Recommended for women in their 50s! A curated selection of classic and popular karaoke hits that will get the crowd going
Women now in their 50s are likely the generation who experienced the golden age of Japan’s music industry in real time, aren’t they?
Back in their school days, many probably went to karaoke all the time and sang the latest hits with enthusiasm, and some may even have formed bands during the band boom era and enjoyed performing live.
But decades have passed since those days, and in the busyness of everyday life, many have drifted away from music.
Even when invited to karaoke now, some may not know what to sing.
So this time, we’ve put together a selection of karaoke songs for women in their 50s—tracks that are sure to get the crowd going, as well as songs that will bring back fond memories of the past.
We hope these picks help you relive and enjoy those wonderful days.
Recommended for women in their 50s! Carefully selected classic and popular karaoke songs that will liven up the party (1–10)
I just feel like crying.Nagayama Miho
A signature song by Miho Nakayama, who was active from the Showa into the Heisei era, delicately portrays the poignant feelings of a woman in love.
As her friends marry one after another, the protagonist’s anxieties about her own romance and future are woven into a beautiful melody.
Released in February 1994, the track was used as the theme song for a drama starring Nakayama and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It sold a total of 1.048 million copies, becoming a million seller.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those standing at a crossroads in love or life.
It’s great for karaoke, and also recommended for listening together with someone special.
Flower of loveaimyon
This is a heart-stirring song that wraps you in the warm, permeating timbre of Aimyon’s voice.
Its beautiful lyrics, which liken tears to flower seeds, kindle a light of hope in the listener’s heart.
Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Ranman” and released on CD in June 2023, the piece weaves delicate emotional expression around themes of love and hope.
It’s recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or parting, and for anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone dear.
Sung over a gentle melody, the lyrics draw close to the listener’s heart and are sure to give you courage for tomorrow.
Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko
This ballad-style song portrays the ache of unrequited love, carried by Kyoko Koizumi’s transparent, heartfelt vocals.
The delicate lyrics capture the quiet longing of yearning for someone without even realizing it.
Released in November 1986, this was Koizumi’s 20th single.
It also drew attention as a star-studded collaboration written and composed by Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Don’t Lay a Hand on My Girl,” it was performed at the 1987 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, among other highlights—so many of you may remember it for its popularity at the time.
Please, sing it gently as you recall your younger days in love.
Poem of SunlightLe Couple
A signature work by Le Couple that captivated many with its poignant melody and heartfelt lyrics.
It portrays the feelings of cherishing warm memories while accepting a farewell with a loved one.
Used as part of the soundtrack for the Fuji TV drama “Under One Roof 2,” it was released in May 1997 and peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon charts, becoming a hit that charted for 40 weeks.
Why not look back on your youthful memories while being enveloped by Emi Fujita’s gentle vocals? Its melody is also easy to sing at karaoke, so give it a try.
If I’m wrapped in kindnessMatsutōya Yumi
A beautiful song by Yumi Matsutoya that sings of the purity of childhood and the “kindness” we must never forget even as we grow up.
Along with its gentle, soft melody, it conveys an important message about life.
Released in April 1974, the song was included on the album MISSLIM, and in 1989 it was also used as the ending theme of the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.
It’s the perfect song for looking back on fond memories or seeking comfort during busy days.
It’s also great for karaoke when you want to relax and take it slow.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
This is the fifth single by Yo Hitoto, a female singer from Taiwan, released in February 2004.
Although the song’s ballad-like tone and lyrics might not suggest it, it is said to have been inspired by the September 11 attacks in the United States.
As mentioned, it’s a ballad, so it’s not the kind of song that will get everyone hyped up at karaoke.
However, perhaps only a “mature woman” can truly capture the mood of this deeply layered piece.
Please enjoy singing it with rich emotion.
I believe the way you shape the sound of each word in the lyrics and how you handle the spaces between phrases are crucial when performing this song, so I recommend studying the original track carefully in advance if possible.
Don’t give upZARD
I look forward every year to “24-Hour Television: Love Saves the Earth,” which airs on Nippon TV.
How about you? The song that always plays during the moving moments and at the finish line to cheer on the runners taking on the grueling marathon is “Makenaide.” It’s a familiar cheer song that has become deeply rooted among the Japanese public.
I’m sure everyone has been encouraged by this song—not just once or twice.
It feels good to be encouraged so directly with words like, “You’re almost at the finish line.” It’s also a popular karaoke song, so make sure you sing it before someone else does!