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

Sanguisorba officinalis (Great burnet)Masato Sugimoto

Masato Sugimoto / Burnet

Masato Sugimoto, known for his gentle and warm singing voice, created a heartwarming piece imbued with deep love for his late mother.

Released by Teichiku Entertainment in February 2007, this work marked a major turning point in his career as a singer.

Alongside a melody full of tenderness, it carefully weaves themes of life’s fragility and feelings for one’s family, resonating with many listeners.

Used as an insert song on TV Tokyo’s music program “Yoko’s Enka Straight Line,” it also earned him a spot in that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

With its warm vocals and lyrics that touch the heart, this is a song you’ll want to sing slowly at karaoke as you look back on memories with your family and friends.

Dream PlayTomio Umezawa

Umezawa Tomio - Yume Shibai (with lyrics)

This song, with its bittersweet melody by Kei Ogura and richly emotional lyrics, moves the hearts of listeners.

Known as one of the most accomplished acting performers in the enka world, Tomio Umezawa established his status as an enka singer with his debut single.

Released in November 1982, the track peaked at No.

8 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.

It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV anime Maison Ikkoku and used in a commercial for Daio Paper’s Elleair, earning affection across a wide audience.

This work is sure to resonate with those who were captivated by theater in their youth or who cherish memories of watching stage performances.

Umezawa’s deeply emotive vocals and acting prowess will remain etched in your heart alongside your own memories.

I love youYutaka Ozaki

Yutaka Ozaki 'I Love You' [Lyric Video]

This is a masterpiece that resonates in many hearts as a pinnacle of bittersweet love songs.

Included on the debut album “Seventeen’s Map” and released as a single in 1991, it poignantly sings of a forbidden love between a young man and woman.

The piano ballad that Yutaka Ozaki crafted at the age of seventeen continues to captivate listeners.

Numerous artists, including Hikaru Utada and Koji Tamaki, have covered the song, and it has been featured as the image song for the film “Hot Road” as well as in JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” commercials.

It’s a perfect track for spending a quiet moment immersed in music and reminiscing.

How about a heartwarming karaoke time accompanied by its gentle melody?

America BridgeYutaka Yamakawa

America Bridge by Yutaka Yamakawa

Set against Tokyo’s Ebisu Minami Bridge, this gem of a song poignantly portrays the heartache of lovers who have parted amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

Yutaka Yamakawa’s powerful yet emotive vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

While quietly observing the lives of city dwellers, his moving performance captivates and stirs the heart.

Released in February 1998, the song was chosen as the theme for the fifth season of the TBS drama “Inochi no Genba Kara,” and it won the Grand Prize at the 31st Japan Lyricist Awards.

He also appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that year and the following year.

It’s a wonderful piece that can be sung at an easy, relaxed pace, evoking fond memories.

Please enjoy a peaceful moment accompanied by Yutaka Yamakawa’s warm, heartfelt voice.

Beach of MemoriesThe Wild Ones

The Wild Ones - Shore of Memories (with lyrics)

Beloved as a heartwarming song with the refreshing tone of a 12-string guitar and gentle lyrics depicting memories by the seaside, this track is a hallmark of the Group Sounds (GS) boom.

Created by members Shigeki Torizuka and Kunihiko Kase, it was released in November 1966 and sold over one million copies.

It was also used as the opening theme for the TV Asahi drama “Private Railway Police 97” (Shitetsu Ensen 97 Bunsho), remaining in the memories of many.

Its bright, transparent melody and wonderful lyrics that sing of beautiful summer scenes and youth make it perfect for humming along with friends and family.

It’s also easy to sing with gusto at karaoke thanks to its breezy feel, sure to spark lively reminiscences.

loveChiharu Matsuyama

Koi / Chiharu Matsuyama (with lyrics)

A ballad by Chiharu Matsuyama, a folk singer who represents Hokkaido.

Centered on acoustic guitar with a gentle tone and a clear, crystalline voice, it’s a masterpiece that resonates in the heart.

Released in January 1980, this work, though calm in tempo, beautifully conveys feelings of wistfulness, loneliness, and deep love for someone dear.

Its popularity spread from regional areas to the entire country, and its simple yet emotionally rich melody won wide empathy.

The warm vocals and touching lyrics are full of charm that makes anyone want to hum along at least once.

At karaoke, you can take your time reminiscing with friends and enjoy it to your heart’s content.

Winter LightningAlice

Winter Lightning - Alice

This masterpiece, featuring a powerful and emotionally rich vocal performance, was released as a single in November 1977.

Showcasing Alice’s full appeal, the song masterfully fuses folk and rock.

While painting a refreshing winter scene, it warmly sings of the subtle emotions everyone experiences.

A classic that reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts, it was also used as an insert song in TV dramas and films, and is known as one of Alice’s signature works.

Its enduring charm remains undimmed, evoking memories of time spent with loved ones and nostalgic landscapes.

It’s a perfect choice to request when you’re taking it easy at karaoke with friends.