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 (41–50)

Slow motionAkina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori – Slow Motion

Slow-motion Akina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori’s debut song, still beloved by many fans today.

Her vocal tone is a bit brighter than it is now, but even so, the sophisticated, adult aura she exuded in her early twenties was a major part of her appeal.

Many people of the same generation were surely influenced by that vibe! Today, with an even richer, more seasoned maturity in her voice, she continues to captivate a wide audience of fans.

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Blue RainMiki Imai

Miki Imai – “Blue Rain” [TV Asahi drama “A Woman of the Crime Lab” theme song]

Miki Imai - Blue Rain

This is a song called “Blue Rain” by Miki Imai.

It’s included on her 20th album, “Sky.” The gentle piano performance and Miki Imai’s vocals highlight the beauty of the Japanese language.

When we hear “rain,” we tend to picture a gloomy mood, but this song transforms it into a sense of wistful longing.

It’s a track I’d love to hear sung during the rainy season.

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Tears Flowing EndlesslyRimi Natsukawa

Rimi Natsukawa “Nada Sousou” Music Video

Tears for You by Rimi Natsukawa

The lyricist Ryoko Moriyama wrote this song based on her own experience, expressing her feelings for her late brother.

It’s often mistaken for a song about losing a lover, but that’s not the case.

“Nada Sousou” means “tears overflow and won’t stop.” It’s recommended for women who want to sing a song that isn’t about romance.

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Because your eyes are smilingMiki Imai

Miki Imai – Because Your Eyes Smile

Hitomi ga Hohoemu kara by Miki Imai

This was Miki Imai’s sixth single, released in November 1989.

Since it was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Wednesday Grand Roman,” even those who weren’t particularly her fans might find the melody familiar.

It’s a very simple, beautiful, and straightforward tune, and the vocal range isn’t very wide, so it should be quite easy for many women to sing.

Try choosing a key that lets you sing gently throughout.

I think it’s a song you can enjoy along with conversations about the drama with people of the same generation.

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Rock ’n’ Roll in a Dumped MoodTOM CAT

Rock ’n’ Roll in a Dumped Mood

Rock'n' Roll in a Dumped Mood TOM CAT

TOM★CAT is a band that gained popularity for its highly original sound, blending elements of rock into the unique genre of techno kayō.

They have many classic songs, but among them, the one that stands out as especially popular is “Furarekibun de Rock’n’ Roll,” isn’t it? While the song has an energetic and bright feel, its vocal range is relatively narrow, spanning mid2 C# to hi F.

Since the overall range sits high, those with lower voices will need to lower the key as a premise; however, because the range itself is narrow, there’s ample room to transpose it downward.

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Make my heart raceMiho Nakayama

Make my heart race

Make My Heart Flutter by Miho Nakayama

For men in their 50s, wouldn’t it be fair to say that Miho Nakayama is an exceptionally catchy idol? Back then, even in her teens, many people were captivated by her vocals and looks, which exuded remarkable allure.

Among Miho Nakayama’s songs, the one I especially recommend for getting the crowd going and being easy to sing is “WAKU WAKU Sasete.” Blending synth-pop with kayōkyoku (Japanese pop), it’s composed with a fairly narrow vocal range of mid2 A# to hi C#.

The vocal line doesn’t fluctuate much, making it overall quite an easy song to sing.

However, since the tempo is fairly fast at BPM 136, it’s important to get a solid feel for the tempo in advance.

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ambushHitomi Ishikawa

Hitomi Ishikawa - Machibuse (Ambush/Waiting in Ambush)

Machibuse Ishikawa Hitomi

Hitomi Ishikawa was an idol singer who enjoyed immense popularity from the late 1970s to the early 1980s.

Her signature song, “Machibuse” (“Ambush”), portrays the pure passion of a woman in love.

Released in April 1981, the song peaked at No.

6 on the Oricon charts.

That same New Year’s Eve, she made her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, marking a turning point in her career.

With its relaxed rhythm and a range that isn’t particularly wide, it’s easy to sing—even for women in their 50s without strain.

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