[2026] Recommended karaoke songs for women in their 70s: from enka to Showa-era pop

Forbidden LoveRyoko Moriyama

Forbidden Love Ryoko Moriyama 1969

It’s a masterpiece that captures a woman’s bittersweet yet passionate feelings—drawn to a beautiful melody that sinks into the heart, and a love that blazes even while knowing it’s forbidden.

Released by Ryoko Moriyama in March 1969, the song became a major hit, topping the Oricon charts for eight consecutive weeks.

That same year, it earned her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it’s a piece that has left a lasting impression on many.

When singing it at karaoke, why not fully embody the protagonist depicted in the lyrics and perform it dramatically? It will surely spark nostalgic conversations among those of the same generation, and its beautiful melody will linger in everyone’s hearts across generations.

The season the sun gave usBlue triangular ruler

The season the sun gave us

It’s the definitive anthem of youth, capturing countless hearts with its fresh, vibrant vocals and melody! Released by Aoi Sankaku Jōgi in February 1972, this song delivers universal themes—youthful brilliance and bittersweetness, the bonds of friendship—straight to the listener’s heart.

The lyrics convey a resolve to move beyond the poignant ache of young days, to walk toward the future with friends, and to treasure irreplaceable moments—messages that encourage and warm the listener’s heart.

The song enjoyed huge popularity as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Tobidase! Seishun” (“Leap Out! Youth”), and its New Artist Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards that same year stands as a shining achievement.

Sing it together at karaoke, and you’ll spark lively reminiscences from those days and make the time even more enjoyable.

From the northern innHarumi Miyako

Harumi Miyako / From the Northern Inn [Live Footage]

Harumi Miyako’s “Kita no Yado kara” is a masterpiece that stirs the hearts of enka fans! Since its release in 1975, it has been a particularly memorable song for women in their seventies.

The piece blends the delicate lyrics of Yū Aku with the soul-stirring melody by Asei Kobayashi.

Harumi Miyako’s powerful yet warm voice movingly conveys the loneliness of the north and the lingering regrets of love.

It’s a timeless work that lets you fully savor the essence of karaoke.

May it bring back memories of those days and warm your heart.

Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

He sings a melancholic song about lost love set in the northern country with Yujiro Ishihara’s distinctive low voice.

As it follows a man searching for his beloved while traveling through Hokkaido cities like Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru, it conveys his heartbreaking emotions.

It was also used as an insert song in the drama “Seibu Keisatsu” and was released in August 1987.

For Yujiro Ishihara, it became his first and only single to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart as well.

As you recall days gone by, try singing it gently and with feeling.

Longing for RainAki Yashiro

Rainy Yearning – Aki Yashiro

Released in 1980, “Ame no Bojo” is widely known as one of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs.

Its lyrics express feelings of longing and loneliness for a lover, and combined with its relatively bright melody, it brought a new dimension to songs about rain.

The memorable chorus is recognized by many, and performing it at karaoke is sure to draw resounding applause.

It would also be a big hit at recreational events in senior care facilities.

Give it a try and sing it!

My Pure LadyAmi Ozaki

My Pure Lady / Ami OzakiOfficial Lyric Video

This is a memorable track with a refreshing bossa nova-style melody that evokes the arrival of spring.

Its gentle, soft atmosphere, which tenderly wraps around feelings of a faint crush and affection for someone, will warm your heart before you know it.

Ami Ozaki’s clear, translucent vocals blend beautifully with lyrics that depict the small joys of everyday life.

Released in February 1977, the song was also used in a Shiseido cosmetics commercial and reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

The arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya and the performance by members of Tin Pan Alley are among its many charms.

It’s a lovely piece you’ll want to listen to with the windows open, feeling the pleasant breeze under the calm spring sunlight.

Tokyo CachitoFrank Nagai

Tokyo Cachito — Frank Nagai

It’s a classic of mood kayō that has continued to be loved as a Showa-era masterpiece.

Set against the backdrop of nights in Akasaka, the song portrays the bittersweetness of adult love with an urban sensibility.

Frank Nagai’s alluring low voice richly conveys the feelings of a man troubled by love.

Released in October 1960, the single featured “Arcade Blues” on the B-side.

As a leading presence in the mood kayō boom of the time, it was cherished by many.

It’s a song I’d recommend as a fun karaoke pick to sing with friends, along with fond memories.