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

I Want to See You ~Missing You~Seiko Matsuda

Matsuda Seiko – I Want to See You ~Missing You~

When it comes to Seiko Matsuda’s biggest hit, it has to be the 1996 single “Anata ni Aitakute ~Missing You~.” It topped the Oricon Singles Chart and is also the only song of hers to achieve million-seller status.

She even performed it four times on the year-end NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics, which express the feelings of a woman who still longs for an ex-lover, are truly heartrending when you listen to them.

If you’re in your 40s, you’ve probably found yourself humming it at some point, so definitely try singing it at karaoke.

GoodbyeGAO

GAO – Sayonara [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

GAO is a singer with a memorable husky voice and an androgynous presence.

After the 2000s, she made a surprising shift to gangsta rap and even released a full-fledged hip-hop album, and she continues to be active in music under the name GAO today.

Many people probably think of her 1992 smash hit “Sayonara” when they hear her name.

The song has since been covered by many singers and remains a classic of early Heisei-era J-pop that continues to be sung today.

Featuring a very singable melody built on a simple chord progression with restrained leaps in pitch, it’s also a great choice for those aiming for a high karaoke score.

For the high notes in the chorus, be sure to project strongly from your diaphragm so you can deliver them with power.

for a long timeKiroro

Kiroro “Nagaimono” Official Music Video

“Nagairu Aida” (For a Long Time) is Kiroro’s major-label debut single, released in 1998.

It topped the Oricon Singles Chart and became a million seller.

It’s a big hit with heartbreakingly poignant lyrics that express the feelings of both people in a romantic relationship.

When Chiharu Tamashiro’s simple, unadorned vocals blend with Ayano Kinjo’s beautiful piano tones, it leaves you with an indescribably calm, peaceful feeling.

It’s a classic that won the 36th Golden Arrow Award for Newcomer in Music, so definitely give it a try!

yellow yellow happyPocket Biscuits

Pocket Biscuits 'Yellow Yellow Happy'

An uplifting pop tune that wholeheartedly affirms one’s own life and sings of love for someone special.

Released in September 1996, this song is known as one of Pocket Biscuits’ signature works.

Created by a unit born from the Nippon TV variety show “Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!!,” it became a massive hit, selling over a million copies.

Its bright, positive lyrics and catchy melody are guaranteed to liven up any karaoke session.

It’s the perfect track for those moments when you want to pause amid the daily rush of work and chores and reaffirm your love for yourself and the people around you.

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.

Choo Choo TRAINZoo

ZOO Choo Choo TRAIN PV.flv

It’s a song with a melody everyone’s heard at least once, and one that people of all ages can dance to and get excited about together.

These days it’s also known as one of EXILE’s signature tracks.

The choreography where everyone lines up in a row and dances in a circle from front to back is still familiar to most people.

It’s sure to turn any karaoke room into a dance floor!

Kiss me here.Ringo Sheena

Ringo Sheena – Kiss Me Here.

In the late 1990s, Ringo Sheena brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.

This signature song of hers, written when she was just 17, depicts a bold and passionate love that seems far beyond her years.

Its unwavering devotion and gripping attachment to a lover are exquisitely expressed, showcasing a glimpse of Sheena’s remarkable talent.

Released in January 1999, the track was also featured as the ending theme for Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV’s “Downtown DX,” drawing significant attention.

The music video is memorable for its performance scenes set in a rose garden.

When singing it at karaoke, it might be fun to imitate Sheena’s distinctive vocal style.

It’s a recommended song for those troubled by love or anyone wishing to convey their feelings to someone special.