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 (41–50)

In the night sky after the rainKiyoshiro Imawano

Kiyoshiro Imawano - In the Night Sky After the Rain

Kiyoshiro Imawano in the night sky after the rain

Speaking of Kiyoshiro Imawano, his musical style is striking for evoking nostalgic scenes within a punky vibe.

Among his works, “Ameagari no Yozora ni” especially showcases his musical character.

While the highest notes aren’t very high, the pitch mid2F# appears frequently, so when adjusting the key, it’s best to center your tuning around that note.

The lyrics are a bit risqué, but it’s a song that tends to get the crowd going at karaoke, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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You are 1000%.1986 Omega Tribe

You are 1000%.

You are 1000% 1986 Omega Tribe

Omega Tribe, the band that sparked Japan’s city-pop boom.

In 1986, Omega Tribe changed vocalists to the Brazilian singer Carlos Toshiki and added Joy McCoy on backing vocals, resulting in a sound with stronger Western influences.

When it comes to 1986 Omega Tribe’s classic songs, it has to be “Kimi wa 1000%.” Though it stands out for its power and expansiveness, it doesn’t actually require a wide vocal range, and men in their 50s can sing it comfortably if it’s in the right key.

As long as you focus on a crisp, articulate opening to the vocal line, there’s little that’s technically difficult—so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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I can’t say it.Hiromi Go

[Official] Hiromi Go - “Ienai yo” Music Video — In celebration of streaming release

I Can't Say It, Hiromi Go

When it comes to Hiromi Go’s songs for karaoke, many people might go for “240 Million Eyes – Exotic Japan.” But how about going with a mood-filled love song this time? The song “Ienai yo” (I Can’t Say It) is a love song that captures the frustrating feelings of a one-sided crush from a male perspective, released in 1994.

It’s one of Hiromi Go’s most popular ballads and a signature track.

Many women are sure to be moved by lyrics that express being loved so deeply.

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A Tearful RequestThe Checkers

A Tearful Request

“Tears’ Request” by The Checkers

This song is a masterpiece that poignantly captures a man’s heartbreak and lingering feelings as he sends a request to a late-night radio show, expressing both sorrow and sincerity with remarkable nuance.

While influenced by American oldies, its pop sound beautifully blends that style with the charm of Japanese kayōkyoku, creating a resonance that speaks to the heart.

Released in January 1984, it became one of The Checkers’ signature hits, achieving great success and placing fourth on Oricon’s year-end chart.

Featured in the morning dramas Futari Ko and Amachan, the song portrays a young person trying to soothe the pain of a broken heart through a cherished tune, remaining beloved as a piece that stays with listeners alongside nostalgic memories.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to look back on a past romance or deepen your feelings for someone special.

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Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE

Distance of the Starry Sky

Starlit Sky Distance THE ALFEE

After spending many years in the trenches until their breakthrough hit “Mary Ann,” THE ALFEE meticulously crafted and released this song, “Hoshizora no Distance,” as a track they believed would “definitely sell.” Although it has a rock feel, the chorus features harmonies instead of shouts, and the song’s structure has a beauty reminiscent of QUEEN.

It feels like just yesterday that we watched the three members step out from The Best Ten’s glittering doors week after week.

If you’re in your 50s, many of you probably obsessed over that show, right? This is a signature early THE ALFEE track that ranked in The Best Ten for three consecutive months!

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If only I had held you tighterWANDS

If only I had held you tighter

If I Had Held You Tighter – WANDS

This was WANDS’s third single overall, released in July 1992.

It was used as the theme song for a Mitsui Life Insurance commercial featuring Atsuko Asano.

A massive hit that became WANDS’s first million-seller (1.

663 million copies sold), many of you have likely heard it before.

In the 1990s, when this song was released, singability at karaoke was a key factor for a song to become a hit.

True to that trend, this track is crafted to be very easy to sing—especially the chorus melody—and highly memorable.

I confidently recommend it for men in their 40s who don’t usually sing much.

Enjoy singing it with power throughout!

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It's a sad color, isn't it?Masaki Ueda

Masaki Ueda - Kanashii Iro Yane ~ Osaka Bay Blues.mp4

Sad Color, Ueda Masaki

It’s such a masterpiece that listeners can’t help but fall silent and listen.

It’s a song for grown-ups.

You shouldn’t tackle it half-heartedly; you should practice until you’re fully satisfied before performing it.

It’s the perfect masterpiece to close out a karaoke session, and an essential piece for your repertoire.

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