[Hit Songs] A Special Feature on Japanese Karaoke Tracks Recommended for Business Entertaining

Even when I become an old ladyChisato Moritaka

Chisato Moritaka “Even If I Become an Old Lady” (Live)

This is the 16th single by singer-songwriter Chisato Moritaka, known not only as a multi-instrumentalist but also for her activities across multiple fields beyond music.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Matta Nashi!” and features messages depicted from a distinctly female perspective—something that might make some men’s hearts skip a beat.

It’s perfect not only for entertaining those in their 40s who likely heard it in real time, but also as a karaoke recommendation for all generations thanks to its refreshing and cute vibe.

An unfading pop tune that reaffirms Chisato Moritaka’s superb sense.

My lover is Santa ClausYumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya - My Lover Is Santa Claus (from 'Koi to, Yuming to, Nihon' / 'Love in Japan, and Yuming.')

A song by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya that was featured as an insert song in the film “Take Me Out to the Snowland.” Included on her 10th album “SURF & SNOW,” it became a classic Christmas tune known by everyone despite never being released as a single.

It’s even said to have turned Christmas into a romantic event, so those in their 40s—the very generation who grew up with it—may find their hearts race with memories of their youth when they listen.

It’s a pop tune that changed society and can get a karaoke crowd going even outside the holiday season.

CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Namie Amuro

CAN YOU CELEBRATE? – Namie Amuro (Full)

A single by Namie Amuro, the Okinawa-born singer who sparked the Amuraa craze in the 1990s and earned overwhelming support from women, especially those of her generation.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Virgin Road,” and it still enjoys enduring popularity as a wedding staple.

If you’re going to karaoke with people in their 40s—the same generation as Amuro—it’s sure to be a hit.

With rhythmic changes and a complex arrangement, it’s a wedding song you can enjoy singing at karaoke regardless of any business-entertainment context.

Don't give upZARD

Don't give up (What a beautiful memory ~forever you~)

This is the sixth single by the music unit ZARD, formed around singer Izumi Sakai, who captivated fans with her straightforward yet distinctive voice before her untimely passing.

The song was used as the ending theme for the first season of the TV drama “Reiko Shiratori Desu no!” and remains one of ZARD’s signature tracks, frequently heard even today on variety shows and in many other contexts.

For those in their 40s who likely spent their youth during the 1990s—the peak era of Being artists—it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

Loved across generations as an uplifting anthem, it’s a number well worth adding to your karaoke repertoire.

I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – I Hope It’s Sunny (from DWL 2011 Live Ver.)

This is the 12th single by DREAMS COME TRUE, the two-piece band that has gained popularity for their catchy style that blends funk and soul into J-pop, along with vocalist Miwa Yoshida’s overwhelming vocal prowess.

Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hirari,” it features a complex structure with repeated key changes, yet its pop melody feels effortlessly pleasant.

The brisk shuffle-beat arrangement, which evokes the title’s imagery, is sure to get a wide range of listeners excited at karaoke, especially those in their 40s who grew up with it.

Featured in music textbooks in 1995, it stands as a classic from DREAMS COME TRUE’s early era.

Love will winKAN

Aiwa Katsu

This is the eighth single by singer-songwriter KAN, who gained popularity with songs that channel Western musical influences into J-pop numbers.

It became a massive hit after being featured as an insert song on the variety show “Hok-chan no Yamada Katsutenai TV,” and is known as KAN’s signature tune.

Its powerful, sing-along-from-start-to-finish melody will get anyone excited—not just those in their 40s who grew up with it.

A gem of a message song whose straightforward lyrics stir the heart.

Ah, summer vacation.TUBE

TUBE “Ah, Summer Vacation @ Yokohama Stadium (2012) LIVE”

A four-member rock band TUBE, long beloved as a byword for summer in the J-POP scene, released this as their 11th single.

The track was used in a JT “SomeTime LIGHTS” commercial, and in 2021 it drew attention again when vocalist Nobutoki Maeda performed a parody version for Suntory Foods’ GREEN DA·KA·RA Yasashii Mugicha commercial.

The intro, with its passionate beat and emotional guitar, evokes a summer vacation even if you’re not from that generation.

For those now in their 40s who likely heard it in real time, it’s a summer tune that inevitably brings back memories of youthful summers.