[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 (31–40)
Waltz of StarlightMasao Sen
Released in 1966 (Showa 41).
Two years later, it gradually caught fire on wired broadcasts across Japan and went on to sell a total of 2.
5 million copies.
Known as Masao Sen’s biggest hit, “Hoshikage no Waltz” (“Waltz of Starlight”) expresses, from a male perspective, the poignant feeling of having to part with a loved one—knowing it’s not what the heart truly wants, yet having no choice.
Its relaxed three-beat waltz rhythm makes it easy to sing, and combined with its popularity, it’s a song that many people can enjoy when doing karaoke in senior care facilities.
Cape ErimoShinichi Mori
Shinichi Mori delivers this celebrated song, whose depiction of spring in the northern country resonates deeply, with his distinctive husky voice.
It begins with an image of warming past sorrows by the fireplace, and carefully portrays the process of putting one’s heart in order amid a gentle, everyday life.
It conveys the importance of stepping away from the bustle of the city and reexamining the happiness found in a simple life.
Released in 1974, this work was born from an unconventional collaboration with Takuro Yoshida and won the Japan Record Award.
If you listen to the song slowly under the mild spring sunlight, nostalgic memories will naturally come back to you.
It’s also nice to share old stories over coffee with someone dear.
Forever with youYuzo Kayama
A beautiful love song that gently seeps into our hearts, set to a light ballad that carries eternal love and hope for the future.
Featured as the theme song for the films “Young Guy with an Electric Guitar” and “Young Guy in the Alps,” this piece celebrates everlasting love against the backdrop of a sunset, tenderly expressing the sweetness and ache of young romance.
Released in 1965, it became a massive hit, selling over three million copies and receiving a Special Award at the 8th Japan Record Awards.
Yuzo Kayama’s gentle vocals and the beautiful string arrangements are soothing to the soul.
For seniors, it’s a song that will resonate with memories of their youth.
Whether you listen to it quietly on your own or sing it together with family and friends at karaoke, it’s a piece that brings a sense of calm.
I love youYutaka Ozaki
This is a masterpiece that resonates in many hearts as a pinnacle of bittersweet love songs.
Included on the debut album “Seventeen’s Map” and released as a single in 1991, it poignantly sings of a forbidden love between a young man and woman.
The piano ballad that Yutaka Ozaki crafted at the age of seventeen continues to captivate listeners.
Numerous artists, including Hikaru Utada and Koji Tamaki, have covered the song, and it has been featured as the image song for the film “Hot Road” as well as in JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” commercials.
It’s a perfect track for spending a quiet moment immersed in music and reminiscing.
How about a heartwarming karaoke time accompanied by its gentle melody?
Be my bride.Yuzo Kayama
A bright and lively melody wrapped in a breezy Hawaiian atmosphere and romantic lyrics themed around the new beginning of marriage truly resonate with the heart.
Sung in Yuzo Kayama’s characteristically gentle voice, this piece is a lovely song that evokes a hopeful, radiant future.
Released in June 1966 as the title track of the album “Holiday in Hawaii,” it was also adapted into a film of the same name starring Yuzo Kayama that premiered the same year.
Perfect not only for wedding celebrations but also for lifting spirits indoors during the rainy season, its warm, tender vocals and nostalgic memories will gently embrace the hearts of older listeners.
[Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out (41–50)
Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō
A quintessential enka classic of the Showa era, this song poignantly depicts the bittersweet fate of a man and a woman.
Based on a Kabuki play, the story artfully portrays vivid Edo-period scenery and the complex emotions of the two lovers.
Incorporating elements of Okinawan music and kachāshī, its lively rhythm paired with Hachiro Kasuga’s clear, soaring vocals creates a pleasing resonance.
Released in August 1954, it sold 400,000 copies in just four months and was later covered by many artists, including Mina Aoe and Harumi Miyako.
Evoking warm nostalgia, it’s a perfect piece for recreation—easy to sing together with cheerful handclaps.
Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Takashi Hosokawa
This classic enka song, inspired by the traditional Japanese musical art of rōkyoku, vividly portrays the subtleties of life with deep emotion.
Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful vocals beautifully express life’s joys and sorrows.
Released in 1977, the piece captivated many, earning appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and winning multiple awards, including the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
With its universal themes that resonate with each listener’s life experiences, it’s perfect for recreational activities in care facilities or for enjoying music with family.
We hope everyone can form a circle, sing together, clap along, and share a joyful moment.