Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop

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.

Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa

Ah, Ueno Station — Hachiro 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.

Gatchaman SongMasato Shimon

Gatchaman Song

A classic song representing Showa-era anime hero series, it has captivated many with its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and grand lyrics.

The song leaves a strong impression with its sense of duty to protect the peace of the Earth and its portrayal of fighting with courage and passion.

Masato Shimon’s powerful vocals further elevate the work’s epic worldview.

Released as a single in October 1972, it was first used as the ending theme for the TV anime.

From episode 23, it was changed to the opening theme, becoming the series’ iconic track.

It has been included in numerous compilation albums and is hailed as a milestone in the world of anime songs.

With its powerful vocals and up-tempo melody, it’s perfect for bringing everyone together at parties and gatherings.

A solitary journey to MichinokuJoji Yamamoto

Joji Yamamoto “Michinoku Solo Journey” Music Video (full ver.)

Joji Yamamoto is a singer whose emotionally rich enka has been loved across generations.

In particular, “Michinoku Hitori Tabi” resonates deeply with many listeners and has inspired profound empathy since its 1980 release.

Yamamoto’s powerful voice vividly conveys the resolve to uphold a strong love even while being buffeted by fate, capturing the hearts of many fans.

Those of his generation in particular will likely feel both nostalgia and freshness at once.

The song’s beauty and Yamamoto’s vocal prowess truly shine, and it’s especially rewarding to sing at karaoke.

As long as the sun is in the skyAkira Nishikino

Akira Nishikino - As Long as There Is a Sun in the Sky

A great song recommendation for a man in his 70s is Akira Nishikino’s signature hit “Sora ni Taiyo ga Aru Kagiri” (“As Long as the Sun Is in the Sky”).

It’s the ultimate love song, expressing deep affection for a beloved person and the certainty that this love will last forever.

The lyrics, which sing of eternal love—“As long as the sun is in the sky, we’ll be together”—are incredibly romantic.

Released in February 1971, the song reached No.

3 on the Oricon chart and sold 308,000 copies, becoming a major hit.

It’s an enduring classic loved across generations, making it a perfect choice to sing at karaoke when people of various ages are gathered.

Bus StopKoji Taira

Koji Taira “Bus Stop”

Released in September 1972 and ranking high on the Oricon charts, this song has remained beloved over the years, even being re-recorded in 1982 as a jingle for a Meiji Seika commercial.

It portrays the complex emotions of a woman who must accept parting from the one she loves—gracefully stepping back while secretly wishing not to let go—a sentiment that has moved many listeners.

It’s a profoundly expressive piece that can only be conveyed through the rich life experience of those in their seventies.

Be sure to take your time and sing it with feeling at karaoke.

Tokyo lights, foreverJiro Niikawa

Tokyo lights, forever

Because enka requires applying kobushi (melismatic bends), it tends to be harder to sing than typical J-pop.

Even so, I imagine many men in their 70s still want to sing enka.

In that case, I recommend Tokyo no Hi yo Itsu Made mo.

Compared to standard enka, this song has a somewhat plain vocal line.

As a result, the instances of kobushi are relatively few for enka, and the ones that do appear are on the easier side.

Although the piece sits a bit higher in range, it doesn’t demand many long sustained notes, so anyone who can produce moderately high tones should be able to sing it without issue.