[Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out

summer vacationTakuro Yoshida

Summer Vacation [Takuro Yoshida] with Lyrics

This is a classic song by Takuro Yoshida, written with a gentle, bittersweet melody that traces summer memories in Kagoshima and Hiroshima.

Included on the 1971 live album “Yoshida Takuro On Stage Tomodachi,” the piece vividly paints scenes of a summer vacation that anyone might find nostalgic.

Childhood memories and moments with a cherished teacher are woven together with heartwarming lyrics.

A studio version was released on the 1972 album “Genki Desu.

,” and the song has continued to be beloved by the artist and fans alike.

Inviting listeners to look back tenderly on summers from their youth, it’s a tune you can hum together with older generations, sparking wonderful conversations about treasured memories.

There's always tomorrowKyu Sakamoto

With Lyrics: There’s Always Tomorrow – Kyu Sakamoto

This song conveys a positive message about moving forward with an upbeat, cheerful melody, and Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals make a strong impression.

Even when things don’t go well, it celebrates the strength to never give up, sung with a refreshing voice full of energy.

Released as a single in December 1963, it was also used as the theme song for a Nippon TV variety show.

At the time of its release, it sold over 800,000 copies and has continued to be loved across generations, later even appearing in Kyoiku Shuppan’s music textbooks.

This work is recommended for older listeners who wish to spend a heartwarming moment wrapped in nostalgia.

It would be wonderful to hum along, immersed in memories, while being enveloped by Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle singing voice.

loveChiharu Matsuyama

Koi / Chiharu Matsuyama (with lyrics)

A ballad by Chiharu Matsuyama, a folk singer who represents Hokkaido.

Centered on acoustic guitar with a gentle tone and a clear, crystalline voice, it’s a masterpiece that resonates in the heart.

Released in January 1980, this work, though calm in tempo, beautifully conveys feelings of wistfulness, loneliness, and deep love for someone dear.

Its popularity spread from regional areas to the entire country, and its simple yet emotionally rich melody won wide empathy.

The warm vocals and touching lyrics are full of charm that makes anyone want to hum along at least once.

At karaoke, you can take your time reminiscing with friends and enjoy it to your heart’s content.

Dream PlayTomio Umezawa

Umezawa Tomio - Yume Shibai (with lyrics)

This song, with its bittersweet melody by Kei Ogura and richly emotional lyrics, moves the hearts of listeners.

Known as one of the most accomplished acting performers in the enka world, Tomio Umezawa established his status as an enka singer with his debut single.

Released in November 1982, the track peaked at No.

8 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.

It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV anime Maison Ikkoku and used in a commercial for Daio Paper’s Elleair, earning affection across a wide audience.

This work is sure to resonate with those who were captivated by theater in their youth or who cherish memories of watching stage performances.

Umezawa’s deeply emotive vocals and acting prowess will remain etched in your heart alongside your own memories.

Becoming a Thousand WindsMasafumi Akikawa

Masafumi Akikawa “A Thousand Winds” Music Video

As a masterpiece of beautiful Japanese ballads, Masafumi Akikawa’s singing voice has left a deep impression on many hearts.

With the powerful, soaring tone characteristic of a tenor, this gem of a song gently conveys the preciousness of life and feelings for loved ones.

Released in May 2006, it became an extraordinary hit for a classical singer, creating a major buzz that included Akikawa serving as the closing performer for the White Team at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

In 2007, it was also selected as the theme song for a Fuji TV documentary drama.

Singing about the feelings one has for someone dear, this work continues to be cherished across generations as a song that resonates in many moments of life.

You, my beloved.Hisao Ito

You, my beloved — Hisao Ito

As one of the quintessential masterpieces of Showa-era kayōkyoku, there is a gem of a ballad that expresses Hisao Itō’s sweet yet heartrending feelings of love.

Composed by Yuji Koseki with lyrics by Kazuo Kikuta, this piece beautifully blends a gently expressive melody with a rich baritone voice.

Released by Nippon Columbia in September 1953, it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Kimi no Na wa,” which premiered the same year.

The story and the music melded together perfectly, moving the hearts of people at the time.

Please enjoy this timeless classic at a relaxed pace, letting it resonate alongside fond memories.

It’s also lovely to listen together with older listeners and let conversations blossom about youthful days.

I wanted to see you.Haruo Oka

I wanted to see you — Haruo Oka

Haruo Oka, whose nostalgic and warm singing voice has captivated many, is a beloved figure.

Released in July 1955, this work is known as a representative song of the “madrosu kayō” genre, which centers on port towns and sailors.

With its emotionally rich melody and lyrics that resonate deeply, it became a memorable piece that offered hope to postwar Japanese society.

Issued by Nippon Columbia as an SP record, it was extensively featured on radio programs and in films, becoming a trendsetter of its time.

It’s a perfect song for those who want to revel in fond memories or experience a heartwarming vocal performance.