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 roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing regardless of age (21–30)
Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Masahiko Kondo
This song, released in 1981, is one of Masahiko Kondo’s signature tracks that brought a fresh breeze to the idol pop scene of the time.
It strikes a perfect balance between flashy idol flair and restrained subtlety, captivating listeners with lyrics that weave in English phrases and a catchy rhythm.
It was also included on the album “Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku,” released in December of the same year, and was used in a commercial for House Foods’ “Kukure Curry.” The song marked his debut appearance at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a recommended pick when you want to get hyped with people of the same generation or savor a nostalgic Showa-era mood.
KanadeSukima Switch
Sukima Switch is a two-member music duo whose down-to-earth yet subtly themed lyrics continue to captivate fans.
Their second single, Kanade, which has been featured in numerous tie-ins including the film Rough, is still known as their signature song.
Its heartrending lyrical story likely resonates with many listeners across generations, who reflect on their own experiences with a twinge of sadness.
While the tempo is gentle, the melody contains many leaps, so it takes practice to perform it well—why not give it a try?
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
MONGOL800 burst into the domestic rock scene after their 2001 album MESSAGE became a massive hit.
Their signature song, Chiisana Koi no Uta, is a smash number that, despite not being released as a single, has been covered by many musicians.
Its fast tempo makes it a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke, and because the overall key is low, it’s recommended even for those who aren’t confident singers.
It’s a gem of a rock tune that’s also fun to harmonize on with friends.
A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly
This song by Superfly, which captivates listeners with its overwhelming vocal power, expresses gratitude to family and loved ones by likening it to a bouquet of flowers.
Released in April 2008, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).
Shiho Ochi’s distinctive vocals and the emotionally stirring melody convey the lyrics’ message even more deeply.
It’s a perfect song for weddings and special occasions.
Her singing voice really draws you in.
LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO
TOKIO’s debut single, released in September 1994.
The lyrics, which strikingly portray an earnest love tinged with hesitation, are infused with unwavering affection and passion for the other person, gripping listeners’ hearts.
It was also used as the opening theme for season 3 of the Fuji TV anime “Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai,” earning widespread support.
In December 1994, the group made an appearance at the 45th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, setting a record for the fastest invitation—just three months and ten days after their debut.
The melody and lyrics make it a pleasure to sing at reunions and gatherings with friends.
It’s a song that lets everyone have fun and get excited while reminiscing about the pure love of their younger days.
TSUNAMISouthern All Stars
Just hearing the intro, with its strikingly beautiful piano melody, is enough to make a bittersweet emotion well up in your chest—many of you might feel the same.
Released in January 2000, this timeless ballad by Southern All Stars also became widely beloved as the theme song for the popular TV show segment “Mirai Nikki III” on “U-nan no Hontoko!”.
The song achieved an astonishing 2.
936 million sales and won the Grand Prize at the 42nd Japan Record Awards.
Its lyrics, which overlay an uncontainable yearning for a beloved person with the irresistible forces of nature, deeply stir the listener’s heart.
With a melody known across generations, it’s sure to resonate even at karaoke with your boss, gently filling the room with moving emotion.
Tears Flowing EndlesslyRimi Natsukawa
This song, whose title comes from the Okinawan language, is a gem that sings of deep love and nostalgia for those who have passed away.
Its lyrics, reflecting on the evening sky, are filled with a gentle warmth that resonates with listeners.
When Rimi Natsukawa’s cover version was released in March 2002, it topped the annual charts of Okinawan radio stations.
It then gained nationwide recognition and became a massive hit, selling over 1.
2 million copies in total.
The song was also featured in 2006 as the CM song for ANA’s Okinawa route, winning even more hearts.
Quietly expressing the feeling of thinking of someone dear, this piece is recommended as a song that can bring people together across generations wherever they gather.