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

Cinderella HoneymoonHiromi Iwasaki

Hiromi Iwasaki — Cinderella Honeymoon

Hiromi Iwasaki’s classic “Cinderella Honeymoon,” frequently used on variety shows and the like, was once treated almost like a comic song, but nowadays it can surely be called a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The song’s easiest-to-sing point is, above all, the chorus.

While the highest notes appear in the pre-chorus, that high phrase only lasts about three to four seconds, and the chorus itself sits in the mid-to-lower range, making it a song that doesn’t depend on the singer’s vocal range.

Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa

Crossing Amagi Pass

Sayuri Ishikawa, now widely known as a grand dame of the enka world, enjoys enduring popularity.

Her 45th single, “Amagi-goe,” was produced with the concept of creating a high-difficulty piece that only Sayuri Ishikawa could sing during the karaoke boom of the 1980s.

With its wide pitch range and leaps, it’s not an easy song, but because it’s so well known, it’s great fun to sing together with friends.

Add expressive dynamics and you’re sure to bring the house down at karaoke—this timeless classic never fails to excite.

Cotton HandkerchiefHiromi Ohta

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

This is a song released by Hiromi Ohta in 1975.

Written by Takashi Matsumoto and composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi—the golden duo of the time—it became an explosive hit.

The song portrays a long-distance romance in an era without smartphones or email, and it makes you feel as if you’re watching a self-contained drama.

With a moderately up-tempo rhythm and a straightforward melodic line, it’s a song that appeals to everyone and is fun to sing.

Don't give up on your dreamsTakako Okamura

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

After her success as a member of Amin, Takako Okamura also flourished as a singer-songwriter.

She has an exceptionally clear voice and excels at simple vocals that make the most of her tone.

“Yume wo Akiramenaide” is one of her signature songs.

Its range is narrow and there’s not much vibrato, so simply staying on pitch is enough to aim for a high score.

While the scarcity of long tones makes it a bit harder to rack up bonus points with vibrato or falls, the pitch is undeniably easy to follow—so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng

Let yourself go with the flow of time

It’s a song that makes you wonder if there’s any other piece that suits the word “ichizu” (single-minded/devoted) this well.

Perhaps the word “ichizu” used to carry a bit more weight in the past? Since it’s a slow-tempo song, even people in their 60s should be able to sing along just fine while looking at the lyric sheet.

For the A and B sections, keep it relaxed and easygoing, and then project your voice a little for the chorus—that should be enough.

If you sing it too energetically, you might spoil the mood of the piece.

Even just following the lyrics with your eyes can be deeply moving.

To Marie on Fifth AvenuePedro & Capricious

To Marie on Fifth Avenue

The classic “Gohbangai no Marie e” by Pedro & Capricious, released in 1973.

It’s from the period when Mariko Takahashi was the vocalist, and it’s still a song you often hear on TV today.

The piece sits within a typical female vocal range of mid1 E to high C.

The vocal line is gentle and easy to follow pitch-wise, and while the range itself isn’t difficult, the sustained higher notes from the middle of the chorus onward require a certain level of stamina.

Since the song doesn’t feature much low range, if you’re unsure about sustaining the high notes, try lowering the key by one or two semitones.

Playback Part 2Momoe Yamaguchi

Momoe Yamaguchi Playback Part 2

Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic “Playback Part 2,” which gained nationwide popularity with its novel setting at a traffic accident scene.

While the song features a somewhat unconventional structure, including bold break points, it boasts exceptional singability thanks to its very narrow range of mid2 A# to Hi A#.

The tricky part is the section that enters the chorus after the late-stage break point, so be sure to count the beats carefully before you come in.

It’s a huge hit at karaoke, so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.