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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.

Playlist

Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1eastBridge of GloryyuzuSummary (20 characters): Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi” is a beloved national classic across generations and an official Olympic song.
2eastultra soulB’zSummary (20 characters): A 2001 B’z release, a karaoke staple. Features powerful rock and lyrics of courage. A live-show mainstay.
3eastUntil the world endsWANDSWANDS’s song expressed parting and loneliness, and it became a big hit as the second ending theme of Slam Dunk.
4eastMarigoldAimyonA 20-character summary: Aimyon’s “Marigold” is a singable karaoke classic beloved by all generations.
5eastcountrysideKoji TamakiKoji Tamaki’s 1996 single. As a TV drama theme song, it sold 920,000 copies. Its warm message and easy-to-sing melody are its appeal.
6eastMiracleGReeeeNA classic hit by GReeeeN. The theme is eternal love and gratitude. Perfect for weddings.
7eastdogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo HitotoYō Hitoto’s “Hanamizuki” is an anti-war song inspired by the 9/11 attacks, and it is the most frequently sung song in karaoke.
8eastcherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai OtsukaAi Otsuka’s signature song—an upbeat, lively track that sings about the sweet relationship between lovers.
9eastSaudadePorno GraffittiA signature song by Porno Graffitti. It portrays heartbreak and nostalgia and was released in 2000. It was used in a Pocari Sweat commercial.
10eastastronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKENSummary (20 characters): A signature BUMP OF CHICKEN song that expresses the complex emotions of adolescence through guitar sounds.
11eastA Cruel Angel’s ThesisYoko TakahashiSummary (20 characters): Yoko Takahashi’s “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is a hugely popular karaoke song as the Evangelion opening theme.
12eastcherrySpitzSpitz’s signature song “Cherry” is a smash hit known for its catchy melody and high vocal range.
13eastbeetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aikoOne of aiko’s signature songs. With fairy-tale-like lyrics and a wistful sound, it delicately portrays romantic feelings across the four seasons. A nationwide hit.
14eastI look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto‘Ue o Muite Arukō’ is a classic released in 1961, imbued with a strong resolve to keep moving forward even amid sorrow.
15eastpowder snowRemioromenA signature song by Remioromen, used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It is characterized by its heartrending melody.
16eastThank youIkimonogakariA 20-character summary: Ikimono-gakari’s “Arigatou” is a graduation staple with universally relatable lyrics.
17eastcherry blossomNaotaro MoriyamaA standard graduation song by Naotaro Moriyama, released in 2006. Its delicate vocals and the transience of cherry blossoms express both farewell and a fresh start.
18eastThe One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAPSummary (20 chars): SMAP’s breakup song “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” is an easy-to-sing classic that everyone knows.
19eastthreadMiyuki NakajimaMiyuki Nakajima’s “Ito” is a classic that has been covered by many artists for its powerful vocals and deeply moving message.
20eastI LOVE YOUYutaka OzakiYutaka Ozaki’s signature song “I LOVE YOU” is a karaoke favorite loved across generations, featuring delicate piano and a powerful vocal performance.
21eastTsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri IshikawaSayuri Ishikawa’s “Tsugaru Strait Winter Scene” is the famous song that led to her recognition as an enka singer.
22eastSubtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Masahiko KondoMasahiko Kondo’s signature songs and the allure of 1980s idols
23eastKanadeSukima SwitchSukima Switch’s signature song “Kanade” is characterized by poignant lyrics and a leaping melody.
24eastA Little Love SongMONGOL800MONGOL800’s “A Small Love Song” is a widely covered smash hit and a perfect choice for karaoke.
25eastA bouquet of flowers with loveSuperflyA song expressing gratitude by Superfly, featuring distinctive vocals and an emotional melody.
26eastLOVE YOU ONLYTOKIOTOKIO's 1994 debut single. It sings of pure romantic feelings and gained support as an anime theme song. Fastest appearance at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen. (20 characters)
27eastTears Flowing EndlesslyRimi NatsukawaSummary (20 characters): A classic titled in Okinawan. It sings of love for the deceased, and Rimi Natsukawa’s cover was a big hit.
28eastTSUNAMISouthern All StarsSummary (20 characters): A classic ballad by Southern All Stars released in 2000. Sold 2.936 million copies and won the Japan Record Award.
29eastYes, with pleasure.Kent on this side'Hai, Yorokonde' is the representative hit song of 2024.
