKoji Tsuruta

Koji Tsuruta’s signature song, “A Life Full of Wounds.” A master of Japanese cinema and a singer whose deep voice captivated listeners, Tsuruta delivers a classic ballad that probes the truths of life.

Through striking phrases, it powerfully portrays the anguish of hitting life’s walls.

Just three months after its 1970 release, it broke into the Oricon Top 10 and went on to sell about one million copies—a major hit.

It also served as the theme song for the film of the same name, becoming synonymous with Tsuruta himself.

When you find yourself at a crossroads in life, try singing this song—you’re sure to find a message that resonates with your heart.

[Karaoke] Recommended songs for men in their 80s: A collection of classic Showa-era hits you’ll want to belt out (21–30)

Traveler,Yuzo Kayama

Traveler / Yuzo Kayama [with lyrics]
Traveler, Yuzo Kayama

It’s a heartwarming classic woven with words that gently accompany each person’s life, a song that sinks deep into the heart.

While evoking memories of one’s hometown, it stands out as an anthem cheering on travelers who keep walking forward, its lyrics brimming with tenderness and strength.

Yuzo Kayama’s clear, translucent voice blends beautifully with the harmonies of The Launchers, creating superb balance.

The piece was released to the world as the B-side to the single “Gazing at the Night Sky” in October 1966, and was also used as an insert song in the film “Let’s Go! Wakadaisho.” In May 2010, a duet version with Ryoko Moriyama was included on the album “50 Years of Wakadaisho!” It’s highly recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or wishing to reflect on cherished memories.