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 (41–50)

365 Days' Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

365-Day Paper Airplane AKB48

When it comes to a karaoke song that can be enjoyed across generations, AKB48’s “365-Nichi no Kamihikōki” (365 Days of Paper Airplanes) is a great pick.

The song features touching lyrics and a warm acoustic sound, and it gained popularity as the theme for an NHK morning drama series.

Its lyrics offer everyday encouragement, and their gentle tone resonates with a wide range of ages.

The vocal range isn’t wide and there are no fast-paced parts, making it easy to sing for both children and adults.

Enjoy a heartwarming time at karaoke with its friendly, familiar melody.

Raise the rankinglower

Songs everyone knows across generations: a roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing regardless of age (51–60)

MasqueradeShonentai

Masquerade / Shonentai

Masquerade Shonentai

Many listeners were surely captivated by its dazzling, danceable sound that kicks off with a 5/4-time intro.

Released in 1985, Shonentai’s debut single topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and went on to dominate TBS’s music program “The Best Ten,” holding the No.

1 spot for six consecutive weeks, leaving a major mark on the music scene.

Arranger Motoki Funayama crafted the track with the goal of creating a “million-selling song,” and together with slap bass and a rich array of percussion, it’s a number brimming with appeal that even office workers can enjoy casually.

It’s guaranteed to instantly transform the atmosphere of any venue into something bright and festive.

Raise the rankinglower

Flower of loveAimyon

Aimyon – Flower of Love [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Flower of Love Aimyon

If it’s a TV drama theme song, it’s widely known across generations, so it’s easy to get everyone excited.

Among them, I recommend Aimyon’s “Ai no Hana.” It was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Ranman.” The fact that the show itself is supported by a broad range of age groups is another plus.

Also, since it’s a relaxed ballad, it’s easy to sing, and it’s perfect for those who feel shy about intense love songs.

At the same time, it has parts where you can sing powerfully, which makes for some great moments to amp up the energy.

Raise the rankinglower

TouchYoshimi Iwasaki

Touch

Touch Iwasaki Yoshimi

Yoshimi Iwasaki’s “Touch,” beloved across a wide range of generations, is a classic karaoke recommendation.

Especially since the Reiwa era, this song has been loved by people of all ages, ranking on karaoke charts across every age group.

Its familiar, catchy melody and lyrics are its charm.

The chorus is pleasantly light and upbeat, lifting not only your mood but also the atmosphere of the room.

It creates moments where participants connect through music.

It’s perfect for getting the party going with friends or for singing across generations.

With the universal appeal of “Touch,” make your fun times even richer.

Raise the rankinglower

Boat SongAki Yashiro

Aki Yashiro / Funauta (Boat Song)

Funauta Aki Yashiro

One of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs, it was released in May 1979.

It has received numerous awards, including the Gold Prize at the 21st Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music Award at the 10th Japan Kayō Awards.

It’s no exaggeration to call this masterpiece a treasure of Japanese enka and popular song.

Yashiro’s vocal performance is truly outstanding—her vocal skill and expressive power are something anyone can sense at first listen.

Raise the rankinglower

Tokyo Boogie-WoogieShizuko Kasagi

Shizuko Kasagi – Tokyo Boogie-Woogie [Music Video]

Tokyo Boogie-Woogie Kasagi Shizuko

If you’re looking for classic karaoke songs that people of any generation can enjoy, you can’t leave out Shizuko Kasagi’s “Tokyo Boogie-Woogie.” It’s been used in many TV commercials and carries a nostalgic warmth that evokes the world of NHK’s morning drama “Boogie Woogie,” making it truly worthy of being called a national hit song.

Released by Kasagi in 1947, the song has been loved across eras, inspiring numerous local versions.

At karaoke, the original is great, of course, but singing a regional version is sure to get the crowd going.

It’s a song brimming with charm that lifts the hearts of listeners of all ages.

Raise the rankinglower

Shut up.Ado

[Ado] Shut Up

Shut Up by Ado

Ado’s debut work became a huge sensation right after its release, surpassing 36 million views in just three months after it came out in October 2020.

It’s also included on her 2022 album “Kyogen.” The song gives voice to the feelings of young people rebelling against social oppression, and its powerful vocals and catchy melody are irresistible.

The chorus, which repeats the title, leaves a strong impression and really sticks in your head.

If you sing it at karaoke, you’ll definitely feel refreshed.

It was a massive hit at the time, making it perfect for getting everyone pumped up together.

Raise the rankinglower