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)

A Midsummer Night's DreamYumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya – Midsummer Night’s Dream

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Yumi Matsutoya

A Yuming number with a striking melody that exudes a hot, sultry vibe! It was chosen as the theme song for the suspenseful romance drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (Can’t Tell Anyone), starring Chikako Kaku, created by the same screenwriter and producer who teamed up again after the hit drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta,” famous for the character Fuyuhiko.

Listening to and singing this song will bring back lively memories of that blockbuster drama and make for a fun conversation!

Raise the rankinglower

Winter GardenSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda Winter Garden

Winter Garden Seiko Matsuda

How about a number by Seiko Matsuda, one of the most iconic idols of the ’80s? For those of you who are the same generation as Seiko Matsuda, I recommend this song from her 1980 album North Wind! Let’s rejuvenate ourselves with this cute Christmas song that’s quintessentially Seiko Matsuda the idol!

Raise the rankinglower

Happiness is here.Yoshiko Otsu

Here Lies Happiness (1956) — Yumiko Ōtsu

Here lies happiness, Yumiko Ōtsu

This is a song by Yumiko Otsu, who won numerous amateur singing contests and was once even called the “Tokai contest ringer.” Her official website is named after the title of this song, “Koko ni Sachi Ari” (“Here Lies Happiness”).

She’s known for her dynamic alto voice, and it’s still going strong today! But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s easy to sing just because it’s in an alto key.

The song is quite difficult, and it takes a lot of practice to sing it well.

Raise the rankinglower

Karaoke-friendly Japanese songs recommended for women in their 50s (81–90)

The Ten CommandmentsAdo

[Ado] The Ten Commandments (1984) (Lyric Video)

The Ten Commandments Ado

When you think of Ado, her shouts in the mid-to-high range and the expressive high notes probably come to mind, right? While those aspects are certainly part of her appeal, her lower register actually holds a great deal of charm as well.

In her cover of Akina Nakamori’s classic “Jukkai (The Ten Commandments),” you can fully savor Ado’s rich low tones.

Since it’s an older song, the vocal line is very straightforward.

That simplicity leaves little room for the kinds of tricks you find in modern pop, but it also makes it easy to follow the pitch—so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Raise the rankinglower

SWEET MEMORIESSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda / SWEET MEMORIES

SWEET MEMORIES Seiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda, an idol who enjoyed immense popularity as a classic, orthodox idol, is known for her pure, unadorned, beautiful voice.

Among her songs, the one I particularly recommend is SWEET MEMORIES.

This mellow piece has a somewhat wide vocal range, but its easy-to-follow rhythm and dynamics make it a song you can perform without much strain.

Some women in their 50s may find it harder to project their voices, but in that case, it’s perfectly fine to lower the key.

Set it to a key that’s comfortable for you and give it a try.

Raise the rankinglower

Dance, dance, dance just for tonightMeiko Nakahara

Konya Dake Dance Dance Dance

Dance, Dance, Dance Tonight Only - Meiko Nakahara

Meiko Nakahara’s 1982 debut single, best known as the signature song behind “Kimitachi Kiwi Papaya Mango da ne.” It features a melody that captures the 1980s vibe and lyrics about mature romance that you wouldn’t expect from someone who was just 22 at the time.

It’s also fun to sing along while moving your body and reminiscing about your younger days!

Raise the rankinglower

A seagull is a seagull.Naoko Ken

Naoko Ken “A Seagull Is a Seagull” Live at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA 2023

A seagull is a seagull — Naoko Ken

These days, Naoko Ken does comedy sketches on variety shows, but she’s also a highly skilled singer.

She delivers the bittersweet feelings of a woman in “A Seagull Is a Seagull” with great appeal.

The song even won the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards, and it’s one you won’t forget after a single listen.

Raise the rankinglower