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 (51–60)

Cheer up!Mariya Takeuchi

Genki wo dashite

Cheer up, Mariya Takeuchi

Released in November 1988 as Mariya Takeuchi’s 17th single, this song is a mid-tempo track with a beautiful atmosphere, highlighted by its distinctive synth accompaniment.

The lyrics, filled with words of encouragement, carry a warmth that tightly grips the heart, resonating with listeners across generations.

It was also used in a SEIKO commercial, becoming a piece that gently accompanies many people’s feelings.

It’s recommended for times when you want to overcome heartbreak or tough situations, or when you want to encourage a friend.

This work is a song that can be enjoyed at karaoke by people of all ages.

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A long nightChiharu Matsuyama

A long night

A Long Night Chiharu Matsuyama

A heartrending song that portrays straightforward love and passion.

It fully showcases Chiharu Matsuyama’s appeal as a folk singer.

Released in 1981, this work marked an ambitious shift from his earlier folk style to a more rock-oriented sound.

It became a major hit, selling a total of 866,000 copies, and remains one of Matsuyama’s signature songs.

A karaoke staple sung by people of all ages, its passionate lyrics and powerful melody make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when performed with emotion.

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In conclusion

We’ve rounded up a wide range of well-known songs across generations.

In addition to hits from the Reiwa era, we’ve picked out classic tracks from the Heisei and Showa eras, featuring many artists across various genres and genders.

These are all karaoke staples, so feel free to choose how you enjoy them—get everyone singing and hyped, or perform a heartfelt ballad—whatever suits the song.