Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.
When you’re at a karaoke session with a wide range of ages, it can be hard to pick the right songs.
If you’re a working adult, you might go with colleagues or clients; if you’re a student, there may be occasions where teachers join in.
There are also more chances than you’d expect to choose songs for a broad age group, such as at karaoke contests.
In those situations, it’s tough to pick songs that every generation will recognize.
In recent years, Japanese music has been broadening—Showa-era kayōkyoku has become popular among younger generations, and some songs have achieved mega-hits through social media, gaining cross-generational recognition.
We’ll also highlight picks from angles like major event tie-ins, morning drama themes, and songs that are easy to hum along to.
We’ve gathered everything from Reiwa-era national hit songs to classic gems from the Showa and Heisei eras, so please use this as a reference.
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- Karaoke songs everyone can sing: Japanese tracks that are easy to enjoy with a group.
- A lineup of classics! Easy-to-sing Heisei-era songs, perfect for karaoke picks
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Even for those not confident in their singing! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs released in the Reiwa era
- Perfect for karaoke song choices too! Hype tracks recommended for Gen Z.
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- Popular songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and hit songs.
- A roundup of upbeat Japanese songs that get you moving
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
- Let's all dance! Uplifting dance tracks you can sing and dance to at karaoke
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
Songs everyone knows across generations: A collection of karaoke tracks anyone can sing regardless of age (1–10)
SaudadePorno Graffitti
A song with a Latin flair, it is one of Porno Graffitti’s signature tracks.
It delicately portrays the sense of loss and lingering attachment after heartbreak, as well as nostalgia for the past, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in September 2000, it topped the Oricon charts and was also used in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercial.
It was performed at the 51st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and is loved by a wide range of generations.
It’s a great karaoke choice for all ages, making it ideal for gatherings with coworkers or people of different age groups.
It’s a song that will touch the heart of anyone who has experienced heartbreak or finds themselves in a nostalgic mood.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
It’s a song that gently embraces the delicate emotions of adolescence.
It expresses the mix of childhood innocence and the anxieties of approaching adulthood, accompanied by striking guitar sounds.
Released in March 2001, it was also used as an insert song in a TV drama.
Included on the album “jupiter,” it has long been cherished as one of the band’s signature tracks.
Along with BUMP OF CHICKEN’s warm vocals, this is a piece that lets you feel both the joy and the pain of growing up.
Its themes resonate across generations, making it a perfect choice for getting everyone excited at karaoke.
cherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai Otsuka
When it comes to Ai Otsuka’s signature songs, many people probably think of this one.
It’s a track about the sweet bond between lovers, portraying a couple as adorable as cherries.
Released in December 2003 as her second single, it is also included on the album LOVE PUNCH.
Composed when Otsuka was around 18 to 19 years old, the song is characterized by its bright and energetic vibe.
It has been loved across generations, even being used as a cheer song for high school baseball.
It’s the perfect track for getting everyone hyped at karaoke or for a boost of energy.
Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing regardless of age (11–20)
A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi
Yoko Takahashi is a singer who has performed numerous anime songs under various names, including YAWMIN and Ryuko Takahashi.
Her 11th single, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, written as the opening theme for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, is striking for its majestic arrangement despite its pop sensibility.
It’s such a famous song that even people who don’t know the anime sing it, making it an easy choice when you’re unsure what to pick at karaoke.
Especially for those of the right generation, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a classic karaoke staple.
cherrySpitz
Spitz is a four-piece rock band that has enjoyed long-standing popularity thanks to their striking arrangements and lyrically rich world.
Their 13th single, “Cherry,” became a million seller despite having no commercial tie-in, and it cemented Spitz’s popularity in the 1990s as a major hit.
While the melody is catchy and easy to remember, the overall key is high, so when singing it at karaoke, adjust the key to suit your range.
With its brisk beat and airy, floating melody that evokes the feeling of spring, it’s one of Spitz’s signature songs.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
It’s one of aiko’s signature songs, where the whimsical, fairy-tale lyrics perfectly match the wistful ballad sound.
Through the changing seasons, it delicately portrays the joys and sorrows of love, resonating with many listeners.
Released in November 1999 as her fourth single, it laid the foundation for her subsequent music career.
Loved by a wide range of ages, it’s a national hit and a karaoke staple—easy to sing in any setting and a song that can be enjoyed across generations.
I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto
“Ue o Muite Arukō” is memorable for its lyrics that convey a strong will to keep looking forward and walking on, even while carrying sadness.
Released in 1961, the song became a huge hit not only in Japan but also overseas under the title “Sukiyaki.” With Kyu Sakamoto’s warm, comforting voice resonating in people’s hearts, this piece is a beloved classic of popular song cherished across generations.
That’s why it’s perfect to sing in settings where people of all ages gather.
Sing it with friends at karaoke, and it’s sure to inspire cross-generational empathy.
It’s a wonderful song that lets you share that positive feeling of holding back tears and walking with your head held high.