[2025 Edition] A compilation of Japanese songs I want men in their 50s to sing
From the late 1970s to the 1980s, the term “new music,” which evolved from traditional rock and folk, emerged, alongside the birth of city pop, the rise of the band boom, and of course the idol boom—an era that brought major changes to Japanese popular music and was experienced in real time by the generation that is now in their 50s.
In fact, the karaoke box business model also originated around the mid-80s.
From the many classic songs born in that era, this time we’ve selected tracks we’d love men in their 50s to sing.
These are all songs that will go over well even at karaoke with your boss in his 50s, so younger folks should take note too!
- [2025] Japanese Karaoke Songs That Men in Their 50s Get Excited About
- Karaoke songs popular with women that they want men to sing
- [2025] Recommended Japanese songs for karaoke for men in their 50s
- [2025] Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 50s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- Karaoke songs for men in their 40s: a curated selection of hit tracks women want to hear!
- Easy-to-sing karaoke songs recommended for men in their 50s
- Karaoke songs that are easy to sing—even for those who aren’t confident singers—recommended for men in their 40s
- [50s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]
- Famous songs we’d like women in their 50s to sing (by age group)
- [For Men] This song is perfect for hyping up the crowd at karaoke!
- [For Men in Their 40s] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
- A roundup of songs for men in their 30s to sing [’90s–’00s tracks]
- [60s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]
[2025 Edition] A Collection of Japanese Songs We Want Men in Their 50s to Sing (11–20)
HERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Band
Known as a classic of the Showa era, this song blends delicate pop sensibilities with the wistful spirit of rock.
Released in February 1979 and featured in a Seiko commercial, it significantly boosted the popularity of Kai Band.
The lyrics, balancing poignancy and strength, sing of cherishing every moment in life and the resolve to place one’s beloved at the center.
As one of Kai Band’s signature songs, it has been covered by many artists, attesting to its influence.
From the first listen, it creates the illusion that you’re the protagonist of the song, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
LA VIE EN ROSEKoji Yoshikawa
Since his debut, singer-songwriter Koji Kikkawa has continually made his presence felt in both music and acting.
His third single, “LA VIE EN ROSE,” is notable for its stylish ensemble that features thrilling synth sounds.
With no large leaps in pitch and a moderately paced melodic flow, it’s an approachable choice even for those who aren’t confident singers.
It’s a recommended karaoke song for people in their 50s—one you’ll want to sing while picturing Koji Kikkawa, who hasn’t lost his sharp edge with age.
Linda LindaThe Blue Hearts
The Blue Hearts’ classic “Linda Linda.” It’s an indispensable song when talking about Japanese punk rock.
Its intense vibes often lead to misunderstandings, but in fact the vocal line is surprisingly gentle and the range isn’t very wide.
Since it sits in the low to mid range, anyone can sing it comfortably with the right key adjustment.
However, the low notes in the verse (A-melo) are fairly low, so don’t lower the key too much just because the chorus and the B-melo feel easy to sing.
ultra soulB’z
This is a hard rock number by B’z that powerfully expresses a soul’s cry to keep pushing the limits.
The lyrics, which portray facing oneself and chasing dreams, brilliantly capture the doubts and inner struggles we all encounter at life’s crossroads.
Takahiro Matsumoto’s dynamic guitar and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend perfectly, injecting a strong surge of energy into the listener’s heart.
Released in March 2001, it was chosen as the official theme song for the FINA World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka that same year.
Also included on the album “GREEN” and performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this track gives a boost to anyone striving in their work or life.
It’s the perfect cheer song to belt out with close friends when you get together.
lipsGLAY
An erotic number that captures both aching infatuation and passionate love.
Swept up by irresistible desire, the protagonist’s heart grows increasingly unsettled by feelings for their partner—expressed powerfully against GLAY’s signature, high-velocity sound.
The striking guitar riff and melody sung in a higher key further accentuate the emotions swirling within.
Released in May 1997, the song was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP” from April to June of the same year, and became a major hit as the band’s first Oricon No.
1.
It’s the perfect track for cranking up the energy with friends at karaoke or letting your feelings out.
Goodbye OceanKiyotaka Sugiyama
Kiyotaka Sugiyama is a key figure you can’t leave out when talking about Japanese AOR and city pop.
In his early days he leaned toward rock, but later he grew interested in R&B and soul, which led him to sing city pop that suited his vocal range.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend for men in their 50s is Sayonara no Ocean.
It features a characteristically city-pop, expansive vocal line, but the melodic contours are gentle, so as long as you find the right key, anyone can sing it with ease.
[2025 Edition] A Collection of Japanese Songs I Want Men in Their 50s to Sing (21–30)
To the most important personTunnels
The classic Tunnels song “To the Most Important Person.” When it comes to Tunnels’ tracks, this is probably the first one many people think of.
Contrary to its masculine melody, the vocal line is surprisingly straightforward.
Its narrow range is particularly notable, keeping every part in the low to lower-mid register.
This is the easiest range for men in their 50s to sing, so it should be perfectly manageable for karaoke at after-parties or late-night gatherings.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.