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

Sailor Suit and Machine GunHiroko Yakushimaru

Sailor Fukuto Kikanju (Original Version)

It was the theme song for the Kadokawa film “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun.” Hiromi Yakushimaru, who burst onto the scene like a shooting star, was incredibly cute.

The song is pleasantly straightforward, so I think it’s suitable for beginners.

You can sing it without using very high or very low notes, so it’s reassuring even for people in their 60s whose vocal range has narrowed a bit.

It’s also a song with a nostalgic, era-defining feel, so be sure to sing it when the conversation turns to reminiscences!

Marilyn in 1986Minako Honda

Minako Honda – Marilyn in 1986

Minako Honda, who gained popularity with a singing ability you wouldn’t expect from an idol, is still highly regarded by some fans for her vocal performances even after her passing.

Her signature song “Marilyn in 1986” is actually one of the least difficult pieces among her works.

As evidence, it sits within a relatively narrow range of mid1 G# to high C#.

The most frequent notes are in the low-to-mid register, so singers of virtually any voice type should be able to handle it without issue.

The vocal line is very gentle, and the mid-tempo pace makes it easy to sing, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Light Blue LetterShizue Abe

Light Blue Letter Shizue Abe

This is a song released in 1973 by Shizue Abe, who was affectionately known at the time by the nickname “Shii-chan.” For the opening spoken line, it’s best to hold the microphone firmly with both hands, bring it up in front of your chest, and deliver the line.

If you aim for an elegant atmosphere, I think it will bring out the song’s qualities even more.

If I'm wrapped in kindnessYumi Arai

Wrapped in Gentleness – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya)

It has a very gentle melody reminiscent of a Western nursery rhyme.

If you’re a woman in your 60s who feels “I’m not so good at karaoke…,” please give this song a try.

There’s one high note near the end of the chorus, but don’t worry too much about it—just have fun singing.

This song also gained attention as the ending theme of the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

It’s a great choice for karaoke with small children, too.

Invisible ManPink Lady

Invisible Man

Pink Lady’s classic hit “Invisible Man,” which made waves for its distinctive theme and lyrics.

Although the song exudes a very lively vibe, it was released early in their career, and its overall difficulty is relatively low.

In fact, the vocal range is fairly narrow, and the melody line isn’t complex.

Easy to sing yet guaranteed to get a crowd going, this track is perfectly suited as an upbeat number for women in their 60s.

applauseNaomi Chiaki

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

Chiaki Naomi’s signature song.

It won the Japan Record Award, and in the same year she also performed this song, “Kassai” (Applause), at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Because it’s a mid-tempo piece, it should be easy to sing even for people who aren’t used to karaoke.

If you sing with an awareness of the gentle verse A that evokes the past and the powerful verse B that recalls a loved one, it might give your performance more contrast.

Many artists have covered it, so it could be fun to look for a version of “Kassai” that’s easy for women in their 60s to sing.

Love FugueThe Peanuts

The Peanuts - Lovers’ Fugue

A song released in 1967 by the twin-sister duo, The Peanuts.

It features a thunderous timpani in the intro, followed by an intense horn section and the Peanuts’ dynamic vocals, making it a striking piece.

It’s a song that’s more fun to sing as a duet with someone than to perform alone.