Karaoke songs that are easy to sing even for tone-deaf beginners, recommended for women in their 60s

Farewell, Siberian RailwayHiromi Ohta

Farewell, Siberian Railway — Hiromi Ohta

Hiromi Ohta, the female singer known for songs like “Cotton Handkerchief.” Because many people have the impression that her voice is high, some may assume her songs are difficult to sing.

That’s why I recommend “Farewell Siberian Railway.” This piece features a very refined, understated melody and is set within a fairly narrow vocal range.

With its strong Showa-era kayōkyoku essence, the vocal line rises and falls gently, making it easier to sing.

Lingering Snowdolphin

Nagori-yuki – Iruka

This is a famous song whose dolphin version, also introduced in this section, became a big hit.

In fact, the original was included on the folk duo Kaguyahime’s album “Sankaidate no Uta,” released in March 1973.

The cover version by Iruka was released as a single in November 1975.

Some parts of the melody differ from the original.

For people in their 50s and 60s today, this song is a standard at school choir contests and other music events.

Many can probably hum it with ease, so please enjoy!

lover; mistress; extramarital partnerTeresa Teng

Aijin

Teresa Teng has many songs with adult themes, and among them the classic “Lover” is especially known for its mature, bittersweet character.

As one of her signature works, it’s still frequently sung at karaoke today.

While the song features a richly expressive vocal line, its range is surprisingly narrow, staying mostly in the mid or mid-high register.

The development of the melody is also typical of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), making it a very singable piece, especially for those of a certain age.

Pink sighMariko Takahashi

Pink sigh

Mariko Takahashi’s 10th single, released in May 1984.

It was used in a Camellia Diamond commercial and was a breakout hit at the time.

Many people have probably at least heard the chorus melody.

The song blends characteristics of ‘New Music,’ an evolution of 1970s folk songs, with elements of Showa-era kayōkyoku, making it a tune I’d recommend as familiar and easy to remember, especially for women in their 60s.

Listening to her performance, you might think the key isn’t that high, but when you actually sing it, you’ll likely notice there are parts that require unexpectedly high tones.

Please pay close attention to your key setting when you sing it.

The Wind RisesSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - The Wind Rises

Released in 1981, this was Seiko Matsuda’s seventh single.

It was also used at the time in a Glico Pocky commercial.

I imagine some women now in their 60s might have had the “Seiko-chan cut” back in their school days.

As long as you pay attention to the key you set for yourself, I think it’s a melody that’s very easy for anyone to sing, so I hope you’ll enjoy singing it while reminiscing about your student days.

Since Seiko-chan’s songs have a very distinctive singing style, it might be fun to do a bit of an impersonation, too!

Scorpio womanKenichi Mikawa

Kenichi Mikawa “Woman of Scorpio (New Recording)” (Official Audio)

A signature song by Kenichi Mikawa that portrays the strength and poignancy of a passionate woman who lives for love.

Released in December 1972, this memorable enka number expresses straightforward affection and the sorrow of betrayal.

Mikawa’s powerful vocals blend beautifully with a distinctive worldview inspired by Scorpio, one of the twelve zodiac signs, and the song sold about 97,000 copies on the Oricon charts.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for four consecutive years from 2006 to 2009, revealing new charms through various arrangements, including operatic and samba styles.

With its relaxed tempo and gentle melodic contours, it’s also easy to sing—another part of its appeal.

Why not sing it with a sense of nostalgia as a treasured song tied to precious memories?

My Father's Longest DayMasashi Sada

My Father's Longest Day

Masashi Sada is a singer-songwriter who has left many masterpieces with his uniquely narrative lyrics.

Among his works, “Oyaji no Ichiban Nagai Hi” (“A Father’s Longest Day”) is considered one of his finest, depicting a father’s warm feelings for his daughter as she gets married.

Although the song is moving, the vocal line is surprisingly restrained, with no sections that demand complex melodic leaps.

The range is also relatively narrow, so why not consider adding it to your repertoire?