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.

Easy-to-sing Japanese karaoke songs recommended for women in their 50s (121–130)

Tears aren't just for show.Akina Nakamori

Tears Aren’t Just for Show – Akina Nakamori (Showa 60 / 1985)

Tears Aren't Just for Show by Akina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori’s number captivated listeners with a voice exuding a mature allure that’s hard to believe came from someone just shy of 20 at the time of release! The lyrics and music were written by singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue.

The melody is distinctive—so singable that just listening makes you want to join in, and it feels exhilarating when you do.

Raise the rankinglower

La La LaMaki Ohguro

La La La

La La La Maki Daikoku

This was Maki Ohguro’s 10th single overall, released in February 1995.

It was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi (ANB) drama “Aji Ichimonme.” While Maki Ohguro herself is a singer with exceptionally strong vocal ability and expressive power, the song itself—reflecting the 1990s emphasis on karaoke as a driver of hits—is very easy to remember and casually hum along to.

So be sure to pick this one at your next karaoke outing and enjoy singing it.

The chorus in particular could be a lot of fun for everyone present to sing together!

Raise the rankinglower

If I'm wrapped in kindnessYumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya – If Wrapped in Kindness (THE LAST WEDNESDAY TOUR 2006 ~HERE COMES THE WAVE~)

If Wrapped in Kindness by Yumi Matsutoya

Many of Yumi Matsutoya’s songs are easy to sing, but for karaoke I recommend “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara.” It’s the theme song from the film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Overall, the key is low and the tempo is easy to follow.

If you like Yumi Matsutoya, I also recommend “Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Raise the rankinglower

camouflageMariya Takeuchi

Camouflage – Mariya Takeuchi

Camouflage Mariya Takeuchi

Camouflage by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi.

It was selected as the theme song for the drama Sleeping Forest starring Takuya Kimura.

The overall key is on the lower side, and the same melody is repeated in the chorus, making it a very easy song to sing.

Raise the rankinglower

Karaoke-friendly Japanese songs recommended for women in their 50s (131–140)

CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Namie Amuro

CAN YOU CELEBRATE? – Namie Amuro (Full)

Can You Celebrate? Namie Amuro

It was Namie Amuro’s ninth single under her solo name, released in February 1997.

At the time of its release, it became a massive hit, selling over two million copies.

As of August 2023, I’d wager that hardly any Japanese women in their 50s haven’t heard this song.

Thanks to its lyrics, it also became a wedding staple, right? Since success in the 1990s often depended on popularity in the karaoke market, the vocal melody is very easy to sing and remember.

So for women in their 50s who haven’t been singing much lately, this is a song I’d love for you to try and enjoy.

In fact, I bet many of you have sung it at a friend’s wedding or similar occasion.

Raise the rankinglower

I'm falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto

Fuyumi Sakamoto – I'm Falling in Love with You Again

Fuyumi Sakamoto - Falling in Love with You Again

Fuyumi Sakamoto, who has sung numerous enka masterpieces such as “Yozakura Oshichi,” performed “Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru” in Western clothing rather than a kimono.

The song was originally by Billy BanBan.

It had also been used as the commercial song for iichiko Hita Zenkoji in the Billy BanBan version, but from 2008 the commercial switched to Sakamoto’s version and continued to air.

Later, on her cover album “Love Songs ~Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru~,” a duet between Fuyumi Sakamoto and Billy BanBan was realized.

Raise the rankinglower

Dancing HeroYoko Oginome

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.] (Short Ver.)

Dancing Hero Yoko Oginome

This is Yoko Oginome’s seventh single, Dancing Hero (Eat You Up), released in 1985 and a massive hit.

In 2017, the dance club of Tomioka High School in Osaka performed this song in a competition, and it became a hot topic when their routine came to be known as the “Bubble Dance.” Afterwards, an album titled Dancing Hero Archives was released, featuring 15 different versions of the song, leading to an extraordinary revival hit.

It’s a track you’ll want to sing while dancing with full energy!

Raise the rankinglower