Lovely karaoke song

Recommended for women in their 60s! Easy-to-sing Japanese karaoke songs

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I play Electone, piano, and piano with vocals, and I upload performance videos to social media like YouTube! I’ve loved Disney music since I was little and have played many pieces on the Electone. I’ve been a fan of GLAY since junior high, and from there I started listening to all kinds of music, both Japanese and international. In Western music, I like Avril Lavigne♫

Karaoke is popular across all ages, and of course many women in their 60s also have plenty of chances to go.

But when you actually get to the karaoke place, do you ever find yourself wondering which songs to sing? If you’re thinking, “I don’t really know recent songs, and to be honest I’m not that good at singing…,” I’ll share some recommended tracks for you! I’ve selected songs that seem easy to sing, focusing mainly on tracks from around the 1970s—the era when many people in their 60s spent their youth.

If you’re not confident about karaoke, songs with a slow tempo are recommended.

Some of the songs are more challenging, but they’re all well-known, so for the difficult ones, let’s sing together with everyone!

Recommended for women in their 60s! Easy-to-sing Japanese karaoke songs (71–80)

Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora

Like the flow of a river

Like the Flow of the River by Hibari Misora

Japan’s songstress Hibari Misora’s undisputed signature song.

The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, the producer of AKB48.

I think this is a song that exists beyond notions of singing well or poorly, so I’d love for anyone who likes Hibari Misora to try singing it.

If you sing while thinking, “My life has had its share of ups and downs,” I think you’ll naturally sing it well.

I believe the gravitas of a woman in her 60s lends this song a beautiful luster.

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atonementTeresa Teng

atonement

Atonement Teresa Teng

One of the signature songs by Teresa Teng, the Taiwan-born singer who was hugely popular and known as the Diva of Asia, is “Tsugunai.” Covered by many artists, this song is likely something not only seniors but also younger people have heard somewhere.

It’s a number that conveys the regret and heartache of a couple who have decided to part ways, told from a woman’s perspective.

It can be nice to sing it and lose yourself in memories of past love in a gentle, reflective mood.

A classic karaoke song that’s great to sing and great to listen to!

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Angel's TemptationJun Mayuzumi

Jun Mayuzumi “Angel’s Temptation” 1968

Angel's Temptation Mayuzumi Jun

This is the song that won the Japan Record Award in 1968.

At the time, Jun Mayuzumi was synonymous with the miniskirt, and her distinctive short hairstyle also comes to mind.

Many cover versions were released.

It might be fun to sing it with a slightly cutesy, coquettish vibe.

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Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - Red Sweet Pea

Red Sweet Pea Seiko Matsuda

In their youth, many people probably admired Seiko Matsuda’s cuteness and charisma.

Among her songs, “Akai Sweet Pea” is especially popular and is said to be one of her personal favorites.

It ranked high in an NHK survey of favorite songs and has been included twice in high school textbooks, making it a quintessential example of a Showa-era idol song.

The chorus sits a bit on the higher side of the vocal range, but the overall tempo is calm and easy to sing, so try adjusting the key to suit your voice!

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freezing rainMika Hino

Mika Hino Cold Rain

Hiyame (Cold Rain) by Hino Mika

This is a song that was jointly produced with Akio Kayama.

Miki Hino’s version, released in 1982, was a big hit, and she went on to appear on the 1983 Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Even people who don’t usually listen to enka might feel like they’ve heard it somewhere—the melody has that kind of familiarity.

If you can bring out a sense of poignancy, you’re likely to win applause.

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Nancy of Summer ColorsYu Hayami

Yuka Hayami Nancy of Color

Nancy of Summer Colors, Yū Hayami

Amid the idol boom of the 1980s, Yū Hayami achieved especially remarkable success.

She has produced many classic songs, and among them, “Natsuiro no Nancy” garnered particularly great popularity.

Although the song stands out for its bright and refreshing melody, the vocal line is surprisingly gentle in its rises and falls, and the range isn’t very wide.

The pitch is easy to follow as well, making it a singable choice for women in their 50s who are familiar with the track.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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SUNAHAMAAnri

SUNAHAMA

ANRI SUNAHAMA

For many women in their 50s, when you think of nostalgic female singer-songwriters, Anri likely comes to mind.

She has left us with many classic songs, but among them, the one I especially recommend as easy to sing is SUNAHAMA.

Though the vocal line has a ballad-like feel, it’s not overly mellow; it’s a blend of ennui and freshness, so there’s no need to belt it out.

The pitch changes are gentle, and there are plenty of rests, so you can sing it comfortably even at a second or third party gathering.

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