[2025] Recommended for Your 40s! A Roundup of Perfect Karaoke Songs for Christmas
Those of you in your 40s today are the generation who spent your youth during the golden age of J-POP, from the 1990s to the early 2000s, when CDs sold the most.
It was an era that produced many timeless hits still sung in the Reiwa era, with countless songs that people of all ages perform at karaoke.
In this article, I—the author, currently in my 40s—have put together a list of winter songs perfect for Christmas, focusing mainly on tracks released from the ’90s through the mid-’00s.
Of course, younger music fans who are interested in Japanese music from that era are also encouraged to check it out!
- Recommended for people in their 50s! Best Christmas karaoke songs
- [2025] Sing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Christmas Songs by Female Artists
- [Women in Their 40s] Even If You’re Tone-Deaf, You Can Sing! Karaoke Songs That Fit a Woman’s Vocal Range
- For Men: No-Fail Classics! Christmas Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke [2025]
- [40s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]
- [By Scene] Christmas Karaoke Song Catalog: From Classics to the Newest Hits
- [For men in their 40s] That nostalgic song you can enjoy at karaoke!
- Recommended Japanese pop songs for karaoke for men in their 40s
- [For people in their 90s] Recommended Christmas songs: from nostalgic school songs and hymns to timeless classics
- Recommended for women in their 40s! Easy-to-sing songs for karaoke
- Recommended Christmas songs for people in their 70s: A collection of classic winter hits from the Showa era
- [40s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]
- Karaoke Songs to Sing in December: Perfect for Year-End Parties! Winter and Christmas Songs
[2025] Recommended for Your 40s! A Roundup of Perfect Christmas Karaoke Songs (11–20)
Somewhere in a distant town...Miho Nakayama
Miho Nakayama’s 23rd single, “Somewhere in a Distant Town…,” was released in 1991.
It served as the theme song for the TV drama “When I Want to See You, You’re Not There…,” in which Nakayama herself starred.
Airing in 1991, the drama portrayed a long-distance relationship in an era before mobile phones and smartphones were widespread.
The lyrics tie into the drama, capturing the missed connections and frustration that come with distance—very much of its time.
For those in their 40s, it’s likely a nostalgic Christmas song that tugs at the heartstrings.
A highly recommended track.
HOLY NIGHTNEW!EXILE
A winter ballad that sings of feelings for a loved one on a street corner where powdery snow dances.
Released to the world in December 2006 as the B-side to the single “Everything,” the song features lyrics written by ATSUSHI.
Its appeal lies in the delicate piano melody layered with gentle, tender vocals.
The lyrics express gratitude to someone who supports you through downcast days and the joy of being together, making it perfect for conveying your feelings to someone special during Christmas-season karaoke.
snow-cappedNEW!EXILE ATSUSHI
Let me introduce a bittersweet winter ballad sung by EXILE’s ATSUSHI.
Released digitally in February 2022, the song is also included on his solo best album “ONE.” It was chosen as the image song for a pair of true wireless earphones, and the tie-in commercial featuring ATSUSHI himself became a hot topic.
The lyrics overlay regret and gratitude for a past love onto a pure white snowy landscape.
The resolve to live while holding on to the ache of wanting to see someone you can’t, and feelings that won’t reach them, sinks deep into the heart thanks to ATSUSHI’s rich, resonant vocals.
Perfect for when you want to sing a gentle, tender song.
A town where it snowsNEW!Unicorn
A number that expresses the desire to avoid the year-end crowds and a longing for one’s hometown.
Released in December 1992 as Unicorn’s eighth single, it was used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Totsuzen Variety Sokuhō!! COUNT DOWN 100.” Centered on the year’s end, it paints scenes of snow falling on a familiar town, while also conveying a quiet warmth and consideration for others.
The relaxed shuffle beat and wintry sound are especially pleasant.
Its narrow melodic range also makes it easy to sing at karaoke.
Powder Snow ~A Winter That Never Ends~NEW!Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE
A delicate portrayal of a bittersweet, unrequited winter love, this is a winter ballad by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE.
Released in November 2012 as their eighth single, it was used as the ending theme for the TV information program “Onegai! Ranking” and as a commercial song for ABC-MART.
The protagonist’s feelings—continuing to think of someone even while burdened by emotions that can’t reach them—are expressed through a subtle piano and strings melody.
Try singing it with all your heart at winter karaoke.
Christmas LoversNEW!FLYING KIDS
This gem of a track was used in November 1995 as the theme song for a Kansai Cellular commercial, and was created by FLYING KIDS with the aim of crafting a soul-inflected Christmas song.
An evocative riff on the Hammond organ intertwines with a funk bass line honed under the guidance of bassist Takamune Negishi, achieving a striking balance between a dusky groove and bright pop lightness.
The lyrics convey a warm message of lovers staying true to their love and trusting each other against the sparkling backdrop of a city at Christmastime.
Featured on the album HOME TOWN, the single also secured a tie-in on its B-side: “Ban Ban Ban” was used in a Kirin Beverage commercial, making it an ambitious double tie-up release.
Imbued with the creators’ wish for people to enjoy Christmas all the more during heavy-hearted times, the song brims with nostalgic charm that makes you want to sing it at karaoke.
[2025] Recommended for Your 40s! A Roundup of Perfect Christmas Karaoke Songs (21–30)
Christmas giftNEW!GAO
A powerhouse artist who epitomized the ’90s with a husky voice, GAO released their sixth single in December 1993.
Interweaving dreamy motifs like rainbow-colored flowers, this romantic ballad conveys a warm desire to deliver a special feeling to someone dear.
GAO’s androgynous vocals strike a perfect balance—neither overly sweet nor devoid of wistful longing.
The track is also included on the album “GAO,” and the single comes with two versions: the standard edition and a Winter Edition—another delightful touch.
How about singing it slowly on a quiet Christmas night spent with your partner?