Easy-to-sing songs recommended for women in their 70s: A collection of classic hits perfect for karaoke

A beautiful day for lifeMiyuki Kawanaka

Miyuki Kawanaka “Jinsei Biyori” Music Video

From her debut, Miyuki Kawanaka has been known for her distinctive, rich voice, and lately that voice has gained even more power and presence.

As a result, she’s been releasing more forceful songs as her career progresses.

One recommendation is Jinsei Biyori, released in 2024.

It features a powerful delivery with effective shouts.

While executing the shouts can be challenging, the song has few long sustained notes and doesn’t use rapid melismatic ornamentation (kobushi), so for those familiar with enka, it should be relatively easy to sing.

paper craneMidori Oka

paper crane

Released in February 2019, “Kami no Tsuru” (Paper Crane) is a memorable single for Midori Oka, as it marked her first entry into the top 20 of the Oricon charts.

While the melody is bright, it carries a certain poignancy and wistfulness—a classic enka sound that resonates with the Japanese heart.

That said, the typical enka-style vocal ornaments like strong kobushi and intense vibrato are relatively restrained here.

If you focus on singing gently and sincerely, as Oka does, it’s quite approachable even for beginners to enka.

Interestingly, the lower notes can be more challenging than the high ones, so I recommend practicing with clear enunciation and working to apply solid vibrato on the low passages.

evening drinkMitsuko Nakamura

evening drink

Mitsuko Nakamura’s poignant classic “Banshaku” (Evening Drink).

While she is renowned for her “man’s songs,” this piece is especially known as one of her most popular in that style.

True to Nakamura’s roots in the Kawachi Ondo tradition, the song primarily employs the hiccup technique, which flips the voice.

The ornamentation (kobushi) that uses this hiccup is less difficult than that of typical enka, resulting in a vocal line that’s easier for beginners to sing.

In addition, the tempo is particularly slow even among her works, and there are well-placed rests before executing the kobushi, which also makes it easier to perform.

Ladybug SambaCherish

Ladybug Samba Cherish 1973

Let me introduce a lovely song that captures the arrival of spring.

Its bright, buoyant rhythm and lyrics depicting tiny creatures celebrating a wedding are especially memorable.

Released in July 1973, it was a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It has long been cherished as a classic wedding song.

For many older listeners, it may also bring back fond memories.

It’s perfect when you want to savor the cheerful atmosphere of spring or lift your spirits.

If everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to become a wonderful time filled with smiles.

Happy HinamatsuriLyrics: Hachirō Satō / Music: Koyo Kawamura

Happy Hinamatsuri | With Lyrics | 100 Selected Songs of Japan | Let's light the lanterns

There’s a heartwarming song that enhances the festive mood of Hinamatsuri.

“Ureshii Hinamatsuri” is beloved by a wide range of generations, from children to older adults.

Created by Hachiro Sato and Koyo Kawamura, it has been sung for many years since its release in 1936.

Its charm lies in lyrics that gently depict the scenes and joy of the Doll Festival, paired with a bright and lively melody.

It’s also a song you often hear on TV and radio every March.

How about humming it together with older family members at Hinamatsuri events or during family gatherings? It will surely bring back fond memories.

Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.

It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.

The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.

Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.

How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.

The arrival of springRumiko Koyanagi

Arrival of Spring Rumiko Koyanagi

This song, which evokes the arrival of spring, is captivating for Rumiko Koyanagi’s clear, translucent singing voice.

It begins with a scene of walking along the seaside with a lover, and the lyrics depicting warm interactions with family are deeply moving.

Released in February 1973, it was a popular hit that reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

Its gentle melody and richly scenic lyrics are sure to stir up nostalgic memories.

How about spending a spring afternoon listening by the window and reflecting on memories with someone precious? It will surely be a heartwarming, wonderful time.