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[Karaoke] Japanese Classics That Get Men in Their 70s Fired Up! Nostalgic J-Pop Collection [2025]

There are many people in their 70s who are still active, spending their days working, enjoying hobbies, and staying on the go.

That said, health is important too, and karaoke is a great hobby to recommend.

It can help relieve stress and stimulate physical functions.

Those who are currently in their 70s spent their youth from the 1960s to the 1970s, so this article gathers nostalgic Japanese hit songs from that era—GS (Group Sounds), kayōkyoku, enka, folk, and more—for those who grew up listening to a wide variety of hits in their younger days.

These are all songs that will get the crowd going when sung by men in their 70s, so be sure to check them out!

[Karaoke] Songs That Get Men in Their 70s Fired Up! A Nostalgic Collection of Japanese Hits [2025] (1–10)

A life full of scarsKoji Tsuruta

Since its release in 1971, Koji Tsuruta’s iconic Showa-era song “A Life Full of Scars” has continued to captivate many with its deeply emotional lyrics that sing of one’s way of life.

The song overlaps with Tsuruta’s own tumultuous life, expressing the resilience of someone tossed by the rough waves of existence yet striving to find light within them.

Tsuruta also starred in the film of the same name, and his blend of acting and vocal prowess won over countless fans.

Transcending generations, this work carries a grand theme that questions the meaning of life and delivers a memorable message in any situation.

It’s especially recommended when you want to reflect on your own life or spend meaningful time with someone important.

A solitary journey to MichinokuJoji Yamamoto

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

A classic enka masterpiece that pours out bittersweet emotions against the backdrop of Tohoku’s landscapes.

Released in August 1980, it became one of George Yamamoto’s signature songs.

His vocals—imbued with the struggles of his early days—perfectly match the lyrics that express both a man’s strength and tenderness.

In the fall of 1981, it broke into the Oricon Top 10 and remained on the charts for 22 consecutive weeks, becoming a huge hit with total sales exceeding 900,000 copies.

In January 1982, his passionate performance in a fundoshi on The Best Ten drew widespread attention.

This work is a profound song that depicts the sorrow of parting and the complexity of life.

Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to experience a moving feeling that will resonate in your heart.

You were young back then.The Spiders

Back Then, You Were Young (7-inch Version)
Back Then, You Were Young - The Spiders

Formed in 1961 by drummer Akichi Tanabe, The Spiders energized Japan’s Group Sounds scene.

In 1968, they released “Ano Toki Kimi wa Wakai-katta” (“You Were Young Back Then”), a song that vividly portrays the pure yet bitter love story written by a high school student.

The track was also chosen as the theme song for the film The Spiders’ Big Commotion released the same year, and it reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts, remaining beloved by many.

Its lyrics depict mistakes made in youth, the reflection that follows, and a heart that keeps waiting with hope for the future—an enduring message that resonates across generations.

It’s especially recommended for those who, having gone through bitter experiences, want to grow further, or for anyone who wishes to reflect on the past while moving forward.

[Karaoke] Songs That Get Men in Their 70s Fired Up! Nostalgic Japanese Hits Compilation [2025] (11–20)

I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto

Walk looking up Sakamoto Kyu — with lyrics
I Look Up as I Walk by Kyu Sakamoto

Kyu Sakamoto’s 1961 release “Ue o Muite Arukō,” better known as “SUKIYAKI,” achieved groundbreaking success for a Japanese artist, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard chart.

Drawing on Western influences while transcending the confines of traditional Japanese music, Sakamoto pursued a distinctive vocal style that produced a timeless classic beloved across generations.

The lyrics convey a gentle yet strong resolve to keep moving forward no matter what, continuing to give courage and hope to many people to this day.

If you’re good at whistling, try recreating the whistling sections between verses.

This song is sure to be a hit in any setting.

Flower NecklaceThe Tigers

The Tigers are a legendary band that took the 1960s by storm.

Their song “Flower Necklace” was released in 1968 and was also used as the theme song for the Toho film The Tigers: The World Is Waiting for Us.

The charm of this work lies in Fusako Sugawara’s dreamlike lyrics and Koichi Sugiyama’s beautiful melody.

The story woven around the “flower necklace” as a symbol of love and dreams captures listeners’ hearts and has been cherished by many fans across generations.

In particular, Katsumi Kahashi’s high-tone voice is striking, and his vocals remain memorable for many people even today.

This song is recommended for those who yearn for the good old days, as it evokes memories of youthful times.

A café in a student districtGaro

Garo 'The Student District Café'
Cafe Garo in the student district

GARO is a Japanese folk-rock group formed in 1970.

Their music has been praised as a Japanese counterpart to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and they produced numerous hit songs.

Among them, Coffee Shop in the Student Quarter, released on June 20, 1972, became a massive hit, topping the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks.

The song delicately portrays memories of a student-days café, deep friendship, and bittersweet romance, resonating deeply with listeners through the special memories associated with the coffee shop.

In particular, Koichi Sugiyama’s beautiful melodies and Michio Yamagami’s poetic lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.

It’s a song beloved across generations, not only by those who spent their youth in the 1970s.

It’s especially recommended for anyone who wants to sing nostalgic tunes at karaoke or revisit the days of their youth.

Beach of MemoriesThe Wild Ones

A refreshing portrayal of bittersweet summer love, this Group Sounds classic by The Wild Ones became a major hit upon its release in November 1966, selling over one million copies.

Its lyrics look back on memories by the shore, and the distinctive tone of the 12-string guitar leaves a lasting impression.

The song was also used as the theme for a film of the same name in 2007, and it continues to be loved across generations.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to bring back everyone’s youthful memories.

Raise your voices together, and you’ll surely create wonderful new ones.