Lovely karaoke song

From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: songs that sound cool when you can really sing them

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, I built experience with a major label as a composer and producer. I then moved to the United States and studied voice and singing under Elizabeth Sabine, one of Los Angeles’s top vocal coaches, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal technique advocated by Sabine. After returning to Japan, I have been involved in training and producing a variety of singers. My direction, which brings out the full appeal of both the music and the vocalist, is highly regarded. In the collaboration video with Vo. ryuichi of the band Guild below, I handled keyboards, vocal direction, and sound production. For inquiries and requests regarding voice training and music production, please contact me via the website below. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-402518821

Many of you probably want to sing cool, deep tracks at karaoke with style.

In particular, Showa-era kayōkyoku and New Music, as well as early-to-mid Heisei J-POP, are packed with timeless masterpieces that still sound fresh decades after their release—a real treasure trove of cool, mature songs.

It’s precisely because of that universal appeal that these songs continue to be sung by today’s younger generation.

In this article, I’ll introduce plenty of those songs that, if you can pull them off, will give you that sophisticated edge.

I’ve picked selections mainly from Japanese music of the ’70s through the ’90s, with some of the latest J-POP mixed in, so use this as a reference when choosing songs for karaoke!

From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: Cool songs to master (21–30)

One more time,One more chanceMasayoshi Yamazaki

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

One more time, One more chance Masayoshi Yamazaki

Masayoshi Yamazaki’s signature song “One more time, One more chance.” The way he delivers it with just an acoustic guitar is truly gallant and cool.

Above all, I’m captivated by the beauty of his voice.

With a gentle vocal that ebbs and flows, it’s a ballad that can instantly take over the atmosphere at karaoke.

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Days in rosy huesTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Rose-Colored Days

Rosy Days THE YELLOW MONKEY

The rock band THE YELLOW MONKEY, led by Kazuya Yoshii, had everyone captivated by those sexy vocals.

They have many classic songs, and in all of them the singing is exquisite.

If you can pull off their tracks at karaoke, it’s seriously cool.

Bring all the sexiness you’ve got and go for it!

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From Showa-era Kayōkyoku to Pop: Cool Songs to Master (31–40)

GIFTMr.Children

Mr.Children「GIFT」Music Video(Short ver.)

GIFTMr.Children

It was released in 2008 as Mr.

Children’s 32nd single.

The song was used as the theme for NHK’s broadcasts of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, and from January 2012 it was also featured in Shiseido’s MAQuillAGE commercials.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly singles chart and is one of Mr.

Children’s most popular songs.

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Last sceneTomoyasu Hotei

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – Last Scene

Last Scene Tomoyasu Hotei

It was released in 1996 as Tomoyasu Hotei’s 11th single.

Issued as the lead single for King & Queen, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Contrary to Hotei’s striking appearance, it’s a gentle, warm ballad and is highly regarded as a classic adult ballad.

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Easy★RiderTamio Okuda

Tamio Okuda “Easy★Rider” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Easy★Rider Tamio Okuda

It was released in 1996 as Tamio Okuda’s sixth single.

In addition to being used in a Nissan “Wingroad” commercial, it had many other tie-ins and became a long-running hit.

The song has a laid-back vibe and evokes a sense of masculine romance.

It’s a piece you’ll want to sing with a voice that conveys a man’s ruggedness and depth.

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MapleSpitz

Spitz / Kaede

Kaede Spitz

Released in 1998 as Spitz’s 19th single.

It was a single cut from the album “Fake Fur” and was used as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

Although it peaked at No.

10 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, its poignant lyrics and sound have made it one of Spitz’s most popular songs.

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ON THE ROADPistol Takehara

Takeyama Pistol – ON THE ROAD (Live Short Ver.)

ON THE ROAD Takeshi 'Pistol' Takahara

A man admired by men: Pistol Takehara.

With just a guitar, the way he sings so passionately is incredibly powerful and cool.

I can’t help but think how amazing it would feel to belt out his songs like that.

Even without a deep voice like his, if you sing with feeling, I’m sure you can deliver a great song!

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