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

Swim, Taiyaki-kunMasato Shimon

Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun Lyrics and Music by Hiroo Takada, Toshikazu Sase

With lively, uplifting lyrics and melody, Masato Shimon’s bright singing voice leaves a strong impression.

Its humorous world—where fish-shaped sweets set off swimming in the sea—makes for a heartwarming piece that brings a smile to anyone’s face.

Released in December 1975, the song spent 11 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It aired on Fuji TV’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki,” generating a huge response.

The playful lyrics and light, brisk rhythm are delightful, and its catchy familiarity makes it easy for anyone to hum along.

It’s a perfect choice for cheerful recreational settings or group singing.

Add some handclaps and enjoy a warm, pleasant time together.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiKiyoshi Hikawa

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

This work fully conveys the appeal of a traditional traveling-swordsman enka.

Its lyrics delicately depict the loneliness, melancholy, and inner conflict of a drifter, and when combined with Kiyoshi Hikawa’s emotionally rich vocals, you can’t help but be drawn in.

The lone-wolf protagonist, sword in hand, is moved by the warmth of the people he meets in post towns and by his feelings for his mother—truly touching.

Released in February 2000, it became the first debut song in history to win the Grand Prize at the 33rd Japan Lyricist Awards.

It was also used in Taisho Pharmaceutical’s Tiovita Drink commercial.

This piece is recommended for older listeners who love enka.

It’s even more enjoyable when everyone claps along while singing.

Tokyo RhapsodyIchiro Fujiyama

Tokyo Rhapsody, nostalgic song, Tokyo

A classic song representing 1936 (Showa 11) was born in a work set in Ginza, Kanda, Asakusa, and Shinjuku, portrayed in a pure and light foxtrot style.

Ichiro Fujiyama’s beautiful voice elegantly sings of urban scenes and a love story.

This piece, which vividly brings to mind the bustling districts of Tokyo at the time, became a massive hit, selling 350,000 copies.

It was Fujiyama’s first release after moving to Teichiku, and a film of the same title was later produced, cementing its status as a beloved song that symbolizes the Showa era.

It’s a perfect track for a calm moment or when reminiscing about the past.

Enjoy a heartwarming time discussing what Tokyo was like back then together with older listeners.

What a nice bath.The Drifters

Nice hot 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.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsKyu Sakamoto

Kyu Sakamoto / If You’re Happy and You Know It (1964–65)

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?

Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama

[With Large Lyrics] Blue Mountain Range [Recreation]

The celebrated song, which beautifully depicts postwar hope and the breath of a new era, was performed by Ichirō Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara as the theme for a film of the same name released in 1949.

Along with the splendor of nature, it warmly portrays young people forging a bright future, like flowers that bloom after enduring a harsh winter.

For those who lived in the years immediately following the war, it is surely a piece filled with memories.

Beloved across generations, it was chosen as No.

1 in NHK’s 1989 program “Songs of the Showa Era: 200 Unforgettable Songs.” Its beautiful melody, infused with elements of classical music, and its heartwarming lyrics are sure to evoke fond recollections of days gone by.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (with lyrics)

Do you have any nostalgic melodies that make you feel the warmth of spring sunshine the moment you hear them? Kaientai’s classic “Okuru Kotoba” is a heartwarming piece filled with messages perfect for graduation season.

Its lyrics about the sorrow of parting, the courage to trust others, and the depth of love truly resonate.

Released in November 1979, the song also became well-known as the theme for the popular TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” Singing it together with older adults might spark lively conversations about fond memories.

Consider incorporating it into recreational activities at your facility.