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

BE MY BABYCOMPLEX

Be My Baby

COMPLEX’s signature track “BE MY BABY.” Its sound is characterized by a distinctive synthesizer interwoven with a flair that shines with the essence of 80s Japanese rock.

While the song exudes a rock ’n’ roll vibe, the vocal line carries a calmness reminiscent of Japanese pop ballads.

As proof, the vocal range is quite narrow, from mid1 E to mid2 D.

Having fundamental techniques like vibrato can make it easier to rack up bonus points in karaoke, but even without such finer techniques, simply staying on pitch is enough to aim for a score of 90 or higher.

BambinaTomoyasu Hotei

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – Bambina

Tomoyasu Hotei’s classic “Bambina.” Thanks to its performance on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, the song has recently gained support from a fairly young audience as well.

While it’s an up-tempo track with a rock ’n’ roll feel, the vocal range is quite narrow, so it’s easy for singers of any voice type to handle.

If there’s one potential challenge, it would be the long sustained note at the end of the chorus.

It features the highest phrase in the song, but even then it doesn’t require a mixed voice.

As long as you focus on staying in tune, it’s a song with solid potential for scoring high marks.

BoyhoodYosui Inoue

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

Because Yosui Inoue is a singer renowned for his vocal prowess, many people find it quite difficult to sing his songs exactly like the originals and tend to avoid performing them.

However, since this song depicts childhood memories that everyone can relate to, you can fully enjoy it through your own interpretation and vocal style.

It’s best to practice it thoroughly and showcase it once you feel confident.

Broken RadioHidemasa Tokunaga

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

For men in their 50s, I imagine there are plenty of chances to end up at karaoke for work, and I bet more than a few have tried a Hideaki Tokunaga song and fallen flat… maybe once or twice? As embarrassing as it is, for me it’s every time.

His songs are high-key to begin with, and his voice is so clear—I always wish I could sing like Tokunaga.

This song was a huge hit as the theme for the TBS drama “Forest of the City,” in which Tokunaga also appeared as an actor.

Masanobu Takashima, Hitomi Kuroki, Yosuke Eguchi—the rest of the cast was star-studded too, right? The lyrics, written by Tokunaga himself, capture the clashes, worries, and uncertainties we face while growing into adulthood.

The melancholy melody somehow gave me courage as well—it’s truly a nostalgic tune.

GoodbyeOf course

Off Course – Best Album “ever”

“Sayonara,” one of Off Course’s signature songs, is a sad love ballad that evokes the chill of winter.

Released as a single in 1979, it’s a track that people in their 50s might remember from their childhood—and it’s famous enough that many others will know it too.

It’s often covered, and more recently it’s known for being sung by Mone Kamishiraishi.

From the very first lines, the sorrowful lyrics set the tone, and the feeling of heartache builds steadily toward the chorus.

Dancing All NightMonta & Brothers

Monta & Brothers - Dancing All Night

It’s a classic song by Yoshinori Monta, who scored hits with his distinctive husky voice—one you still hear even as the times change.

It’s a tune you’ll want to sing lightly, riding on an R&B rhythm.

Monta’s voice is so unique that it might feel a bit hard to approach, but the song itself isn’t that difficult.

Give it a try and sing it casually.

Under the Big Onion ~ Distant FeelingsBakufū Slump

Bakufu Slump: Under the Big Onion at Budokan

It was released in 1989 as Bakufu Slump’s 15th single.

The song title “Tamanegi” (Onion) refers to the giboshi ornament on the roof of the Nippon Budokan, and it’s a bittersweet love song.

It was used in a Cosmo Oil TV commercial and as the theme song for the Shochiku film “Battle Heater,” and it was also performed at the 40th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.