30eastBambinaTomoyasu HoteiTomoyasu Hotei’s classic “Bambina” rock ’n’ roll
31eastKaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)VaundySummary (20 characters): Vaundy’s “Kaiju no Hanauta” is a smash hit with 500 million streams and guaranteed to hype up karaoke.
32eastLove will winKANA timeless 1990 release that sings of the power of music and hope. It was widely used on television.
33eastWOW WAR TONIGHT ~ Sometimes Start a MovementH Jungle with TIconic songs from the ’90s that boost motivation
34eastIf I’m wrapped in kindnessYumi MatsutoyaYumi Matsutoya’s “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumaretanara” is a famous song that became widely known through its film adaptation.
35eastFirst LoveHikaru UtadaHikaru Utada’s “First Love,” released in 1999, is a classic that remains a beloved karaoke staple for many people.
36eastloveGen HoshinoGen Hoshino’s “Koi” is a fast-tempo hit known for its dance that became a social phenomenon.
37eastidolYOASOBISummary (20 characters): YOASOBI's 'Idol' is the opening theme for the anime 'Oshi no Ko', with its melody and rap appealing to a wide audience.
38eastSakurazakaMasaharu FukuyamaSummary (20 characters): Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Sakurazaka” features poignant, real-experience lyrics, characterized by a low key and a relaxed tempo.
39eastBoyhoodYosui InoueSummary (20 characters): Yosui Inoue’s signature song “Shonen Jidai” is beloved by many for its floating, wistful melody.
40eastrainbow-coloredAyakaSummary (20 characters): Ayaka’s “Nijiiro” carries a positive message and is an easy pick for karaoke.
41eastRacing into the NightYOASOBIYOASOBI’s debut song “Yoru ni Kakeru” is a smash hit characterized by its fast beat and intricate melody.
42eastFar, far awayNoriyuki MakiharaA beloved classic across generations that sings of longing for one’s hometown and the courage to take on new challenges.
43eastUFOPink LadyA signature song by Pink Lady. Released in 1977, it won the Japan Record Award and became a huge hit, selling 1.95 million copies.
44eastTonight is the boogie backKenji Ozawa feat. Scha Dara ParrSummary (within 20 characters): A funky melody that makes you move—an Ozawa Kenji and Scha Dara Parr classic loved across generations.
45eastBallad of a SingerKazuyoshi SaitoA classic by Kazuyoshi Saito. With simple lyrics and a beautiful melody, it has been covered by many artists.
46eastPlease give me wingsRed birdA signature work by Akai Tori. With its beautiful harmonies and moving lyrics, this classic youth song has been loved across generations.
47eastLemonKenshi YonezuSummary (20 characters): Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon” is a hit featuring a shuffle beat and a melancholic melody.
48eastBecoming a Thousand WindsMasafumi AkikawaA 2006 song by Masafumi Akikawa—the first million-selling single by a classical singer—often favored for scenes commemorating the deceased.
49eastFlower of loveAimyonSummary (20 characters): The NHK Ranman theme song “Ai no Hana” is a singable love song known across generations.
50eastThe rattlesnake is comingTunnelsThe Deep Appeal of Tunnels’ Popular Songs
51eastTouchYoshimi IwasakiYoshimi Iwasaki’s “Touch” features an approachable melody and lyrics, making it a karaoke staple loved by all generations.
52east365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48Summary (20 characters): AKB48’s “365 Nichi no Kamihikōki” is a heartwarming song with lyrics and melody that’s easy to sing across generations.
53eastMasqueradeShonentaiShonentai’s debut single became a big hit.
54eastBoat SongAki YashiroA signature song by Aki Yashiro. Released in May 1979. A celebrated masterpiece that won many awards, showcasing her outstanding vocal ability.
55eastTokyo Boogie-WoogieShizuko KasagiSummary (20 characters): Shizuko Kasagi’s “Tokyo Boogie-Woogie” is a national hit song enjoyed by all ages.
56eastShut up.AdoAdo’s debut work. A song that sings of rebellion against society, featuring a powerful vocal performance and a catchy melody.
57eastCheer up!Mariya TakeuchiMariya Takeuchi’s 1988 single. A warm track with striking synths and an encouraging message that gently supports the listener.
58eastA long nightChiharu MatsuyamaChiharu Matsuyama’s 1981 shift to a rock style. A smash hit characterized by passionate lyrics and a powerful melody.