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

falling in loveAkiko Kobayashi

Fall in Love - Koibito ni Ochite by Akiko Kobayashi

It was Akiko Kobayashi’s debut single, released on August 31, 1985.

It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kinyōbi no Tsuma-tachi e III: Koi ni Ochite,” and along with the drama’s success, the song also became a major hit.

It’s a beautiful ballad with a simple melody that exudes a very mature atmosphere.

If you choose it for karaoke, there aren’t any particularly difficult parts to sing, but in the latter part of the chorus there’s a slightly higher long note—be sure to sing it with a gentle, relaxed high tone, just like the original singer.

If you tighten your throat and force the high note, it will spoil the song, so please be careful!

Sinbad on the ShorePink Lady

Pink Lady de Nagisa no Sindbad

This was Pink Lady’s fourth single overall, released on June 10, 1977.

Since it was a song by Pink Lady at the height of their popularity, I imagine that, as of 2022 when this piece is being written, many women in their 50s have sung this song at least once.

I myself am in my mid-50s now, and I clearly remember how, back when I was in elementary school, lots of girls in my class would line up and sing and dance to this song.

When you sing it at karaoke, be sure to recall the choreography and enjoy performing it with the moves! The duo’s harmonies from the B section onward aren’t that difficult, so if you can recreate them and sing along, that’s the best!

Are you sane to marry them?SARD UNDERGROUND

SARD UNDERGROUND “Are You Sane About That Marriage?” MV

This is the fourth digital single by the three-woman rock band SARD UNDERGROUND, released in July 2023.

It was selected as the opening theme for the TOKYO MX drama “Sono Kekkon, Shouki Desu ka?” (Are You Sane to Marry?).

As SARD UNDERGROUND originated as a ZARD tribute band, the song strongly reflects ZARD’s style.

The vocal melody is very straightforward and easy to remember, making it a tune many people can casually hum along to.

Throughout the song, singing lightly and without tension is the key to making it sound good, so please give it a try.

Wanted (Most Wanted / Wanted Person / Wanted Poster)Pink Lady

Wanted [Fritzke] PINK LADY

Released in September 1975, this was the fifth single by Pink Lady, the Japanese big-time idol duo that could now justly be called “legendary.” They had been scoring major hits since their debut song “Pepper Keibu,” and with this track they made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

That said, as of December 2022 when this piece is being written, for women in their 50s, such explanations are probably unnecessary—this is a classic of the Showa era! I imagine many of you sang and danced to this song at school parties back in elementary or junior high.

The vocal melody is very simple and easy to sing, so by all means, take a trip down memory lane and enjoy recreating the choreography as well!

Tomorrow, when spring comesTakako Matsu

Tomorrow, When Spring Comes – Takako Matsu (High Quality / With Lyrics)

This was Takako Matsu’s major-label debut single, released in March 1997.

It was used in NTT’s “Exciting New Life Campaign” TV commercial and, as the debut song of Takako Matsu—who at the time was a top actress active in TV dramas, films, and stage productions—it became a hot topic.

It entered the Top 10 in its third week, reached its peak position of No.

8 in its fifth week, and ultimately sold around 500,000 copies, becoming a major hit.

As of August 2023, many people in their 50s probably still remember at least the chorus melody.

True to the image suggested by its title, it’s a very heartwarming, gentle song, so it’s easy and fun to sing at karaoke.

Please enjoy it—and try to sing it in as bright a voice as you can.

Mysterious Peach PieMariya Takeuchi

Mariya Takeuchi – Mysterious Peach Pie [Live Version / 2000]

This was Mariya Takeuchi’s fourth single overall, released on February 5, 1980.

Chosen as the CM song for Shiseido cosmetics’ Spring ’80 campaign, it became a big hit.

I’m listening to the track again now to write this piece, and many hits from that era seem to have a simple charm that today’s songs don’t often have.

This song is one of them—a classic that’s very easy to remember and sing.

Mariya Takeuchi’s light, lively vocals and delivery are also incredibly appealing.

Please sing it with the same light, joyful feel as the artist herself!

StoryAI

AI – Story

AI’s 12th single, released in May 2005.

It’s a quintessential Heisei-era ballad that seems to distill the appeal of AI, who possesses exceptionally strong vocal technique and expressive power.

That said, the vocal melody itself is structured very simply, so I think it’s quite easy for anyone to sing.

Despite its simplicity, the song—together with its lyrics—conveys a profound depth.

To truly recreate it at karaoke, it may suit a woman in her 50s who has accumulated a fair amount of life experience.

Rather than trying to sing it “well” in a showy way, take time to fully understand the lyrics and sing with genuine feeling.