Lovely karaoke song

Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

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.

Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing regardless of age (11–20)

Thank youIkimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Thank you, Ikimono-gakari

Ikimono-gakari is captivating for vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s fresh, straightforward singing voice.

Their 18th single “Arigatou,” written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, is also beloved as a graduation ceremony staple.

With lyrics that weave an approachable message anyone can relate to, it’s sure to move listeners’ hearts at karaoke with people of any generation.

The overall tempo is relaxed and the melody is easy to remember, so be sure to practice it and add it to your repertoire.

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powder snowRemioromen

Remioromen – Powder Snow

Powder Snow Remioromen

Released in November 2005 as Remioromen’s second major single, this song was also used as an insert track in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” The lyrics, which portray a heartrending story, are memorable, expressing feelings for something precious that has been lost against a backdrop of winter scenery.

The warm vocals and melodic lines are outstanding, making it the kind of tune you can’t help but hum along to.

It drew major attention at the time as the drama’s theme song and is also known as one of Remioromen’s signature tracks, so I think it’s a song that can be enjoyed across generations!

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cherry blossomNaotaro Moriyama

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Sakura Moriyama Naotaro

Released in January 2006, it has become a beloved standard song for graduation ceremonies.

The solo piano version was cut as a single and became a major hit, reaching number one on the weekly Oricon chart.

The charm lies in Naotaro Moriyama’s delicate vocals and lyrics that skillfully capture everyday emotions.

Through the fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, it symbolizes farewells in life and new beginnings, so listening to it in spring may resonate even more deeply.

It’s a classic loved by a wide range of generations, so it’s sure to be a hit at karaoke as well.

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threadMiyuki Nakajima

thread

Thread by Miyuki Nakajima

Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter whose instantly recognizable, powerful voice and lyrical songs have earned support from listeners across generations.

Her 35th single Ito, released as a double A-side with Inochi no Betsumei, was used as the theme song for the TV drama Seija no Koushin.

In addition to the original, it has been covered by many artists, so almost everyone has heard it at least once.

With a message that stirs the heart and is sure to captivate listeners even in karaoke, it’s a classic you should sing when you’re unsure what to choose.

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The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

SMAP – The Only Flower in the World

The One and Only Flower in the World - SMAP

SMAP, a five-member idol group that enjoyed nationwide popularity but disbanded in 2016.

Their 35th single, “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana,” used as the theme song for the TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” became a massive hit, achieving triple million sales, partly in the wake of the group’s breakup.

With its narrow vocal range and relaxed melody, it’s recommended even for those who aren’t confident singers.

As a beloved classic that everyone knows, it’s a song any group can sing together at karaoke.

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I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki

Yutaka Ozaki – I LOVE YOU (Official Music Video)

I LOVE YOU by Yutaka Ozaki

Singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, who enjoyed a charismatic following with songs that powerfully voiced the feelings of youth, passed away at the young age of 26.

“I LOVE YOU,” re-released eight years after the shock of his debut album Seventeen’s Map, is known as one of his signature songs.

His powerful vocals carried by delicate piano tones, together with the lyrics’ storyline, create an atmosphere that borders on a heartfelt cry.

It’s a karaoke classic that countless men across generations have surely sung.

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Songs everyone knows across generations: A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing regardless of age (21–30)

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

Tsugaru Strait Winter Scene - Sayuri Ishikawa

Sayuri Ishikawa is a singer who debuted as an idol with the catchphrase “Columbia Princess,” and is now known as a leading figure in the enka world.

Her 15th single, “Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyu Gesiki” (Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene), was the song that led to her being recognized as a full-fledged enka singer.

It’s such a famous tune that even younger generations who aren’t very familiar with enka have likely heard it at least once, making it an easy choice for karaoke.

Conversely, if someone from a younger generation sings it, it’s sure to delight older listeners—a classic, well-known enka number.

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