Lovely karaoke song

[2026] Japanese karaoke songs that get men in their 50s pumped up

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

For people in their 50s, social responsibilities tend to grow heavier, and many may be feeling stressed from everyday life at work and at home.

For those spending such demanding days, karaoke is one of the best ways to blow off steam!

Still, there are probably quite a few who think, “I’m not that familiar with songs, so I don’t know what to sing…”

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs recommended by our editorial team for anyone with those concerns.

Since this is aimed at people in their 50s, we’ve selected mainly nostalgic tracks.

Why not get together with friends of the same generation once in a while and sing your heart out to songs from the good old days?

And for younger readers, feel free to use this as a reference when choosing songs for karaoke outings with your bosses in their 50s.

[2026] Japanese karaoke songs that get men in their 50s pumped up (21–30)

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA

Known colloquially as “Chage and Aska,” the music duo CHAGE and ASKA gained popularity for their nostalgic songs and distinctive harmonies.

This is their 31st single.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “If You Look Back, He’s There,” and was released as a double A-side single together with “Yume no Bannin.” Its high-energy arrangement and straightforward message make it a perfect choice for men in their 50s who often experience work-related stress.

It’s a refreshing number you’ll want to belt out with friends at karaoke.

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GLORIAZIGGY

ZIGGY「GLORIA」

GLORIAZIGGY

A rock band that dominated the 1980s J-POP scene with a glitzy look evocative of LA metal and glam rock, and songs that fused rock ’n’ roll with elements of Japanese kayōkyoku, ZIGGY released this track as both their second and fifth single.

Used as the theme song for the TV drama “Dō Kyū Sei” (“Classmates”), it’s ZIGGY’s biggest hit and is also known for being covered both in Japan and abroad.

With its no-nonsense rock sound and catchy, pop-friendly melody, anyone in their 50s—the generation that grew up with it—will likely feel a rush of excitement the moment the intro kicks in.

It’s a cool rock tune that’s perfect for livening up karaoke with friends of the same generation.

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Sorrow like snowShogo Hamada

Sadness Like Snow (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

Sadness Is Like Snow by Shogo Hamada

This is one of the signature songs by singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada, also known by his nickname “Hamashō.” Alongside his powerful, message-driven rock, his calm and gentle songs are also a hallmark of his style.

It’s well known for being used as the theme song for the drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni” (“In the Name of Love”), and the song drew attention together with the drama’s content, which reflected the social climate of the time.

Said to be based on Hamada’s own experiences and to depict his feelings at that moment, the song expresses a gentle heart born through sorrow.

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ChampionAlice

Alice Champion

Champion Alice

If you’re a man in your 50s who sprinted through the Showa era, you’re surely familiar with “Champion,” the rock tune released by Alice in 1978.

The song’s model is said to be Cassius Naitō, but it also evokes Showa-era boxing culture like Rocky and Ashita no Joe.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing passionately as a duo at karaoke—and definitely try harmonizing, too.

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Lullaby of a Serrated HeartThe Checkers

“Lullaby of a Jagged Heart” – The Checkers

Lullaby of a Jagged Heart - The Checkers

Debuting with the catchphrase “Beating Boredom,” The Checkers were a seven-member rock band that enjoyed immense popularity in the J-pop scene of the 1980s.

Their debut single, ‘Gizagiza Heart no Komoriuta’ (Jagged Heart Lullaby), is known as one of their signature songs.

With its low key and catchy melody, it’s a great choice for men in their 50s to learn now for karaoke.

It’s perfect not only for people of the same generation, but also for performing in front of anyone who loves to get the crowd going at karaoke.

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countrysideKoji Tamaki

Pastoral – Koji Tamaki (Full)

Koji Tamaki - Denen

Here is one of Koji Tamaki’s signature songs.

Released in 1996, it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday Theater drama “Coach.” The lyrics, which capture a period of personal struggle he himself experienced, resonate deeply with listeners.

The dynamic contrast is also excellent: the verses are packed with detailed lyrics, then the chorus opens up into a smoother, more liberated rhythm.

Keep that contrast firmly in mind as you sing!

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A Member of the Fire BrigadeRats & Star

Masayuki Suzuki “Megumi no Hito” - Masayuki Suzuki Taste of Martini Tour 2016 Step 1.2.3 ~ Dolce Lovers ~

Megumi no Hito Rats & Star

It was their first single after changing their name from Chanels to Rats & Star, released in 1983.

The song incorporates “funkalatina,” a dance music style that blended funk and Latin music and was popular mainly in the UK at the time, making it perfect for summer.

Kumi Koda’s 2010 cover version was also a hit, and the song is loved across generations—so it’s a great recommendation even for karaoke outings with younger people.

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