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

a red handkerchiefYujiro Ishihara

Red Handkerchief: Yujiro Ishihara

Set against the backdrop of a northern spring, this song tells the story of a bittersweet farewell in love.

Carried by a gentle, lyrical melody, Yujiro Ishihara’s rich vocals vividly portray the lingering feelings of heartbreak.

Released by Teichiku Records in October 1962, the track is also included on the album “Yujiro Ishihara Original 6.” In January 1964, it was used as the theme song for a film of the same name starring Ishihara, captivating the hearts of many alongside the movie.

Even today, it remains a beloved classic that everyone can hum along to and is very popular at karaoke.

With its heartfelt lyrics and approachable melody, it’s the perfect song for singing together and having fun.

As time goes byKenji Sawada

As time goes by

A gem of a ballad that depicts the wounded hearts of lonely men and women, gently wrapped in tender love.

The poignant lyrics about men and women burdened with exhausted hearts strike deep, and when combined with Kenji Sawada’s sultry vocals, they evoke profound emotion.

Released as an insert song for the drama “Akuma no Youna Aitsu,” which premiered in August 1975, this work became a major hit, topping the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.

The fusion of Yu Aku’s masterful lyrics and Katsuo Ohno’s lyrical melody produced a treasured classic that quietly stays by your side when you feel weary of life or uncertain about a relationship with someone dear.

Ah, Ueno StationHachirō Izawa

Hachiro Izawa - Ah, Ueno Station

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.

festivalSaburō Kitajima

Saburo Kitajima “Matsuri” (Official Audio)

A song that powerfully sings of the spirit of Japan’s festival culture was released by Saburo Kitajima in November 1984.

It beautifully expresses gratitude to the mountain and sea deities, traditions passed from parent to child, and the passion of men.

The song was performed a total of six times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen up to 2013, serving as the grand finale five of those times.

In 2014, it was also used in Suzuki’s New Year sales campaign commercial, making it beloved by a wide audience.

With its powerful vocals, moving melody, and the universally relatable fervor of festivals, this is a song that’s perfect for belting out at karaoke.

Kiyoshi's Zundoko SongKiyoshi Hikawa

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

A heartwarming, approachable song that makes the most of rhythms found in folk songs and enka.

This masterpiece fully showcases Kiyoshi Hikawa’s charm, beautifully expressing the bittersweetness of love, masculine strength, and longing for one’s hometown.

With his natural vocal talent and refreshing appeal, Hikawa presents a uniquely modern take on the traditional enka worldview.

It was released by Nippon Columbia in February 2002.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards and is known as one of Hikawa’s signature tracks.

With its relaxed tempo and narrow melodic range, it’s a piece you can sing with a calm mindset.

During the chorus, it’s also nice to have listeners add call-and-response interjections!

Goodbye once moreKiyohiko Ozaki

Sayonarawo Mouichido

A classic that powerfully sings of Kiyohiko Ozaki’s deep love and heartrending farewell.

After its release in July 1971, it peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold 444,000 copies.

In the 1999 film Nodojiman, Naoto Takenaka performed it in a white suit, drawing widespread attention.

The lyrics by Yū Aku and the melody by Makoto Kawaguchi blend beautifully, gently portraying the shape of love within parting.

Many listeners may find their hearts moved by the profound feelings contained in the word “goodbye.” When you stand at a crossroads in life, why not listen to this song and try to find hope for the future?

TokyoTakajin Yashiki

Tokyo

Released in March 1993, this mood-kayō song fuses tearful enka with sophisticated urban pop.

Through Kansai-dialect lyrics, it movingly portrays a romance and breakup with a man she met in Tokyo, along with her complex feelings toward the city.

Takajin Yashiki was an artist who was active mainly in the Kansai region, also serving as a host of the popular program “Sei! Young.” This piece became a hit as requests on cable radio surged, ultimately selling a total of 600,000 copies.

In live performances, he would sometimes change the place name in the chorus to match the concert location, valuing a sense of unity with the audience.

When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to sing at an easy, relaxed pace while thinking of your hometown and the special people you’ve met.