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 you can sing regardless of age (31–40)
idolYOASOBI
YOASOBI has been active in a wide variety of ways on the music scene.
“Idol,” which exploded in popularity in 2023, was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Oshi no Ko and was created based on a novel by Aka Akasaka.
Its soaring melodies and fast-paced development have won support from a broad audience, and the catchy rap section is also highly popular.
Another feature is the lyrics, which are designed with audience sing-alongs at concerts in mind; singing it at karaoke would likely create a strong sense of unity.
It’s truly a song that people of all generations can enjoy.
loveGen Hoshino
Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who has gained popularity for his boundless pop sensibilities, is widely known for his 9th single “Koi,” which was used as the theme song for the TV drama “We Married as a Job!” in which he also appeared.
The dance that became a social phenomenon is famous too.
Because it’s known across generations, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and great for getting everyone hyped.
Although the song is challenging due to its fast tempo and wide melodic leaps, it’s a lot of fun once you can sing it—so definitely give it some practice.
BoyhoodYosui Inoue
You can grasp the appeal of Yosui Inoue’s songwriting skill and singing voice in an instant by listening to his signature song “Shonen Jidai” (“Boyhood”).
Its lingering melody and ensemble, woven from a sense of floating lightness and wistful melancholy, have even been included in middle and high school textbooks and are beloved by many.
This song is perhaps the best example of Inoue’s musicality.
At the same time, with its simple melody and slower tempo, it’s an easy pick for karaoke.
Since people across generations know it, it might be nice for parents and children to sing together.
SakurazakaMasaharu Fukuyama
Masaharu Fukuyama is a singer-songwriter widely known across generations as both an actor and a musician, and he continues to work energetically today.
His 15th single, “Sakurazaka,” used as the theme song for the “Mirai Nikki V” segment on the variety show “Uunnan no Hontoko!,” features a heartbreaking, autobiographical lyric story that really tugs at the heart.
With its overall low key and relaxed tempo, it’s likely easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.
It’s a double-million-selling number that fires up karaoke sessions with any group, and of course resonates with listeners of his generation as well.
rainbow-coloredAyaka
Ayaka is a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for her rich, gospel-influenced vocals.
Her 13th single, Nijiiro, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hanako to Anne, is a memorable number with a positive message.
With a relatively narrow vocal range and a not-too-high key, it’s an easy choice for karaoke.
Its uplifting melody captivates listeners across generations—this is a song you’ll definitely want to have in your repertoire.
Songs everyone knows across generations: A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing regardless of age (41–50)
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
YOASOBI is a music duo whose members are each popular in their individual activities and continue to attract attention both in Japan and abroad.
Their first digital-only single, Yoru ni Kakeru, was a massive hit that made a powerful impression of the artist YOASOBI despite being their debut track.
Its complex melody over a fast beat is guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke.
It takes practice to sing well, but it’s recommended for karaoke with any generation—a pop tune you’ll want to add to your repertoire.
Far, far awayNoriyuki Makihara
A song that anyone can hum along to, like a “gift of song.” Its message, interweaving feelings for one’s hometown with the resolve to take on new challenges, is sure to move everyone.
Included on the 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” (“You Are My Treasure”), this track has remained beloved by many despite never being released as a single.
In 2006, it was featured in an NTT East Japan commercial, resonating with a new generation.
Easy to sing at karaoke and featuring lyrics that people of all ages can relate to, it’s perfect for gatherings with a wide age range, such as office parties and class reunions.