[2025 Edition] Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s to Sing at Karaoke

FACEglobe

FACE

Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, this signature globe track brilliantly fuses sophisticated electronic sounds with KEIKO’s expressively rich vocals.

Familiar as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Their Marriages,” it powerfully resonates with listeners as it portrays one’s inner self and ways of facing others.

Released in January 1997, it sold over 1.

3 million copies, making it globe’s best-selling single after “DEPARTURES.” It’s also included on the album “FACES PLACES,” which became a massive hit with over 3 million copies sold.

For many who discovered the song alongside the drama during their youth, it’s the perfect classic to sing a bit coolly at karaoke while reminiscing about those days.

Can You Keep A Secret?Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – Can You Keep A Secret?

The classic drama “HERO” that set so many hearts racing—its theme song, a million-selling track that came to symbolize the early 2000s music scene, was created by Hikaru Utada.

Masterfully capturing the thrill of “sharing a secret you can’t tell anyone,” the song was released in February 2001 as her seventh single and topped the Oricon annual singles chart that same year.

Rooted in R&B yet boasting an irresistibly catchy melody that anyone can hum—pure Utada.

It’s also included on the album “Distance.” Many people surely remember it alongside those iconic scenes from the drama.

Sing it at karaoke and the excitement of that era will come rushing back—guaranteed to bring the house down across generations!

Turn the roulette of fateZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND 'Spin the Roulette of Fate' MV

A supreme track woven from lyrical lyrics that capture the subtleties of life and a light, buoyant melody.

While questioning the role of fate’s coincidences and the meaning of our choices, it gently reminds us of the importance of facing forward and living on.

Composed by Seiichiro Kuribayashi, it beautifully harmonizes ZARD’s heartwarming message with a refreshing sound.

Since its release in September 1998, it has been beloved as the opening theme of the anime Detective Conan and is also included on the album ZARD BEST The Single Collection: Kiseki.

It’s an uplifting song I’d recommend to anyone hesitating yet ready to take a step forward, or to those who want to move ahead without fearing change.

summer festivalWhiteberry

Whiteberry “Summer Festival” MUSIC VIDEO

For many women in their early 40s, when thinking back to songs that were nationwide hits during their 20s, this “Natsu Matsuri” likely comes to mind.

It’s a piece known for its extremely catchy melody, but I imagine many people feel it’s hard to sing because of the high pitch.

While the song certainly stands out for its height, its overall vocal range isn’t particularly wide.

If you adjust the key, even those who find it hard to project their voice should be able to sing it without any issues.

Secret of my heartMai Kuraki

Mai Kuraki 'Secret of my heart'

Mai Kuraki’s “Secret of my heart” is well-known for having been used as a theme song for the anime Detective Conan.

This signature track of hers features a simple melody and a relaxed rhythm, making it an easy song to sing at karaoke.

Listening to it now, you might find the way you interpret the lyrics has changed.

Time goes byEvery Little Thing

「Time goes by」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

Released in 1998, this was Every Little Thing’s first ballad to be issued as a single.

The lyrics, which speak of a couple who chose to part ways after many twists and turns—holding bittersweet memories while not turning their backs on the past and choosing instead to move forward—truly resonate.

It’s a masterpiece that women in their forties, seasoned by experience, can sing while fondly recalling the passage of time.

Take a small time trip and try singing it as you gently remember those sparkling days.

Become the windAyano Tsuji

Ayano Tsuji – Become the Wind (Music Video)

Ayano Tsuji is a popular singer-songwriter who made her major debut in 1999 with a signature style of gentle, instantly recognizable vocals and ukulele-accompanied performances.

Since the 2000s, she has continued to release a string of heartwarming classics in the J-POP scene, maintaining a unique position.

Tsuji’s music has a soothing quality just by listening, and one of her signature songs, Kaze ni Naru, which was used as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, is widely known and a great pick for karaoke where people of all ages gather.

Its very straightforward melody makes it easy to sing, so it’s perfect for aiming for a high score at karaoke—and singing it together as a parent and child is sure to be fun, too!