[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 I Want Men in Their 50s to Sing (21–30)
TSUNAMISouthern All Stars
Known as a masterpiece that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this work is a moving love song celebrated as one of Southern All Stars’ signature pieces.
It’s a gem of a ballad that expresses the sorrow of losing someone dear through a grand melody, fully showcasing Keisuke Kuwata’s exceptional songwriting and composing talent.
Released in January 2000, it topped the Oricon weekly charts and won the Japan Record Award the same year.
It was also selected as the theme song for the popular segment “Mirai Nikki III” on the TV program “U-nan no Hontoko!,” becoming a classic beloved across generations.
As a heartwarming song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of losing someone special, it’s also highly recommended for karaoke.
WON’T BE LONGBubblegum Brothers
A track marked by an irresistibly catchy, upbeat groove and a festival-like, uplifting rhythm.
Inspired by the Awa Odori dance, its forward-looking message—filled with a powerful resolve to give your all for someone—really strikes a chord.
It features the Bubblegum Brothers’ signature breezy sound and approachable lyrics.
Released in August 1990, it initially drew little attention, but after being broadcast on a TV program in March 1991, it exploded in popularity and became a million-seller.
In 2006, it was also covered by EXILE and Kumi Koda.
It’s an encouraging anthem that gives energy and courage—especially recommended for those worn out by work or daily life.
It’s also perfect for livening up a karaoke session with friends.
huge nuisanceUnicorn
A blissful newlywed life in a brand-new home is shattered by a sudden solo assignment away from the family.
.
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This is a UNICORN song that portrays the sorrows and inner conflicts of a salaryman with plenty of humor.
Its dramatic melody, fused with orchestral elements, perfectly matches the song’s unique worldview, resulting in a masterpiece that sharply satirizes Japanese society during the bubble era.
Released in April 1989 as the lead single from the album “Hattori,” it reached No.
12 on the Oricon charts and remains immensely popular among fans.
With lyrics that empathize with the feelings of corporate warriors and a catchy, karaoke-friendly melody line, it’s perfect for gatherings where friends want to reminisce.
An unfinished love song I've been working on foreverMotohiro Hata
In harmony with the world of the film “Love Letters on Our 35th Year,” Motohiro Hata delicately captures warm, nuanced emotions.
This work weaves together the love of a long-married couple and feelings that deepen day by day with a gentle yet powerful melody, beautifully expressing a form of love that grows more vibrant with time.
It will be released and made available for streaming between February and March 2025.
The limited first edition includes jacket cards featuring visuals from the film, handwritten lyric cards, and a Blu-ray containing live performance footage.
It is a song that will resonate deeply with those who hold feelings for someone dear or who struggle to put their emotions into words.
Embracing SummerTUBE
With a sound that evokes clear blue skies and a shining sun, this is a quintessential summer song from TUBE.
It conveys a love so intense it keeps you awake at night, expressed through passionate lyrics and melody.
The protagonist’s once-in-a-lifetime feelings are sure to stir memories of bittersweet love that many have experienced.
Released in May 1994, this smash hit topped the Oricon charts and sold 940,000 copies.
It was also featured in a Toyota Corolla Ceres commercial and has become a karaoke staple loved by many.
It’s the perfect track to share with close friends or colleagues as you reminisce and look back together on life’s milestones.
ForeverThe Gospellers
This celebrated song, which sings of an eternal bond with a loved one, gently conveys the unbreakable feelings that exist precisely because love is formless.
Transcending physical distance, the unwavering longing for the other person resonates in the heart alongside beautiful harmonies.
Released in August 2000, the track stayed on the Oricon chart for an impressive 44 weeks and was selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
Its diverse arrangements—hallmarks of The Gospellers—are part of its appeal, including the Album Version on the album “Soul Serenade” and the “unplugged live version” included on the single “Hitori.” It remains a beloved song that makes you want to sing while thinking of someone special, especially after time spent talking with friends.
Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi
It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.
Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.
The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.
Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.
It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.