Karaoke songs that are easy to sing—even for those who aren’t confident singers—recommended for men in their 40s

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

“Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni” is the 15th single by the rock band Elephant Kashimashi, led by Hiroji Miyamoto, who exudes a unique aura.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara” starring Makiko Esumi, it became one of their signature hits, marking their first entry into the Oricon Top 10 for a single.

It’s a masterpiece with Miyamoto’s straightforward vocals that stir the heart.

The lyrics, which express the desire to shine someday like the moon, resonate especially with men in their 40s.

The melody has few dynamic shifts, making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

single bedSharam Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

Released in June 1994, this was Sharam Q’s sixth single.

Along with the subsequent hit “Zuruina Onna,” its sales grew and it became Sharam Q’s first million-selling hit.

Now, this song is an ideal choice for people who aren’t confident singers when picking a karaoke repertoire! The melody and rhythm are simple, there aren’t many high notes, and the slow tempo makes it easy to sing; plus, there are hardly any long sustained notes that require you to focus on keeping pitch.

If you’re in your 40s, you probably experienced the glittering Japan of the era when this song was a hit in real time, so I think you’ll enjoy singing it while recalling that “atmosphere of the times.”

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi

The Last Rain

Yasushi Nakanishi’s classic, filled with gentle yet heartrending emotion, is a ballad about parting with a lover.

The breakup scene, overlaid with imagery of rain, along with the portrayal of deep affection, possessiveness, and the acceptance of being unable to make the other person happy, leaves a strong impression.

The beautiful arrangement of piano and strings further highlights the crystalline quality of his vocals.

Released in August 1992, it was later used as the theme song for Hitachi’s “Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and gradually gained support, ultimately becoming a massive hit with total sales of 900,000 copies.

In karaoke, its relaxed tempo and relatively narrow vocal range make it easy to sing calmly.

Why not sing it while carefully unfolding its story-like lyrics, together with your cherished memories?

Can't Say Anything... SummerTHE JAYWALK

[Official] J-WALK “Speechless… Summer”

Even among the countless classic and hit summer songs of the ’90s, many people would say this one left a particularly deep impression.

Released by J-WALK in 1991, it became one of their signature songs, known for its heartbreaking lyrics and long-running sales.

In fact, this track, Nani mo Ienakute.

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Natsu (I Can’t Say Anything.

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Summer), is the summer version of Nani mo Ienakute from their 1990 album.

Plenty of people likely admire Koichi Nakamura’s husky voice—radiating mature charm and allure—and sing it at karaoke.

Overall, it’s a relatively easy, singable song, but when delivering the soaring high notes in the chorus smoothly, be careful to keep your vibrato natural and time your breaths correctly.

Love will winKAN

Aiwa Katsu

KAN’s 8th single, released in September 1990.

It was originally used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV,” but it gained popularity after being featured as an insert song on Fuji TV’s “Hochan no Yamada Katsute Nai TV,” becoming a record-breaking long seller.

If you’re in your 40s, you probably experienced the hit in real time.

With its very catchy and easy-to-remember melody, I imagine many people remember it vividly along with their memories from that time.

The song doesn’t require particularly difficult high notes or very low notes, and the melody is friendly and straightforward, with simple rhythmic phrasing—making it a great choice for people who aren’t confident singers to pick for karaoke.

There aren’t any especially tricky parts, so just sing it energetically and liven up the room!

BoyhoodYosui Inoue

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

This is Yosui Inoue’s 29th single, released in September 1990.

It’s also his biggest hit.

Since Inoue himself is a singer with exceptionally strong vocal ability, it can be quite difficult for those who aren’t confident singers to perform it the way he does.

That said, the song itself—if I may risk a slight overstatement—has a very wholesome, almost Ministry-of-Education school song feel, with a straightforward melody and simple phrasing, making it easy for anyone to learn and sing.

I imagine that this sense of familiarity connects to a kind of nostalgia, which helped propel the song to hit status.

If you just pay attention to the key you choose, and don’t get too hung up on singing it perfectly—simply focus on tracing the melody honestly—you’ll likely sing it quite well.

Let’s all try singing it while picturing our own “shonen jidai,” our boyhood days.

SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] SAY YES / CHAGE and ASKA

Known by the abbreviation “ChageAsu,” CHAGE & ASKA is a musical duo whose exquisite harmonies never fail to captivate fans.

This is their 27th single, chosen as the theme song for the television drama “101st Proposal,” which became a social phenomenon.

With its dreamy arrangement and catchy melody, the track became a million seller.

The overall key is low and there aren’t many big pitch jumps, making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

For those in their 40s—the generation of its heyday—it’s a ballad that symbolizes the trendy drama boom of 1990, and we recommend two people sing it together to recreate the harmony.