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)
Yes, with pleasure.Kent on this side
Rather than gravely lamenting how hard it is to live in modern society, Hai Yorokonde packs in a humorous sensibility and a string of irresistibly catchy, TikTok-ready phrases, making it one of 2024’s defining hits.
The multitalented Kocchino Kento also performed this song at that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, cementing his nationwide recognition—a fresh memory for many.
While showcasing the vocal prowess he honed through a cappella, the distinctive humor and the melodies and lyrics that stick in your head after a single listen, as mentioned above, make the song a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke across generations.
The rapid-fire passages do take some getting used to, but if you struggle to keep up, focus on practicing the tricky parts and memorize them well enough to sing without looking at the lyrics—you may be surprised how smoothly it comes together.
BambinaTomoyasu Hotei
Tomoyasu Hotei’s classic “Bambina.” Recently featured on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, the song has rapidly gained recognition among younger listeners.
Its appeal lies above all in its relentless, distilled rock ’n’ roll groove.
The bright guitar riff performed by Hotei is highly memorable.
Meanwhile, the vocal part is not very difficult, with a very narrow range of mid1 D# to mid2 G# and a relatively flat vocal line.
Even the highest note at the end of the chorus is at a level most people can sing in chest voice, so as long as you choose the right key, it shouldn’t be hard to sing.
Songs everyone knows across generations: A roundup of karaoke tracks you can sing regardless of age (31–40)
Love will winKAN
This song, which sings about the importance of believing in the power of music and moving forward with hope, is loved by people of all ages.
Released in September 1990, it was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV.” It later gained further exposure in the media, including being featured as an insert song on Fuji TV’s “Hokacchan no Yamada Katsutenai TV.” Said to have been composed with Billy Joel’s music in mind, the piece is simple yet carries a strong message.
It’s the perfect song for those facing difficult situations or when you want to encourage someone important to you.
It’s truly a timeless classic that anyone can sing at karaoke, regardless of age.
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster's Flower Song)Vaundy
Vaundy’s “Kaiju no Hanauta,” loved across generations, gained even more popularity after his appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen and became a massive hit, surpassing 500 million streams in 2023.
Its emotional melody is sure to move many listeners, and its open, expansive sound makes it perfect for outdoor events.
The soaring high notes and powerful shouts in the chorus will create a sense of unity when belted out at karaoke.
With its overwhelmingly pleasant resonance, Vaundy’s music helps elevate any karaoke gathering so everyone can enjoy it.
Let’s sing each moment together!
WOW WAR TONIGHT ~ Sometimes Start a MovementH Jungle with T
It’s an iconic 90s hit born from the unexpected pairing of a comedian and a music producer.
Tetsuya Komuro’s polished dance beats blend with Masatoshi Hamada’s distinctive vocals to create a powerful track that urges people in today’s weary society to take action.
Released in February 1995, it topped the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks and achieved an astounding 2.
13 million sales.
As H Jungle with T’s landmark debut single, it made a strong impact on the music scene of the time.
It’s the perfect song for when you’re feeling down or need a boost in motivation, and at karaoke it’s a staple crowd-pleaser that continues to be sung across generations.
If I'm wrapped in kindnessYumi Matsutoya
Since her debut in 1972, singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has continued to release numerous hit songs.
Her third single, “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara” (“Wrapped in Gentleness”), became widely known across generations after its album version was used as the ending theme for the 1989 film Kiki’s Delivery Service, 15 years after the original release.
Its airy, gentle melody overflows with a timeless charm that transcends eras.
With its soothing acoustic sound, it remains a beloved classic cherished by listeners of all ages.
First LoveHikaru Utada
Hikaru Utada’s “First Love” is a classic that almost everyone has heard at least once.
Unfaded by the passage of time and still beloved by many, it’s a karaoke staple that people of all ages can share.
The Netflix series “First Love” inspired by this song has likely helped it reach an even broader audience.
When it was released in 1999, Utada was only 16.
Despite her youth, the mature lyrics and melody captivated countless listeners.
Choose one of her songs at karaoke and both older and younger generations will sing along together.
In particular, “First Love” continues to resonate in our hearts as a song that finds hope amid heartbreak.