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 (41–50)
UFOPink Lady
This is a signature song by Pink Lady, who sparked a massive boom in the 1970s.
It’s known for its catchy melody and innovative choreography.
The lyrics, themed around encounters and romance with extraterrestrial beings, evoke a sense of yearning for the unknown.
Released in December 1977, it won the 20th Japan Record Award.
It was a huge hit, with official sales reaching 1.
95 million copies.
The song has been featured in Nissin Foods commercials and the anime Crayon Shin-chan, making it popular across generations.
At karaoke, it’s sure to get the crowd going if you sing it while mimicking the distinctive dance moves.
Tonight is the boogie backKenji Ozawa feat. Scha Dara Parr
With its funky rhythm and buoyant melody, this track is so full of magical euphoria that anyone who hears it will find their body moving before they know it! It captures both a lightness that makes you forget the bustle of the city and an intimate exhilaration like chatting with friends all night long.
The lyrics convey a sense of liberation from everyday life and the joy of sharing sparkling moments with your crew, setting listeners’ hearts dancing.
Released in March 1994 as an unexpected collaboration between Kenji Ozawa and Scha Dara Parr that shook the music scene at the time, it also drew attention as a P’PARCO commercial song.
More recently, in 2022, a fresh mashup version by tofubeats featured in Suntory’s Horoyoi commercial—still vivid in our memories.
With a catchiness loved across generations, it’s guaranteed to create a sense of unity and get the room buzzing if you sing it with your boss and coworkers at company karaoke! It’s easygoing and fun, making it a foolproof pick when you’re unsure what to choose.
Ballad of a SingerKazuyoshi Saito
A masterpiece crafted by Kazuyoshi Saito.
It’s a simple yet deeply moving song, with lyrics that sink into the heart and a beautiful melody.
Released in December 1997, it has been loved across generations and covered by many artists.
Musicians like Bank Band and Tamio Okuda have each offered their own interpretations, which speaks to the song’s depth.
It’s a great choice for karaoke, enjoyable regardless of age.
If you sing it with sincerity, it will surely resonate with someone.
When you want to convey your feelings to someone special, why not give it a try? With a gentle, heartfelt voice, you can create a truly special moment.
Please give me wingsRed bird
Since its release in 1971, this song has continued to be loved by many music fans.
It’s known as a signature work of the folk group Akai Tori.
For those who listened to it in real time, of course, and even for younger generations, you may have sung it in music class during your school years.
Its beautiful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics are captivating, expressing a longing for freedom and the pursuit of dreams.
The song was also featured at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, capturing even more hearts.
It’s a true classic youth anthem that resonates across generations!
LemonKenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who has drawn attention for his sophisticated musicality and continues to evolve, wrote his eighth major single “Lemon” as the theme song for the TV drama Unnatural.
The track made his name known to a wide audience.
With its bouncy shuffle beat and highly dynamic melody, it may be challenging, yet fun to sing.
Its wistful atmosphere captivates listeners even in karaoke, making it a highly recommended mega-hit when you’re unsure what to choose.
Becoming a Thousand WindsMasafumi Akikawa
This piece is known as a moving masterpiece.
Its lyrics, which express feelings for the departed through symbols of nature, are especially striking.
Released in May 2006, it became a social phenomenon thanks to Masafumi Akikawa’s majestic vocals.
He became the first classical singer to top the Oricon singles chart, and the song went on to be a million-selling hit.
It is often performed at funerals and memorial services and is frequently heard in moments of remembrance.
It’s also recommended when you want to be soothed by a gentle singing voice.
The rattlesnake is comingTunnels
With its cheerful, upbeat sound, this opening theme for the Fuji TV variety show “Tunnels’ Thanks to Everyone” captured the hearts of viewers.
Released by Tunnels in January 1992, the song brilliantly fuses Yasushi Akimoto’s clever wordplay with Tsugutoshi Goto’s lively melody.
At first glance it seems like a simple, fun story, but its lyrics are appealingly dual-layered, allowing for deeper, more adult interpretations.
Reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts for the first time and selling 1.
409 million copies, the song has been loved across borders, with covers in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
It’s the perfect track to liven up parties and gatherings, delivering a joyful moment that gets your body moving.