Lovely karaoke song

[2025] Carefully selected J‑Pop songs that are easy to sing a cappella and make you want to try singing!

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

A cappella, which consists only of human voices, offers all kinds of discoveries and surprises when you listen—like “Human voices are this versatile” and “What beautiful harmony.” In Japan, there are groups like The Gospellers that create J-pop hits in the a cappella format, and many people may be thinking about giving a cappella a try.

This time, for a cappella beginners and those forming a group and wondering what songs to sing, we’ll introduce classic J-pop songs that are great to try in a cappella.

We’ve also included videos of actual a cappella covers, so please use them as a reference!

[2025] Carefully selected J-pop songs that are easy to sing a cappella and ones you’ll want to try singing! (1–10)

KISS OF LIFEKen Hirai

KISS OF LIFE – Ken Hirai [A cappella]

KISS OF LIFE Ken Hirai

The lively rhythm that incorporates a garage-style beat blends exquisitely with lyrics themed around love and healing.

Expressing emotions that words alone can’t convey through the act of a kiss, this work was released as a single in May 2001 and reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart that same year.

Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

m.

drama “Love Revolution,” it became a turning point in Ken Hirai’s career.

It’s also perfect for enjoying harmonies in an a cappella arrangement.

By singing together, you’ll feel the warmth the song carries even more deeply.

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Let's become a familyMasaharu Fukuyama

EPV-0011 Let's Become a Family [A cappella, 6 voices]

Let's become a family - Masaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama’s 27th single warmly portrays family bonds passed from parents to children and into the future.

Released in August 2011, it captured many hearts as the theme song for the wedding magazine Zexy’s TV commercial.

Notably, it was produced in just seven weeks while his tour was suspended due to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The single topped the Oricon weekly chart and became a massive hit, setting the record at the time for the highest total sales by a male solo artist.

It was also performed at the 62nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and has been covered by many artists, remaining beloved across generations.

Highly recommended as a song to sing at weddings or family celebrations.

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Blue amberNEW!back number

back number – Blue Amber [Theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m. drama 'From the Day I Took You']

Blue Amber NEW! back number

There are actually many people who say, “I want to sing back number songs because there are so many good ones, but they’re too high for me…” In that case, how about “Blue Amber,” released in 2025? It’s not an upbeat song, but if you like back number, you’ll surely be drawn to its emotional vibe.

The overall vocal range is C3 to B4, which is quite narrow for back number.

That said, there are a lot of switches between chest voice and falsetto.

You don’t need to imitate the singing style perfectly—just focus on which voice feels the best for you to sing with!

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[2025] Carefully Selected J-Pop Songs That Are Easy to Sing A Cappella and Make You Want to Try Singing! (11–20)

Cheer of StarlightGReeeeN

[Tried Singing] Hoshikage no Yell / GReeeeN M/V [Yokaroumon × Yonsen Toushin] [A Cappella Cover] – NHK Morning Drama “Yell” Theme Song

An Encouragement of Star Shadows by GReeeeN

This is a song by GReeeeN released in June 2020 as the theme for NHK’s morning drama series “Yell.” It sings of starlight guiding people on their paths and portrays the importance of supporting one another even in difficult times.

The harmonies of the four members—who also work as dentists—are beautiful, and the arrangement shines even in a cappella.

Upon its digital release in May 2020, the song debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Digital Singles chart.

Their performance at the Kohaku Uta Gassen, featuring silhouette visuals enhanced by CG technology, also drew attention.

It’s a perfect song for moments when you feel lost in life, want to cheer on someone dear to you, or wish to unite voices with friends and sing together.

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The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster 'The World Is Smiling at You' Short Ver.

The world is smiling at you Little Glee Monster

Watch “Sekai wa Anata ni Waraikaketeiru (The World Is Smiling at You) by Little Glee Monster” on YouTube

A signature song by Little Glee Monster, known for their powerful vocals and moving harmonies.

Centered on the themes of “smiles” and “a positive outlook,” the track conveys the importance of staying true to yourself at all times, set to a refreshing melody.

It was selected as Coca-Cola’s annual image song and won the Composition Award at the 60th Japan Record Awards.

At the 2018 Kohaku Uta Gassen, they delivered a moving performance alongside about 200 students.

Singing it together with friends brings out the song’s charm even more.

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Love Love LoveKen Hirai

Love Love Love (Ken Hirai) _A cappella_ Kanato (Canadian)

Love Love Love Ken Hirai

A medium-tempo ballad distinguished by a gospel-inspired chorus that seems to echo the heartbeat of love.

It delicately portrays universally relatable romantic emotions: the budding feeling of love in one’s chest, the irrepressible longing to see someone, and the countless moments in everyday life when that person comes to mind.

Released in May 1998 as Ken Hirai’s seventh single, the song was used as the opening theme for the TBS variety show “Ai no Hinadan.” Sung a cappella, Ken Hirai’s soulful voice and warm harmonies stand out, conveying the nuances of emotion even more vividly alongside its gospel elements.

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TSUNAMISouthern All Stars

TSUNAMI / Southern All Stars (Acappella covered by Mutou BLACK)

TSUNAMI Southern All Stars

A captivating song featuring beautiful harmonies that stir the emotions.

Released as a single in January 2000, it was chosen as the theme song for a popular segment on the TV show “U-nan no Hontoko!”.

The poignant, profound lyrics liken the sorrow of heartbreak to a tsunami, and they blend perfectly with a piano-centered melody—together achieving an astonishing total sales record of about 2.

936 million copies.

The poetic expressions crafted by Keisuke Kuwata are likely to convey even more emotion when sung a cappella.

Highly recommended for those who’ve just formed an a cappella group or for anyone seeking to pursue beautifully blended vocal harmonies.

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