From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: songs that sound cool when you can really sing them
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!
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- Easy-to-sing karaoke songs recommended for men in their 50s
- Classic Showa-era songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- Karaoke songs for men in their 40s: a curated selection of hit tracks women want to hear!
- A lineup of classics! Easy-to-sing Heisei-era songs, perfect for karaoke picks
- [For Men in Their 40s] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
- Karaoke songs popular with women that they want men to sing
- [2025] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- [Popular and Crowd-Pleasing!] Stylish Song Selections and Karaoke Tracks
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- [50s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]
From Showa-era Kayōkyoku to Pop: Cool Songs to Master (31–40)
cherry blossomKyogo Kawaguchi
Kyogo Kawaguchi’s ‘Sakura’ is a wonderfully soothing spring song featuring his stunningly beautiful vocals.
While there are many songs about cherry blossoms, this track stands out with its overwhelming sense of atmosphere and a voice that carries a touch of melancholy.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing every time spring arrives, and it’ll likely be a strong addition to your karaoke repertoire this season.
Morning silhouetteShogo Hamada
A song by singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada, who made his major debut as the drummer of the rock band Aido and, even after going solo, is known for his extremely limited media exposure.
Included as the B-side to his 7th single “Kaze o Kanjite” (“Feel the Wind”), the track’s bluesy yet somehow refreshing arrangement evokes the image suggested by its title.
The rich chorus in the hook makes it a pleasure to sing at karaoke.
With lyrical lyrics and a soulful melody, it’s a tasteful number you’ll want to deliver with cool, understated finesse.
Farewell, my loverMasaaki Sakai
Masakazu Sakai is famous not only as an actor but also for being able to do just about anything—singing, street performance, and more.
His song “Saraba Koibito” (Farewell, My Lover) is one of his signature hit songs, known for being a long-running success that ranked in the yearly Oricon Top 10 in 1970.
Although it’s a breakup song, the melody is exceptionally sweet and maintains a gentle tone throughout.
If you sing it at karaoke, those qualities can help you project a cool, mature vibe!
Forever with youYuzo Kayama
It was released in 1965 as Yuzo Kayama’s fifth single.
The song was used as the theme for the film The Young Graduate of the Electric Guitar, starring Kayama, and became a massive hit, selling over three million copies.
Covered by many artists, it is one of Yuzo Kayama’s signature songs, known for its striking lyrics that sing of straightforward love.
Farewell, Ari.Eikichi Yazawa
It was released in 1994 as Eikichi Yazawa’s 36th single.
The song was used as the theme for the drama of the same name, “Ari yo Saraba,” in which Yazawa starred, and it reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto and the music was composed by Eikichi Yazawa.
It became his second best-selling song.
From Showa-era kayō to pop: Cool songs to master (41–50)
JUST BECAUSETHE JAYWALK
The debut single by the rock band J-WALK, who became one of the defining bands of the 1990s thanks to the massive hit “Nani mo Ienakute… Natsu.” The ensemble, where an emotionally charged vocal layers over a spacious, dramatic piano intro, has a refined coolness.
With a classic rock-ballad style, its lyrical arrangement and poignant melody exude a timeless, nostalgic charm that doesn’t fade with changing eras.
It’s a ballad number that remains cool and unfaded whether sung by those who experienced it in real time or by younger generations.
No, that's not it.Masayuki Suzuki
Just his look alone is downright cool—Masayuki Suzuki’s signature song “Chigau, Sou Janai.” Its funky groove and rhythmic beat are sure to get the crowd going at karaoke.
Since he has such a distinctive voice, you can try imitating him or sing it in your own style—either way, it works.