[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 (51–60)
What a nice bath.The Drifters
This is a song that celebrates the charms of hot spring resorts, beloved from the Showa-era hit TV program “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” The original version, sung by the Duke Aces, was themed around hot spring areas in Gunma Prefecture, and The Drifters covered it on the B-side of their debut single.
The lyrics were adapted to feature hot spring resorts across Japan—such as Noboribetsu and Kusatsu—expressing fondness for onsen through a lively rhythm and call-and-response shouts.
The song was used as the ending theme for both “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody, Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” and it also appeared in a 1969 film.
Humming it together with older adults while reminiscing about hot spring trips can make for a heartwarming moment.
SaraiYuzo Kayama
This is a heartwarming classic that brings back nostalgic memories.
It delicately portrays the feelings of people who leave their hometowns to chase their dreams, and was created by Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura in November 1992 as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television.” Its title derives from a Persian word meaning a desert oasis or a staging post, and the soothing melody—like a spiritual homeland—leaves a lasting impression.
The piece was composed based on messages of love sent in by viewers from across the country, and even after more than 30 years, it remains deeply etched in many hearts.
It’s a recommended song for times when you want to quietly bask in memories or connect heart-to-heart with someone special.
If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsKyu Sakamoto
Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.
It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.
Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).
Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.
A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.
It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.
Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?
GraduationChiharu Matsuyama
With a gentle singing voice that warmly watches over new chapters in life, this spring melody has echoed across Hokkaido.
Chiharu Matsuyama’s beautiful ballad invites us to look back on our youthful days while filling us with hope for the future.
The soulful guitar tones and clear, soaring vocals are sure to bring back many memories.
Released in 1979, the song was created as the theme for STV’s program “Graduation at Kushiro High School.” It was also included on the album Seishun (Youth) and continues to be cherished as a classic folk song.
Why not spend a heartwarming time reminiscing together with older adults, letting nostalgic stories blossom?
[Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out (61–70)
Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa
Since its release in May 1964, Hachiro Izawa’s emotionally rich song depicting Ueno Station—which welcomed many young people through group employment—has been a source of comfort for those living away from their hometowns.
As the terminus of the Tohoku Main Line, Ueno Station has watched over young people coming to Tokyo with dreams and hopes in their hearts.
This work embodies both thoughts of family and expectations for a new life.
In 2003, a monument to the song was erected in front of Ueno Station’s Hirokoji Exit, and since 2013 it has also been used as the departure melody.
Why not sing along and indulge in fond memories together? Conversations with those who remember that era are sure to flow naturally.
May you enjoy a heartwarming moment in the gentle warmth of spring.
Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama
Released in 1949 as a duet by Ichirō Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara, this celebrated song symbolizes Japan’s postwar recovery and hope.
The lyrics, written by Yaso Saijō, overlay the dreams and aspirations of young people onto images of beautiful mountains, while the music was composed by Ryōichi Hattori.
Accompanied by fresh, vibrant vocals, it conveys expectations for a new era, like flowers blooming after a harsh winter.
It was also used as the theme song for a film released the same year based on a work by Yōjirō Ishizaka, and in 1989 it was ranked No.
1 on NHK’s “200 Songs of the Shōwa Era that Remain in Our Hearts.” This piece is a song that, while evoking fond memories, allows older listeners to reminisce together about the topics of that time.
And, KobeHiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five
Released under the name Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five, “Soshite, Kobe” is a story set in the city of Kobe, depicting heartbreak and the search for a new encounter.
Its melody that seeps into the listener’s heart and its wistful lyrics make it a memorable classic.
It’s no wonder it has been beloved ever since its 1972 release.
Whether empathizing with the pain of a broken heart or feeling your heart flutter with anticipation for new love, its nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere has helped it become a timeless song cherished across generations.