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

my dadPrincess Kaguya

Kaguyahime – My Father (LIVE) Official Audio

A heartwarming folk song that warmly portrays a father within the family.

Set to a gentle acoustic guitar melody, it depicts a simple, down-to-earth father figure, as if capturing snapshots of everyday life.

Included on the album “Sankaidate no Uta,” released in March 1974, the song was written and composed by Kousetsu Minami, making full use of Kaguyahime’s folk sensibilities.

A live performance filled with a strong sense of unity with the audience is also featured on the live album “Kaguyahime LIVE,” released in September of the same year.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with your family, packed with gratitude that’s hard to express in everyday words.

In adult day-care settings, it may spark lively reminiscences through song.

summer vacationTakuro Yoshida

Summer Vacation [Takuro Yoshida] with Lyrics

This is a classic song by Takuro Yoshida, written with a gentle, bittersweet melody that traces summer memories in Kagoshima and Hiroshima.

Included on the 1971 live album “Yoshida Takuro On Stage Tomodachi,” the piece vividly paints scenes of a summer vacation that anyone might find nostalgic.

Childhood memories and moments with a cherished teacher are woven together with heartwarming lyrics.

A studio version was released on the 1972 album “Genki Desu.

,” and the song has continued to be beloved by the artist and fans alike.

Inviting listeners to look back tenderly on summers from their youth, it’s a tune you can hum together with older generations, sparking wonderful conversations about treasured memories.

There's always tomorrowKyu Sakamoto

With Lyrics: There’s Always Tomorrow – Kyu Sakamoto

This song conveys a positive message about moving forward with an upbeat, cheerful melody, and Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals make a strong impression.

Even when things don’t go well, it celebrates the strength to never give up, sung with a refreshing voice full of energy.

Released as a single in December 1963, it was also used as the theme song for a Nippon TV variety show.

At the time of its release, it sold over 800,000 copies and has continued to be loved across generations, later even appearing in Kyoiku Shuppan’s music textbooks.

This work is recommended for older listeners who wish to spend a heartwarming moment wrapped in nostalgia.

It would be wonderful to hum along, immersed in memories, while being enveloped by Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle singing voice.

freezing rainAkio Kayama

freezing rain

A mature, melodramatic enka that embraces aching love and loneliness—this is Akio Kayama’s debut song.

Its folk-tinged arrangement that gently conveys a woman’s feelings and his richly emotive vocals blend perfectly to create a gem of a classic.

Beginning in December 1977, he sold over 30,000 copies through hand-to-hand sales, and in 1983 he received honors including the Asahikawa Cable Radio Award and the All-Japan Cable Broadcasting Grand Prix.

In 2008, the song was featured in a Kirin Beverage canned coffee commercial, and it continues to be loved by many across generations.

With its relaxed tempo and an accessible melody line that anyone can hum, it’s a highly recommended track that you can sing with confidence at karaoke.

Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto

Kyu Sakamoto – Look Up at the Stars in the Night (with lyrics)

Beloved as a song for gazing up at the night sky, this piece resonates as a warm cheer for those facing hardships.

With lyrics by Rokusuke Ei and music by Taku Izumi, it has long been cherished in the enveloping voice of Kyu Sakamoto.

Released as a single in May 1963, it was originally written as the theme song for a musical.

It is also a celebrated masterpiece that won the Japan Record Award for Composition.

Though born as a message of encouragement for young people studying at night school, it is a song that transcends generations to bring hope and courage.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together during recreation time at the facility.

sunset cloudsMasao Sen

sunset clouds

Sen Masao, a master of enka, has continued to win the hearts of many listeners with his song “Yuyakegumo” since its 1976 release.

This moving piece weaves bittersweet feelings and resolve toward one’s hometown into its lyrics.

Sen Masao’s passionate vocals evoke nostalgic Showa-era scenes, especially for men in their seventies.

Among many memorable former hits, “Yuyakegumo” is particularly recommended as a karaoke choice sure to move everyone.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Kaientai - Okuru Kotoba (Words of Farewell)

It’s a beloved song with a gentle melody that accompanies moments of departure and farewell, carrying a warm message.

It carefully speaks to life lessons such as “loving someone deeply,” “accepting sorrow through tears,” and “trusting others and moving forward.” The lyrics were written by Kaientai’s leader, Tetsuya Takeda, based on a heartbreak he experienced in college, and the many words that strike the heart are especially compelling.

Released as a single in November 1979, it was chosen as the theme song for the first season of the TBS drama Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B, starring Tetsuya Takeda.

For older adults who have experienced the loss of a family member, it is sure to be a song that resonates deeply.

By reminiscing together or keeping time with handclaps to the melody, everyone can share a peaceful moment.