Famous songs we’d like women in their 50s to sing (by age group)

Don't give up on your dreamsTakako Okamura

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

After her success as a member of Amin, Takako Okamura also flourished as a singer-songwriter.

She has an exceptionally clear voice and excels at simple vocals that make the most of her tone.

“Yume wo Akiramenaide” is one of her signature songs.

Its range is narrow and there’s not much vibrato, so simply staying on pitch is enough to aim for a high score.

While the scarcity of long tones makes it a bit harder to rack up bonus points with vibrato or falls, the pitch is undeniably easy to follow—so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

Sleepless nights are because of you.MISIA

MISIA – Sleepless Nights Are Your Fault (Official HD Music Video)

This is the 10th single by singer MISIA, known as a trailblazer of the female R&B boom in the J-POP scene.

Her soulful songs, woven with a five-octave vocal range, have earned high praise both in Japan and abroad.

The track was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Love Quotient” and as the commercial song for Kirin’s “RAKUDA.” With its transparent tone and airy arrangement, it evokes a nocturnal cityscape just as the title suggests.

If a woman in her 50s were to sing these lyrics brimming with earnest feelings, any man would likely find his heart racing.

It’s an emotional number that sets the mood for karaoke.

falling in loveAkiko Kobayashi

“Falling in Love ~Fall in love~” Akiko Kobayashi (VINYL)

This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Akiko Kobayashi, who moved her base to London, UK in 1992 and has been working on music under the artist name “holi,” traveling back and forth between Japan and the UK.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama Friday Wives III: Falling in Love, and, together with the drama that became a social phenomenon, it was a major hit.

The lyrics, whose era-evoking imagery serves as a hook, center on the theme of a forbidden love, yet they possess a certain beauty that feels slightly removed from contemporary reality.

It’s a number that would be mesmerizing when sung by a woman in her 50s—and one that many would love to hear men sing at karaoke.

era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima

Era - Live 2010–11 (from Tokyo International Forum Hall A)

This is the second single by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima, who has delivered numerous hit songs since her debut with her powerful and distinctive voice.

With multiple tie-ins as a theme song and insert song, and having been selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” it’s a piece widely known across generations.

Its lyrics, set to a beautiful melody and carrying a grand theme, may be especially compelling when sung by women in their 50s.

It’s an evergreen masterpiece that never fades with time—one that men will want to hear at karaoke.

MPRINCESS PRINCESS

Princess Princess “M”

Beloved by the nickname “Puri-Puri,” PRINCESS PRINCESS is the rock band that laid the foundation for the girls’ band scene from the 1980s to the 1990s.

Although this song is known as one of their signature tracks, it was actually cut from their third album, “LET’S GET CRAZY,” included as the B-side to their seventh single “Diamonds,” and, surprisingly, had no tie-in.

Its story of being unable to move on after a breakup has resonated with many women, and it’s also supported by men as a song they’d like women to sing at karaoke.

It’s a ballad that will liven up any karaoke session, and one we especially hope women in their 50s—the generation that grew up with it—will sing with heart.

TAXIMami Suzuki

TAXI

Seimi Suzuki is a female singer who captivated many listeners with her soulful vocals.

Her song “TAXI” is widely regarded as a masterpiece among her works.

While the melody hints at elements of Black music, it doesn’t employ techniques like melisma—the pop equivalent of the Japanese enka ‘kobushi’—so it’s relatively easy to sing.

However, the song does call for vocal richness, including strong overtones, so you should be mindful of that.

If you want to add more thickness to your tone, try singing with your lower jaw slightly pushed forward.

City Hunter ~Don't Let Love Disappear~Kahoru Kohiruimaki

Kohiruimaki Kahoru – City Hunter ~Ai yo Kienaide~ Official Video

Kahoru Kohiruimaki is a female singer renowned for her low-register vocals.

She was an active and popular singer throughout the 1980s and 1990s, known for her stylish, smooth musicality that matched the era.

“City Hunter ~Ai yo Kienaide~” is one of her hit songs.

It’s arranged as a house-influenced pop track, which was quietly gaining popularity at the time, and it stays within a moderate vocal range.

While it carries a slight flavor of Black music, it doesn’t employ techniques like vocal runs or hiccups, so the overall difficulty is relatively low.