Interesting Japanese songs recommended for men in their 60s

Shirake Bird OndoMasao Komatsu

Shirake Bird Ondo – Masao Komatsu

That nostalgic song born from the TV show “Migoro! Tabegoro! Waraigoro!” Released by Masao Komatsu in 1977, this unique ondō-style tune comically shifts through the directions—south, west, north, east—while he sings.

Its lyrics satirize the then-popular notion of the “apathetic generation,” blending social irony with plenty of humor.

Known as one of Komatsu’s signature songs, it was also included on the album “Komatsu no Ooyabun.” Originating from a sketch on the show, it was promoted as a tie-in with “Migoro! Tabegoro! Waraigoro!” It’s perfect for livening up parties or karaoke.

Perhaps it’s a song that gives you the composure to laugh off life’s bitter moments.

Saizansu MamboTony Tani

Tony Tani - Saizansu Mambo

With an abacus in hand and a jaunty rhythm, this is one of Tony Tani’s hit songs, famous for the line “What’s your name?” Tony Tani himself now feels retro, and the abacus as an item also gives off a retro vibe nowadays.

Nonsensical SongBaka Sho Mondai

Nonsensical Song

It’s a song from Ponkickies that, for some reason, ended up being a hit when Bakausha Mondai sang it.

The song is extremely short, and as the title suggests, it’s kind of “nonsense” — maybe the fact that it actually works better when you sing it casually and goof around with it is what made it so good.

Theme of the Mean/Spiteful Old Ladyslapstick

Slapstick – Theme of the Mean Old Lady

A catchy and fun song that became a big hit as the theme for ‘Mean Old Lady.

‘ Slapstick was a band formed by top voice actors of the time, and I think this is probably their most famous song.

Amiami dadaba AmidababaSanma Akashiya

4 Ami Ami Dada-ba / Ami dada ba

In the Take-chan Man segment, which became the main event within Oretachi Hyōkin-zoku, Akashiya Sanma took on a variety of villain roles after the very early days, and every one of them became famous.

Most of the characters had their own funny theme songs, but here I’d like to highlight the B-side of the Amida Babaa song, which, as far as I know, wasn’t used in the show.

It’s understated, but it’s an amazing track.

Whip, s'il vous plaît.Pinky Macaron

Mysterious Change Pinky Macaron [Asumi Nakata] Whip S'il Vous Plaît Base

This is the theme song for Wonder Change Pinky Macaron, which was aired as a segment within the E-Tele children’s program Bit World.

It’s a mystery how the intro and chorus sound quite similar to the theme song of the anime HeartCatch PreCure, which aired around the same time.

Spiraling Days and DreamsTetsurō Degawa

This is a song Tetsurou Degawa sang on E-Tele’s children’s program, Tensai Terebi-kun.

To be honest, you can’t exactly call Degawa’s singing good, but the song itself is excellent, and that imbalance is oddly irresistible.