[2025] Recommended Japanese songs for karaoke for men in their 50s

Sneaker BluesMasahiko Kondo

Sneaker Blues - Masahiko Kondo

A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.

With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.

Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.

Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.

In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] In the Sun and Dust / CHAGE and ASKA

A gem of a melody that portrays the dreams and setbacks of youth—and the strength to overcome them.

Released to the world by CHAGE and ASKA in January 1991, this work captures the persistence of those who keep pursuing their dreams, set to a 16-beat rhythm infused with a Western pop sensibility.

The chorus, simple yet striking, has a familiar charm that makes you want to sing along.

A single cut from the album “SEE YA,” it was featured in Nissin Foods’ “Cup Noodles Red Zone” campaign and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s TIME3, becoming a major hit with cumulative sales exceeding 500,000 copies.

It’s a song that gently pushes you forward when you want to keep running toward unseen dreams—or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

huge nuisanceUnicorn

Unicorn - “Great Nuisance”

A blissful newlywed life in a brand-new home is shattered by a sudden solo assignment away from the family.

.

.

This is a UNICORN song that portrays the sorrows and inner conflicts of a salaryman with plenty of humor.

Its dramatic melody, fused with orchestral elements, perfectly matches the song’s unique worldview, resulting in a masterpiece that sharply satirizes Japanese society during the bubble era.

Released in April 1989 as the lead single from the album “Hattori,” it reached No.

12 on the Oricon charts and remains immensely popular among fans.

With lyrics that empathize with the feelings of corporate warriors and a catchy, karaoke-friendly melody line, it’s perfect for gatherings where friends want to reminisce.

dragonflyTsuyoshi Nagabuchi

dragonfly

It’s Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s 20th single in total, released in October 1988.

It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Tonbo,” in which Nagabuchi himself starred, and it became a million seller.

It’s one of the iconic folk-rock songs of the Heisei era.

To make this song sound good at karaoke, the key is, above all, how you handle the pauses—the “ma” between phrases and between lines.

Vocally, there aren’t many particularly difficult melodic parts, so try singing while keeping a solid sense of rhythm.

Since Nagabuchi’s singing style is very distinctive, it’s perfectly fine to have fun doing an impression of him, including the scat sections in the intro and elsewhere!

The Camellia Sasanqua InnEisaku Okawa

The Camellia Sasanqua Inn

Eisaku Okawa’s signature song, which portrays a heartrending love, was released in 1982 and became a massive hit with cumulative sales of over 1.

8 million copies.

With lyrics that liken forbidden love to a winter flower, it powerfully captures deep emotion and the harshness of reality.

Peaking at No.

2 on the Oricon chart in 1983, this work holds a special place in Okawa’s career.

Its mellow atmosphere and emotionally rich vocals make it a perfect karaoke choice for showcasing mature charm at parties and reunions.

A timeless classic beloved not only by enka fans but by listeners of all ages.

Setting Sail SASURAIAkira Terao

Sasurai

Singer Akira Terao, who gained immense popularity with his calm vocals, is not only an accomplished actor but has also left behind many classic songs as an artist.

Among them, the one I especially recommend for men in their 50s as an easy song to sing is Shukkō SASURAI (Setting Sail: Wanderer).

It’s one of Terao’s pieces with a particularly mature, understated vibe, composed primarily in a low vocal range throughout.

There are no sudden jumps in pitch and no parts that require belting, making it an exceptionally easy song for men in their 50s to sing.