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!
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- [For Men] Cool, Popular Songs That Impress at Karaoke
- 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 kayō to pop: Cool songs to master (41–50)
Azusa No. 2hunter
This is a signature song by a male duo from the Showa era.
I love folk songs from this period! In “Azusa No.
2,” the A and B sections are relatively quiet, but once the chorus hits and the harmonies come in, it suddenly soars! It’s incredibly cool and feels so good to sing! The harmony is basically a third below, but since the main melody’s chorus sits around G4 and has that belting quality, the harmony should come in firmly so it doesn’t get overshadowed.
When entering the chorus, listen carefully to the backing track and breathe together so you both come in at the same time! The unison at the end of the chorus after all that harmonizing is wonderful, too.
It might be a somewhat wistful song, but when the harmonies lock in, it’ll give you goosebumps—so definitely find a partner and give it a try!
From Showa-era Kayōkyoku to Pop: Cool Songs to Master (51–60)
The Scent of CyclamenAkira Fuse
Akira Fuse’s classic song “The Scent of Cyclamen.” Following “You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose,” it’s another hit by Fuse.
These days, because Gen Hoshino covered “You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose,” many people think that’s his biggest hit, but “The Scent of Cyclamen” is actually Fuse’s only million-seller.
It’s crafted with a strong folk vibe and a wistful melody.
Sing it at karaoke and you’ll give off a cool, mature vibe!
mountains and riversHiroshi Itsuki
This is a song released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 2000, with lyrics likening life to mountains and rivers.
The lyrics were written by Kei Ogura and the music composed by Takao Horiuchi, both of whom later recorded self-covers.
In 2000, it was performed as the White Team’s finale and the overall closing act at the 51st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
As a piece that expresses the depth of a man’s life, it becomes wonderfully mature and deeply moving when sung well.
TsubasaUnder Graph
This song was released in 2005.
It’s Under Graph’s debut track.
A straightforward band sound is layered with vocals that, in a good way, lack bravado.
The cool, matter-of-fact way it sings about meetings and partings is captivating.
Precisely because it isn’t overly emotional, the lyrics feel more real.
CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi
Even among generations who don’t know Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi very well, many have surely heard the title.
“Kanpai,” a classic at his live shows, is a masterpiece.
Written for a hometown friend’s wedding, the song’s warm yet overwhelmingly soulful vocals by Nagabuchi resonate deeply.
I think it sounds especially cool and refined when sung gently by an adult man.
As you savor this timeless song, you’ll feel like singing it while reflecting on your own life, too.
Cheers!
SubaruShinji Tanimura
Shinji Tanimura’s classic song “Subaru.” Not only is it beloved in Japan, it’s also popular across Asia, especially in China.
When it was first released in 1980, its positions on the Oricon charts weren’t particularly high.
However, after being featured in a commercial for “Super Nikka,” it steadily climbed the rankings and ultimately sold over 600,000 records.
If you sing this song at gatherings with an older crowd, it’s sure to be a hit.
I knew it—I love you.Takajin Yashiki
Takajin Yashiki, who brought numerous classic songs into the world.
The first time this Tokyo-born artist tried writing lyrics in Kansai dialect was with “Yappa Sukiyanen.” Written from a woman’s perspective, it portrays the inability to completely hate an ex-lover after a breakup.
It’s a ballad with distinctive chorus parts, and if sung out, it can create a romantic atmosphere.
Interestingly, there are parts where the way the lyrics are sung differs from how they would be pronounced if read as-is; this is said to be closer to actual Kansai dialect pronunciation.