Easy-to-sing karaoke songs: Classic picks for women in their 40s

A Little SongJUJU

JUJU “Little Song” Music Video — Theme song for the Monday 9 pm drama “Tomorrow Will Be an Even Better Day”

JUJU made her full-fledged debut in 2009.

For many women in their 40s, “Yasashisa de Afureru Youni” might be their youth anthem.

In September 2025, JUJU released “Chiisana Uta.” It has a very calm feel, so once you learn the melody, it’s easy for anyone to sing.

The overall vocal range is G#3 to C#5, and since it’s not a belting song, those who struggle with high notes can feel at ease.

If you place each word carefully as you sing, you won’t rush the rhythm.

Singing as if you’re speaking to someone helps you keep the tempo, so it’s recommended.

If you feel some notes are a bit high, use plenty of breath and aim to resonate in your head for a light touch.

Also, the key modulates in the last chorus and the range goes up, so don’t push it—getting comfortable with falsetto there will make it easier to sing!

Let's Count Your Kisses ~You were mine~Yuki Koyanagi

[Official] Yuki Koyanagi “Let’s Count Your Kisses ~You were mine~” (Music Video) / Anatano Kiss wo Kazoemashou (1st Single)

This is a song from Yuki Koyanagi’s 1999 debut, and I think it’s a ballad everyone admires.

Maybe some of you listened to this track on repeat back then? Even if you think you’re tone-deaf, songs you’ve listened to a lot stick in your memory, so when you actually sing them, you’ll often find you can surprisingly stay on pitch.

Don’t be afraid to give it a try.

The A and B sections sit in a relatively calm range, but the melody jumps up quickly from the chorus into the bridge, so it feels great if you adjust the key to one that’s comfortable for you and sing the English parts too.

The accompaniment is solid, so you can lower the key and still sing it stylishly without any problem.

You don’t have to belt across the whole song—keeping a light touch with a head voice focus is plenty, so try approaching it with an easy, relaxed feel.

PassionUA

Passion / UA (cover)

This is the fourth single by UA, a female singer-songwriter who is also active as the vocalist of the rock band AJICO and has gained popularity with songs that bring a wide range of styles—soul, jazz, reggae, dub, electro, and world music—into J-POP.

Known as one of her signature tracks, it features an emotional, laid-back shuffle beat topped with her soulful vocals.

While the overall key isn’t very high, the melody includes many large intervals, and without locking into the beat it’s hard to create a groove, so be sure to listen closely to the original and practice before singing it at karaoke.

It’s a long-running hit that we especially recommend for women in their 40s, the generation it represents.

Fall in LoveAkiko Kobayashi

Hideto Tokunaga / Fall in Love

A perennial karaoke favorite, “Koi ni Ochite -Fall in love-” is known for its timeless melody that never fades with the years.

Set to a gentle piano line, the lyrics portray both the joy and the poignancy of love, resonating across generations.

In particular, it’s a song that women in their 40s can easily pour emotion into and express without needing exceptional vocal prowess.

When expressing your individuality at karaoke, this song invites deep emotional immersion, richly reflecting the singer’s feelings.

As the song progresses and emotions swell, you’ll be able to let a pleasant, resonant voice fill the room.

A gentle feelingChara

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A very cute song sung by Chara, “Yasashii Kimochi,” was used as the CM song for Shiseido’s “Tessera J.” The song is sung in her distinctive whispery voice, which leaves a strong impression.

Although it was released in 1997, it became known to today’s younger generation when Moka Kamishiraishi covered it for a “Gogo no Kocha” commercial in 2016.

The key is a bit high, but since you can sing it without belting, it should be fine if you sing softly in falsetto, almost like a whisper!

threadMiyuki Nakajima

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

A ballad that blends power and tenderness, with a vocal range and melody easy to sing not only for women but also for men, it has become a popular choice for karaoke.

Released in 1998 as Miyuki Nakajima’s 35th single, it was issued as a double A-side under the title “Inochi no Betumei / Ito,” featuring two songs used as the theme for the TBS drama Seija no Koshin (March of the Saints).

Although it peaked at number 12 on the Oricon weekly chart and narrowly missed the Top 10, it became a long-selling hit and ultimately a million seller, a beloved classic often heard in commercials and elsewhere.

Roppongi HeartbreakAnn Lewis

Roppongi Shinju – Ann Lewis

A song that’s the very definition of a woman admired by women: Ann Lewis’s “Roppongi Shinju.” In a word, it’s just incredibly cool! It’s a track that captures the spirit of the times and lets you feel the energy of 1980s Japan.

Especially recommended for women who want to sing with a husky, powerful voice, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that really gets people going—great even when you’re with folks from a slightly older generation.