Recommended for women in their 40s! Easy-to-sing songs for karaoke

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

The moment that somewhat melancholy intro phrase starts playing, you can’t help but get teary-eyed… there must be people who feel that way.

ZONE’s 2001 single “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~” is their biggest hit, and some of you may remember that a cover of the song was used as the theme for the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” which aired ten years later, leading to a revival hit.

It was hugely popular at karaoke back then and still is now, and its straightforward, unfolding melody makes it easy to try even if you’re not confident in your singing—and you might even score high at karaoke.

Since all the members sing in the original, it’s also a great choice to sing together with friends from your school days!

Crimson MoonJun Shibata

Jun Shibata – Crimson Moon (MV)

Jun Shibata is a female singer-songwriter whose melancholic vocals and distinctive allure leave a strong impression.

While she may not be a household-name mainstream artist, many women in their 40s likely listened to her often in their 20s.

Among her songs, the one I particularly recommend is Guren no Tsuki (Crimson Moon).

It features a touch of falsetto, but it’s brief and kept in a low register, so even those who aren’t confident in their singing should be able to handle it without strain.

If you want it to sound even better, sing with emotion and emphasize dynamic contrast.

Pure AsiaPUFFY

PUFFY “Asia no Junshin” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Puffy, the female duo that gained popularity in the early 2000s, could be considered iconic for women in their 40s.

Among their songs, one I especially recommend is “Asia no Junshin” (True Asia).

Because of its upbeat, positive melody, many might think it sits high, but the actual vocal range isn’t wide.

There are plenty of long tones, but no vibrato is required, so as long as you adjust the key appropriately, even women with lower voices should be able to sing it without any problem.

My Room, My Dress Shirt, and MeEri Hiramatsu

My Room, My Dress Shirt, and Me

Eri Hiramatsu’s biggest hit song, “Room, White Shirt, and Me.” If you’re a woman in your 40s, you’ve probably heard it at least once.

Because Eri Hiramatsu’s vocal range is quite high, many people may think this song requires a wide range.

In reality, it’s simply sung in a high register, and the overall range isn’t broad.

Even women with lower voices should be able to sing it well if they adjust to a suitable key.

The vocal line itself is simple, so be sure to find a key that fits you and give it a try.

To my belovedMiyuki Kawanaka

To my beloved

Listening to the chorus of this song, many people who know the ’90s well probably recalled the TV commercial for House Foods’ instant ramen “Umaissho.” Released in 1994 as a single by Miyuki Kawanaka, it’s packed with J-pop flavor and sits a bit apart from classic enka, making it an approachable choice for karaoke even if you’re not into full-on enka.

Of course, techniques honed in enka—like vibrato—appear throughout, but it’s nice that the melody still feels great to sing even without vibrato.

Once you’re comfortable, listen closely to Kawanaka’s original performance and try gradually incorporating some vibrato.

Desert of the MoonMiyuki Kawanaka

Desert of the Moon

It’s a famous 1990s song by Miyuki Kawanaka, notable for its graceful strings and a hint of kayōkyoku flavor.

Kawanaka also holds back on overt enka-style techniques in her vocals, so it might be an easy entry point for those who don’t yet feel confident singing full-on enka.

The overall vocal range is relatively narrow, the pitch isn’t very high, and the melody is easy to remember, so many people will likely find it comfortable to sing at karaoke.

One point to watch: be careful not to let it become too flat or monotonous—focus on clearly articulating the lyrics as you sing.

a coquettish moodMiyuki Kawanaka

Miyuki Kawanaka “Enya na Kibun” Music Video (full ver.)

With its bouncy rhythm and Japanese-style arrangement, “Enya na Kibun” is the kind of song that makes you want to clap along and sway your body—you should definitely try singing it at karaoke.

Released in 2009 as a single by Miyuki Kawanaka, it’s a track that fills you with energy as you listen to her playful yet somehow gentle voice.

Kawanaka’s signature vibrato appears throughout, but there aren’t any intimidating high notes, and it’s a song you can enjoy even if you can’t do vibrato.

So first, try singing it without overthinking.

Once you get used to it, practice adding a bit of vibrato little by little!