Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive list of karaoke songs perfect for men in their 70s.
Focusing on tracks from the 1960s to the 1980s that they likely listened to in their youth, we’ve gathered many classic enka and Showa-era pop songs.
If you’re in your 70s, you’ll probably know every song here—and each one may bring back a variety of memories.
We hope this article helps you choose songs for your next karaoke session.
Reminisce about the old days and have a great time singing with friends of the same generation!
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[For Men in Their 70s] Karaoke Songs You’ll Want to Sing: Enka and Nostalgic Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (11–20)
Gardenia blossomWatanabe Tetsuya
A masterpiece whose gentle vocals and deep emotion touch the heart.
Released in 1973, it became one of Tetsuya Watari’s signature songs, ranking 7th on the 1974 annual Oricon chart.
It enjoyed wide acclaim, including Watari’s first appearance at the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1974 and its use in the 1976 Toei film “Yakuza no Hakaba: Kuchinashi no Hana,” starring Watari himself.
Singing of lost love and sorrow, the song employs the gardenia as a symbol, vividly portraying cherished memories of the past and the regrets of the present.
How about immersing yourself in nostalgia by singing this memorable tune?
spring’s dry windIzumiya Shigeru
A work that sharply portrays social pressure and loneliness was included on the 1973 album “Light and Shadow” and later released as a single.
Shigeru Izumiya wrote and composed the song, with production by Kazuhiko Kato.
Interweaving the north wind of spring with the hardships of daily life, it delicately expresses the conflict between the self and society.
The power and message of folk music resonated with many artists, leading to covers by numerous musicians, including Anarchy, Keisuke Kuwata, and Masaharu Fukuyama.
I hope you will cherish moments when we share the feelings in our hearts through music.
This work contains many deeply moving words, and those who have rich life experience—especially older listeners—will surely grasp its essence.
I’ve come a long way, when I think about it.Kaientai
A masterwork by Kaientai that gently portrays life’s milestones—from an autumn scene where cosmos flowers sway, to memories by the Chikugo River, and on to life today.
Its nostalgic melody and heartwarming lyrics resonate deeply with those living away from their hometowns.
Released as a single in September 1978, the song was composed by Yasuyo Yamaki and delivered in Tetsuya Takeda’s gentle voice.
It was chosen as the theme song for a film released the same year and later used in a 1981 television drama starring Ikko Furuya.
This is a piece to be enjoyed while basking in memories, letting time flow unhurriedly.
A Love Story in GinzaYūjirō Ishihara · Junko Makimura
Released in 1961, this song portrays the glittering streets of Ginza alongside a poignant love story between a man and a woman.
The duet by Yujiro Ishihara and Junko Makimura beautifully captures the subtle differences in their emotions, with vocals that resonate deeply with listeners.
Featured as an insert song in the film “Kaze-o-Yobu Otoko: From Town to Town” and followed by a film of the same title the next year, it became a major hit.
As an emblem of Ginza, a monument to the song was erected in 1990.
Blending a man’s powerful feelings with a woman’s sultry sentiments, this emotionally rich piece is perfect for moments when you want to talk about love or look back on cherished memories.
Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi
A classic song representing the Showa era, known as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature works.
Set against the backdrop of dusk in Yokohama, its touching lyrics compellingly sing of the sorrow of a broken heart.
Released in March 1971, it drew major acclaim, including winning the Singing Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards.
The evocative portrayal of a port town’s atmosphere and its wistful scenery deepens the pain of heartbreak.
Why not sing it during a moment of reminiscing about the past and sharing memories with someone dear?
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
A heartwarming classic that portrays the romance of a man and woman who meet in a northern country tavern.
Released in March 1982, it is one of Takashi Hosokawa’s signature songs.
It reached No.
5 on the Oricon year-end hit chart and won the Japan Record Award.
Rather than a traditional enka number, this piece has a lively kayōkyoku-style feel and earned support across generations.
It’s an upbeat track guaranteed to get the crowd going when sung at a lively tempo.
It’s also easy for older listeners to enjoy—why not give it a try at karaoke?
For Men in Their 70s: Karaoke Songs You’ll Want to Sing – Enka and Nostalgic Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (21–30)
Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri
When it comes to duet songs that colored the youth of the Showa era, many people probably think of “Itsudemo Yume wo” sung by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.
Released in 1962, this song carries a positive message: keep a dream in your heart no matter what.
Its gently conversational melody warms the heart even in the cold season.
The song won the Japan Record Award the same year, and the following year it was chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Championship.
It was memorably featured in the 2013 NHK morning drama Amachan, and it continues to be loved across generations.
At New Year’s parties, if a man and woman pair up to sing it as a duet, smiles naturally spread.
Add some handclaps and sing it with hope for the year ahead.