Lovely karaoke song

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
lightercatnap
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

Company parties, local class reunions, family gatherings… If you’re a man in your 50s, you probably get plenty of chances to go to karaoke, right?

At times like that, do you ever find yourself unsure what to sing?

“I can’t really sing recent songs…” “Even if I go with older songs, I don’t know which ones are good…” If that sounds like you, this article will introduce karaoke songs recommended for men in their 50s!

Focusing on hits from the ’80s to the early ’90s, we’ve carefully selected classic karaoke staples and songs that women will think, “I’d love to hear him sing this!”

Use this as a guide for choosing your next songs!

[2025] Recommended Japanese Karaoke Songs for Men in Their 50s (111–120)

Heartbroken over JuliaThe Checkers

The Checkers “Heartbroken Over Julia” (LIVE)

Julia with a broken heart, Checkers

A classic hit by The Checkers that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.

Its sweet, wistful melody and piercing lyrics beautifully capture the complex emotions that follow a breakup.

Released in November 1984, it became one of The Checkers’ signature songs and made a major impact on the music scene, including reaching No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year.

It’s a perfect choice for karaoke, with lyrics that naturally inspire empathy and instantly enliven the atmosphere.

An ideal song for those who want to deliver a heartfelt performance wrapped in nostalgia.

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HEROKai Band

Kai Band - HERO

HERO Kai Band

This rock-driven track looks incredibly cool and hits perfectly when nailed, but the difficulty is a bit high.

The vocal range is wide, so you can’t pull it off unless you’re confident from low to high notes.

If you can belt out powerful high notes, it’s definitely a song you’ll want to add to your repertoire.

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Sync Of SummerTatsuro Yamashita

Tatsuro Yamashita “Sync Of Summer”

Sync Of Summer Tatsuro Yamashita

This is Tatsuro Yamashita’s 53rd single, released in July 2023.

It was reportedly written specifically as a song for Kirin’s “Gogo no Kocha” (Afternoon Tea) commercial.

When you think of summer, you think of Tatsuro Yamashita!! That image, combined with the song’s title, makes this a summer anthem overflowing with his signature style that truly evokes the season.

The melody crafted with that trademark Yamashita touch doesn’t span a particularly wide vocal range, so it should be very easy to sing even for people who don’t usually sing much.

Throughout the song, it feels best not to overemote—sing it a bit bluntly, with a touch of nonchalance.

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At all times.Noriyuki Makihara

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

Always, by Noriyuki Makihara

It was released in 1991 as Noriyuki Makihara’s third single.

The song was used as the theme for the film “No Abnormalities in the Job-Hunting Front,” and in 1992 it was selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

It is one of Makihara’s signature songs and, as a single, his biggest hit, a classic beloved by a wide range of generations.

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Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Masahiko Kondo

Masahiko Kondo — Gingin-Gin ni Sarigenaku (1981, Showa 56)

Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku by Masahiko Kondo

Released in 1981 as Masahiko Kondo’s fourth single.

The song was used in commercials for House Foods’ “Curry Kukure” and FujiFilm’s “Utsurundesu” (QuickSnap).

It topped the Oricon charts and won the Best New Artist award at the 23rd Japan Record Awards.

It’s a popular track that also opened the white team’s performances at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

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Erotica SevenSouthern All Stars

Erotica Seven - Southern All Stars - High quality audio

Erotica - Southern All Stars

Southern All Stars, a five-piece rock band renowned as an emblem of summer, have captivated fans for years with their free-spirited and inventive songs.

Their 32nd single, Erotica Seven, which was used as the theme song for the TV drama Devil’s KISS, is a million-selling hit whose catchy intro packs a punch.

With the band’s signature sexy lyrics and a Latin-flavored ensemble, it’s sure to bring back memories for those in their 50s who grew up with it.

It’s an upbeat tune guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session with peers of the same generation.

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My chest hurts.Ukadan

Yūkadan – My Chest Hurts

Eikichi Yazawa and the Blues Kings

Yūkadan is a legendary band fronted by Atsuki Kimura, whose distinctive voice—often called an “angelic raspy voice”—leaves a lasting impression.

If you’re into blues, you almost certainly know them.

When it comes to Yūkadan’s signature songs, many people probably think of Mune ga Itai (“My Chest Hurts”).

Though it’s one of their most representative tracks and the raspy delivery can make it seem challenging, the vocal line itself is simple and easy to sing.

It really shines if you sing it at a karaoke after-party once your voice is a bit worn out.

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