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Songs that get men in their 90s excited: A roundup of classic karaoke recommendations

Aren’t there many men in their 90s who still love to sing? Many enjoy going to karaoke with family and friends, and quite a few like karaoke activities at care facilities.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of songs that are sure to get men in their 90s excited! Use it to find songs for people in their 90s to sing, and it can also help younger generations choose songs when going to karaoke together with them.

We’ve focused on classic Showa-era hits, so you’ll likely find many songs that are familiar across generations.

Let’s dive right in!

Songs that get men in their 90s excited: A roundup of recommended karaoke classics (1–10)

A city sandwich board manKoji Tsuruta

A moving classic that portrays people living with the wind in their hearts.

Sung by Koji Tsuruta in 1953, it expresses the hopes of those who endured the harsh postwar era.

The lyrics, modeled on real individuals, stir the listener’s heart.

Humming this song may remind you of how you yourself have overcome life’s hardships.

The next time you get together with friends for karaoke, why not try singing it together?

The Highland Train GoesAtsurō Okamoto

The Showa-era classic “The Plateau Train Is Going” has continued to be loved as Atsuro Okamoto’s signature song.

Its lively melody and travel-evoking lyrics are captivating, depicting the beautiful scenery seen from the train windows and the joy of new encounters.

Released in 1954, the song was performed at the 5th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen and left a deep impression on many people.

It still shines with undiminished charm today, even being adopted as the departure melody at JR East’s Fukushima Station.

It’s a perfect song for when you want to savor nostalgic memories while feeling the refreshing breeze of the highlands.

If everyone sings it together, it will surely become a wonderful shared memory.

12th graderKazuo Funaki

Kazuo Funaki’s “Koko Sanensei” (High School Senior) is a classic Showa-era song that vividly captures the memories of youth.

Its lyrics, filled with the bittersweet feeling of high school coming to an end and the anticipation of a new life, resonate deeply.

Released in 1963, the song was Funaki’s debut and became a massive hit, selling over a million copies.

A film of the same title was also released, winning the hearts of many.

It’s a song that can bring generations together—sing it with older adults while reminiscing about school days, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Songs That Get Men in Their 90s Fired Up: Recommended Karaoke Classics (11–20)

Chanchiki OdesaHaruo Minami

Haruo Minami “Chanchiki Oke-sa”
Chanchiki O-kesa by Haruo Minami

This is a signature work by Haruo Minami—memorable for his performances in traditional kimono—released in June 1957.

The song became a massive hit, selling over 2.

2 million copies, and stirred nostalgia in many people living away from their hometowns.

Its poignant lyrics about thinking of home at a street stall tug at the heart, while the cheerful festival-style rhythm lifts the spirits just by listening.

A film based on the song was released in 1958, in which Minami himself also appeared.

On a long autumn evening, a chat with friends will feel all the warmer with this tune.

Even those who don’t usually listen to songs may find themselves smiling and humming along, clapping in time.

Northern SpringMasao Sen

[Audio Sample] Masao Sen "Spring in the Northern Country" (Short ver.)
Kitaguni no Haru Masao Chiba

Kitaguni no Haru (Spring in the Northern Country) is a signature song by Masao Sen that gently sings of longing for one’s hometown.

With the arrival of spring, nostalgic hometown scenes are depicted as beautifully as a watercolor painting.

The protagonist’s feelings for family and a past love, while living in the city, are deeply moving.

Released in 1977, the song became a massive hit, selling over three million copies, and was performed many times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It is widely loved across Asia, with numerous cover versions in Chinese and Thai.

A heartwarming piece that resonates with those living away from home.

If you sing it together with older adults, it might spark a lively conversation full of fond memories.

A Love Story in GinzaYujiro Ishihara · Junko Makimura

A timeless masterpiece that portrays a bittersweet, beautiful love against the nightscape of Ginza.

The exquisite harmony between Yujiro Ishihara and Junko Makimura resonates deeply.

Released in 1961, it was used the following year as the theme song for a film of the same title.

It became a massive hit, selling over three million copies, and is one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature songs.

The lyrics, which sing of the strong bond between young lovers, the pain of parting, and the hope of reunion, are particularly memorable.

For many seniors, it’s a song that overlaps with memories of their youth.

It might be nice to sing it together, letting nostalgia bring everyone’s voices into harmony.

The Camellia Sasanqua InnEisaku Okawa

Eisaku Okawa’s “Sazanka no Yado” is a classic that became a massive hit, selling a total of 1.

8 million copies.

Its poignant lyrics, themed around an illicit love affair, leave a strong impression, portraying deep feelings for a loved one alongside the harshness of reality.

Released in 1982 as Okawa’s 32nd single, the song entered the Oricon Top 10 the following year and became a smash hit, peaking at No.

2.

The aching longing, likened to the sasanqua flowers that bloom in winter, tugs at the heart.

It’s also a perfect song to sing at karaoke with older listeners.

Why not join voices and enjoy the heartfelt lyrics together?