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

After all, I'm an idolKyoko Koizumi

Kyoko Koizumi – NANTETTATTE IDOL (Live at Nakano Sunplaza Hall, 2022.3.21)

This is a masterpiece by Kyoko Koizumi that portrays the light and shadow of idols with a mix of irony and humor.

By confronting the very idea of an idol head-on and vividly expressing both its front and back sides without concealment, it overturned the conventional concept of idol songs.

The complex emotions embedded within its bright, catchy melody—self-affirmation and inner conflict, loneliness amid glamour—sparked a major response when it was released in 1985.

The song was used in a commercial for Fujifilm’s Caldia and topped the Oricon chart, selling 420,000 copies.

It’s a track that resonates with the feelings of wavering between the “ideal self” and the “real self,” something people of any age or gender can relate to.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

When I was on the verge of losing the meaning of life, meeting the one I love made my heart shine… JUJU’s heartwarming rock ballad is cherished by people of all generations.

Released in February 2009 as the theme song for a collaborative project between MTV Japan and Nissan, the track’s chorus expresses unconditional love and gratitude, like an eternal vow to someone precious.

The next time you go to karaoke with that intriguing man in his 40s, why not share your feelings through this song?

Sweet EmotionNanae Aikawa

Nanase Aikawa / Sweet Emotion

As if symbolizing the CD bubble era, Nanase Aikawa burst onto the scene in the late 1990s.

Her commanding vocals and dark, rock-infused style brought a fresh breeze to the music world.

One of her signature songs is this track, released in 1997.

Chosen as the campaign song for “Radio New Era” by 94 commercial radio stations nationwide, it peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and became a major hit, selling approximately 503,000 copies in total.

Its lyrics, depicting nocturnal scenes and the sweetness of romance—interwoven with radio-themed imagery—resonate deeply with listeners.

When singing it at karaoke, aim for Aikawa’s powerful vocal presence, and picture a hot summer night as you perform.

I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro

Only Looking at You (2019 Remastered)

As an artist born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Maki Ohguro has captivated many fans with her powerful vocals and compelling performances.

She began performing in bands in high school and made her debut in 1992.

Since then, she has colored the music scene with songs rooted in pop while embracing a wide range of genres, including rock and R&B.

Known for her strong vocals and catchy melodies, she won the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards and the Best 5 Artists at the Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1995.

After overcoming a period of hiatus, she continues to be energetically active today.

Her world, conveyed through powerful singing and lyrics that resonate deeply, is a perfect match for listeners seeking both the strength and warmth that music can offer.

Pink sighMariko Takahashi

Pink sigh

It is a masterpiece that fuses an exotic, Mediterranean-like atmosphere with an urban, sophisticated sound.

The song dreamily portrays a woman who blossoms like a flower when embraced by her lover, expressing both the beauty and the fragility of love.

Mariko Takahashi’s delicate yet powerful vocals further deepen the work’s unique world.

Released in May 1984 as the commercial song for Sanki’s “Camellia Diamond,” it was also included on the album Triad.

Highly acclaimed—including winning the Lyrics Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards—it became a long-running hit.

With a quiet mood that hints at hidden passion, this is a perfect track for spending peaceful moments with someone special.

GLAMOROUS SKYNANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA

GLAMOROUS SKY

In the late 1990s, the song that took the world by storm as the theme for the film NANA is that famous track sung by Mika Nakashima.

With lyrics by the original creator Ai Yazawa and composition by HYDE of L’Arc〜en〜Ciel, the song was released in August 2005 and immediately topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It held the top spot for two consecutive weeks, marking a first for Nakashima.

An up-tempo rock number with a punk flavor, it was also used as a song by the in-film band BLACK STONES.

The lyrics, which question the repetition of everyday life and depict a decision to leap into a new world, are sure to resonate with many.

It’s a perfect track when you want to get the energy up at karaoke.

Between the Sky and YouMiyuki Nakajima

Between the Sky and You

Singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima holds the remarkable record of topping the singles chart across four decades, from the 1970s through the 2000s.

Her 31st single, Between the Sky and You, released as a double A-side with Fight!, became a million-selling hit as the theme song for the TV drama A Homeless Kid, which sparked a major social phenomenon.

The sentimental lyrics, woven through her trademark powerful vocals, instantly bring scenes from the drama to mind as you listen.

It’s an emotional number that’s sure to draw attention at karaoke, especially with people from that generation.