[Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that get everyone excited. Songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

The Drunkard Has ReturnedThe Folk Crusaders

The Drunkard Has Returned 2017 REMASTER

With a high-pitched voice and humor-laden musical expression, a fantastical story unfolds that shuttles between heaven and earth.

While satirically conveying the dangers of drunk driving, its innovative musicality—woven with nods to the Beatles, the Heart Sutra, and even Beethoven—is captivating.

Released by The Folk Crusaders in December 1967, the song became the first million-seller in Oricon chart history and was even adapted into a Toei film.

Far from sounding like a track born to fill out an album, this masterpiece combines experimental sound with social consciousness, making it a recommended tune for those who want to savor life’s subtleties along with a good laugh.

school daysPeggy Hayama

Peggy Hayama - Student Days (with lyrics)

Set against the backdrop of a mission school filled with memories, this heartwarming classic by Peggy Hayama gently weaves a sweet page of youth.

Scenes of the beloved campus are beautifully depicted—the prayers in the chapel, the library with falling autumn leaves, and memories on the tennis courts.

Her tender, embracing voice and the melody that resonates in the heart create a perfect harmony.

Released by King Records in 1964 and performed on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1965, the song became a major hit, achieving million-seller status.

A monument bearing the song’s lyrics was erected in front of Aoyama Gakuin’s chapel, and it continues to be cherished by many to this day.

Hum a few lines when friends gather, and stories of joyful school days are sure to bloom.

Swim, Taiyaki-kunMasato Shimon

Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun Lyrics and Music by Hiroo Takada, Toshikazu Sase

With lively, feel-good lyrics and melody, Masato Shimon’s bright vocals leave a strong impression.

The humorous world where fish-shaped sweets swim out into the sea makes this a heartwarming piece that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Released in December 1975, it spent 11 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

Broadcast on Fuji TV’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki,” it drew a huge response.

Its playful lyrics and brisk rhythm are delightful, and its easy sing-along appeal is a major charm.

It’s a perfect song for fun, cheerful recreational settings and group sing-alongs.

Add some handclaps and enjoy a pleasant time together.

The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka

Longing for the Hawaii Route — Popular Song — Nostalgic Tune

As a classic that lit a bright light in postwar Japan, one of Haruo Oka’s signature works is beloved by many.

With its lively melody and yearning for an unseen paradise, the song was released by King Records in 1948.

Its lyrics beautifully express a longing for unknown lands and the exhilaration of setting sail, resonating deeply with people of the time.

Owing to its popularity, it was adapted into a film by Shintoho in 1950, starring Haruo Oka himself, with Hibari Misora as co-star.

It’s a tune that lets you hum along with friends and bask in wonderful memories.

Perfect for music recreation at day-service centers, it’s a classic that everyone can enjoy together.

Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō

Otomi-san, nostalgic songs, Kabuki, popular songs

A quintessential enka classic of the Showa era, this song poignantly depicts the bittersweet fate of a man and a woman.

Based on a Kabuki play, the story artfully portrays vivid Edo-period scenery and the complex emotions of the two lovers.

Incorporating elements of Okinawan music and kachāshī, its lively rhythm paired with Hachiro Kasuga’s clear, soaring vocals creates a pleasing resonance.

Released in August 1954, it sold 400,000 copies in just four months and was later covered by many artists, including Mina Aoe and Harumi Miyako.

Evoking warm nostalgia, it’s a perfect piece for recreation—easy to sing together with cheerful handclaps.

Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

There is a classic song that beautifully and poignantly portrays a northern winter landscape and a bittersweet love.

Powerfully sung by Sayuri Ishikawa, the piece recounts the feelings of a woman traveling from Ueno on a night train to Aomori, where she bids a final farewell aboard the Seikan ferry.

Since its 1977 release, it has garnered numerous honors, including the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance, and stands as a monumental work in the enka genre.

Set against the frigid Tsugaru Strait, the image of a woman quietly deciding to part ways amid snow and the roar of the sea is deeply moving.

Please enjoy a wonderful time together, singing along or clapping in rhythm as you savor nostalgic memories.

18 Years Old Under the SunNana Kinomi

Nana Kinomi: 1963: 18-Year-Olds Under the Sun (Sunlight Twist: Go Kart Twist)

Let me introduce a song that brings back the sparkle of those days, brimming with youth and energy.

Sung by Nana Kinomi, this track centers on the radiant teenage years at eighteen, and its bright, breezy melody is irresistibly charming! Just listening to it makes your heart dance, as if the excitement of that time comes rushing back.

Released in March 1963, it stands as one of Nana Kinomi’s notable early works.

Its pop sound, infused with Western rhythms, brought a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.

While many know Nana Kinomi from her duet “Izakaya” with Hiroshi Itsuki, here you can enjoy a different side—her youthful, vibrant voice.

Why not hum along together while sharing fun memories of summers spent under the sun? It’s sure to fill the moment with wonderful smiles! Let the nostalgic melody carry you as you savor the memories of those days.