Lovely karaoke song

Easy-to-sing Japanese karaoke songs recommended for women in their 50s

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.
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!

Some women in their 50s may have drifted away from listening to or singing music because they’re so busy with everyday life.

Even when they occasionally go to karaoke with friends, they often struggle to choose songs.

There are probably quite a few people who feel that way.

This time, we’ve put together a selection of songs for women in their 50s—nostalgic and, we hope, easy to sing.

We hope this article will inspire you to rediscover the joy of singing.

Karaoke-friendly Japanese songs recommended for women in their 50s (71–80)

Detective StoryHiroko Yakushimaru

Detective Story

Detective Story Yakushimaru Hiroko

The classic film “Detective Story,” starring Hiroko Yakushimaru.

This piece was released as the movie’s theme song.

When it comes to Hiroko Yakushimaru’s vocals, her enveloping, gentle voice is distinctive, and this song showcases exactly that.

Overall, the vocal line has little fluctuation, and the range is kept relatively narrow.

It may feel slightly high, but you can handle that with key adjustment, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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The Girl Who Leapt Through TimeTomoyo Harada

Tomoyo Harada – The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Tomoyo Harada from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Tomoyo Harada, who continues to be active as an actress in many works, including NHK’s morning drama “Half, Blue,” starred at age 16 in the film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, which shares its title with this song.

The track was also used as the film’s theme song.

Her vocals are so evocative, it’s hard to believe she was only 16! That atmosphere may also be influenced by the fact that Yumi Matsutoya wrote and composed the song.

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Between the Sky and YouMiyuki Nakajima

Between the Sky and You

Between the Sky and You by Miyuki Nakajima

This is Miyuki Nakajima’s 31st single, released in May 1994.

Helped by being chosen as the theme song for the hit drama “Nobody’s Child” starring Yumi Adachi, it recorded million-selling sales.

Although it’s one of the Heisei era’s classic songs, its tempo makes it very easy to sing, and the vocal melody doesn’t span a wide range, so I think it’s also very singable for women in their 50s who aren’t comfortable with high notes.

If you clearly contrast the relatively softly sung A and B sections with the powerfully sung chorus, you can deliver a compelling performance.

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Lullaby of the Holy MothersHiromi Iwasaki

Lullaby of the Holy Mothers

Virgin Mary's Lullaby Hiromi Iwasaki

It was the ending theme for the two-hour drama “Tuesday Suspense Theater,” which aired for many years.

After watching the suspense and the various human dramas woven into it, hearing Hiromi Iwasaki’s truly Madonna-like singing voice brings a sense of comfort, doesn’t it? Please try singing with a gentle, Madonna-like voice, just like Hiromi Iwasaki!

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Feeling refreshedChisato Moritaka

Chisato Moritaka “Refreshing Mood” [Self-Cover]

Refreshing Mood - Chisato Moritaka

Chisato Moritaka’s “Kibun Sōkai,” which seems to have a high key, is a song that’s easy to sing thanks to its clear rhythm and should go over well even with men in their 50s.

There’s also a simple bit of choreography in the chorus where you extend your hands alternately to the left and right, so everyone, please try copying it and have fun getting pumped up together!

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Fade OutKyoko Koizumi

Kyoko Koizumi – Fade Out (Official Video)

Kyoko Koizumi - Fade Out

Among those in their early 50s, many may have admired Kyoko Koizumi’s looks and personality.

In that case, I recommend Fade Out.

This work is characterized by the heavy synthesizers that were common in the late ’80s.

You might perceive it as dance music, but the vocal line is gentle, like a blend of kayōkyoku and jazz, so it should be easy to sing.

The very long rests also make it easy to perform.

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Heavenly KissSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda Heaven’s Kiss

Heavenly Kiss Seiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda has many famous songs, but for women in their early 50s, “Heavenly Kiss” may be the one that left the strongest impression.

Among her tracks, this piece is especially characterized by its refreshing melody, yet surprisingly its vocal range isn’t particularly wide.

The English lyrics in the chorus might be a tricky part, but as long as you can pronounce them clearly, it’s quite a singable song.

If you were on Team Seiko back in the day and are now in your 50s, why not give this one a try?

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