Even if you’re tone-deaf, it’s okay! Easy karaoke songs for women

School HeavenKyoko Koizumi

Kyoko Koizumi - School Paradise

Kyoko Koizumi released this as her 28th single in November 1989.

It became the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

m.

drama “Aishiatterukai!,” in which Koizumi also appeared.

Many of you probably know—well, almost everyone likely knows—that it’s a cover of a song originally released by Finger 5 in 1974.

As for the track itself, it’s a wonderfully simple rock ’n’ roll number in the best sense: regardless of vocal skill, the goal is to lift the mood with bright, high-energy fun! Even if you’re not confident in your singing, just shout “Hey!! Hey!!” and belt it out with your friends to get the party going! It’s a song where the most fun wins.

The retro, ’50s American pop vibe is also a charming touch.

Wasshoi!Nanae Aikawa

"Wasshoi!" LIVE @ NANASE'S DAY 2025

Nanase Aikawa was recently appointed as a Japan–Brazil Friendship and Goodwill Ambassador.

Her song “Wasshoi!” was released with the theme of connecting Brazil and Japan in 2025.

The piece consciously incorporates a distinctly Japanese flavor in its melody, featuring several phrases reminiscent of enka.

As a result, it’s crafted to be easy for Japanese singers to perform; however, the end of the chorus holds a sustained long note at a slightly higher pitch, so be careful not to let your voice crack there.

If you set the key to suit that section, there aren’t any particularly difficult elements, so please use this as a reference.

Marunouchi SadisticRingo Sheena

Marunouchi Sadistic

It’s a stylish, quirky sound with jazz and blues elements.

One of my students, who had a limited range and couldn’t hit very high notes, practiced this song many times in vocal training.

The overall range of “Marunouchi Sadistic” isn’t wide and it’s mostly sung in the mid-range, but there are a few higher spots in the chorus.

If you catch the rhythm and nail the timing there, the notes will come out smoothly! Rhythm is crucial throughout, so try marking the beats clearly and even a bit exaggerated.

Singing while moving with the groove helps you stay relaxed and avoid forcing your voice.

Also, as you’ll likely notice when you’re in the groove, be sure to cut off notes cleanly where needed and value the spaces—sing with a strong sense of phrasing and rests.

Spring DayAimyon

Aimyon – Harunohi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Everyone wants to sing popular songs, even if they’re tone-deaf.

For those people, I recommend “Harunohi” by the hugely popular singer-songwriter Aimyon.

The song has a relaxed tempo and few melodic leaps, making it easier for people who struggle with pitch to stay in tune.

Its range is on the lower side, so it should also be comfortable for those who find high notes difficult.

boyfriendaiko

aiko - “Boyfriend” music video

This is Aiko’s sixth major-label single, released in September 2000.

The intro features a country-style arrangement with banjo that leaves quite an impression.

Basically, it’s a bright and fun song, so even those who aren’t confident singers should just enjoy it without worrying too much about the details.

That said, there are a few spots—like parts of the chorus melody—where the pitch can be a bit tricky, and there are moments where the melody leaps up and down quite dramatically, so be careful there.

Still, overall it’s an easy song to sing, so it might be a good choice as a practice piece for people who feel, “I want to get serious about improving my singing.” It actually includes a surprisingly wide range of vocal elements, so I think it’s also a great song to use as material for vocal training lessons!

Don't give upZARD

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

For women who say, “I’m not great at singing, but I’ve got spirit and energy!”, I recommend the song Makenaide.

It was released in 1993 by ZARD, a music unit essential to any discussion of the 1990s J-pop scene.

It’s loved by a wide range of generations, so it’s a great pick for karaoke when you go with school or work groups.

The straightforward lyrics set to a rhythmic band arrangement really resonate.

If you’re not confident about singing, you can have people around you join in with the chorus or handclaps.

Try singing along to the steady beat and enjoy yourself.

MapleSpitz

Spitz / Kaede

This is Spitz’s 19th single, released in July 1998.

By the way, it was released as a double A-side single together with Spica, which was included at the same time.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why Spitz for a recommendation of songs for women?” But this song isn’t just easy to sing and memorize thanks to its very simple melody; it’s also great for women to sing without the vocal range becoming an issue.

It’s especially recommended for women with lower voices or those who struggle with high notes! I’ve actually used it several times as a practice song in lessons with my female vocal training students.

Of course, since it’s originally a male vocalist’s song, you might need to adjust the key when singing it at karaoke, but give it a try—you might be pleasantly surprised!