Lovely karaoke song

Karaoke songs in Japanese that are easy for men in their 40s to sing

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, I built experience with a major label as a composer and producer. I then moved to the United States and studied voice and singing under Elizabeth Sabine, one of Los Angeles’s top vocal coaches, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal technique advocated by Sabine. After returning to Japan, I have been involved in training and producing a variety of singers. My direction, which brings out the full appeal of both the music and the vocalist, is highly regarded. In the collaboration video with Vo. ryuichi of the band Guild below, I handled keyboards, vocal direction, and sound production. For inquiries and requests regarding voice training and music production, please contact me via the website below. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-402518821

If you’re a man in your 40s, you probably often find yourself heading to karaoke after work-related drinking parties or reunions with old friends, where you can’t really avoid singing, right?

But don’t you sometimes struggle with what to sing in those moments?

A lot of people feel unsure about what to pick—maybe you don’t know the latest hits well enough to sing them, or you’re not confident in your singing to begin with.

So in this feature, we’ll introduce songs that are easy to sing and well-known across generations, focusing mainly on classic hits from the 1990s to the early 2000s—exactly the era when today’s forty-something men spent their youth.

That period was truly the golden age of J-pop, and getting songs widely sung at karaoke was one of the absolute requirements for boosting sales.

In other words, it’s a treasure trove of easy-to-sing tracks!

We hope this article helps you relive the fun of your younger days and rediscover the joy of singing.

Karaoke songs in Japanese that are easy for men in their 40s to sing (131–140)

HouyouShinichi Kawaharada

Houyou

Hoyou Kawarada Shinichi

This is the sixth single overall by singer and actor Shinichi Kawaharada, released in November 2021.

As for Kawaharada-san performing this piece—actually, this track was produced by me.

I handled the composition, arrangement, keyboard parts, and direction during recording.

In creating it, I focused on crafting an easy-to-sing melody, keeping in mind that Kawaharada-san’s primary profession is acting.

So I believe it’s also approachable for people who aren’t confident singers.

Throughout the song, try to sing gently.

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The Beatles I saw were inside the TV.Kazuyoshi Saito

The Beatles I saw were inside the TV.

The Beatles I saw were on TV — Kazuyoshi Saito

It’s a message song that sings, with both irony and sincerity, about one’s feelings toward the era they live in—an honest, true-to-life piece.

“The Beatles I Saw Were on TV” is the debut single, released in 1993.

After appearing on the music audition program “Saturday My Family’s TV: Yuji Miyake’s Tenka Gomen ne!”, Saito won the right to make a major-label debut, and this was the track that came out of it.

The song carries a bittersweet mood, yet somehow leaves you feeling refreshingly clear at the end.

It’s a male-vocal number, but I think it’s easy for women to sing as well.

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I like your face.Kazuyoshi Saito

I Like Your Face (20th Anniversary Live at Kobe World Memorial Hall 2013.8.25)

I like your face, Kazuyoshi Saito.

I think quite a few people have had the experience of thinking, “I can’t put it into words, but I just really like this person.” The third single, ‘Kimi no Kao ga Suki da,’ released in 1994, was featured in heavy rotation on radio stations at the time and became a hot topic.

Because the lyrics are so straightforward and unadorned—single-minded, even—you can’t help but trust that the singer really means it.

Maybe being this direct actually feels more human and appealing.

How about trying it at karaoke with your partner?

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The White LoversKeisuke Kuwata

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

Shiroi Koibitotachi by Keisuke Kuwata

As a solo artist, Keisuke Kuwata’s seventh single overall, released in October 2001.

It was used as the song for Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercials, in which Kuwata himself appeared, as well as for UNIQLO’s “LifeWear/HEATTECH: Winter Is the Time to Go Outside” commercials.

You could truly call this a staple of late-’90s to early-2000s J-pop.

Many songs from that era are very easy to sing, and this ballad is no exception—it’s something anyone can casually sing and enjoy.

It might even be fun to sing it while doing a Kuwata-style impression, don’t you think?

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MELODYMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – MELODY (Full ver.)

MELODY Masaharu Fukuyama

MELODY is a song that straightforwardly expresses the desire to always stay with the important person right in front of you, even if you sometimes pass each other by.

It was released in 1993 as a double A-side single together with BABY BABY.

Its friendly, easy-to-remember melody makes it an easy song to sing.

Since the key is a bit on the higher side, it may be easier for those who struggle with low notes.

Conversely, if your voice is lower, dropping the key just a little will make it more comfortable to sing.

Enjoy singing it while soaking in the song’s refreshing vibe!

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milk teaMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – milk tea (Full ver.)

Milk Tea Fukuyama Masaharu

This is Masaharu Fukuyama’s 21st single, released in May 2006.

It was issued as a double A-side single together with Utsukushiki Hana, which was included on the CD at the same time, and it was used as the theme song for the TBS variety show Koi suru Hanikami!.

It’s a slow-tempo ballad where the beautiful acoustic guitar sound and Fukuyama’s mature vocals are exquisitely matched.

There aren’t any particularly tricky, technically difficult parts in the vocal melody, but when singing this at karaoke, the most important thing is how you handle the spacing between phrases—how well you “sing” the rests.

Cherish each and every word of the lyrics, and try singing it after studying his original performance carefully.

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That's all.Masaharu Fukuyama

Soregasubetesa

That’s all, Masaharu Fukuyama.

A pop number that sings about straightforward feelings of love, “That’s Everything.” Released in 2003 as part of a triple A-side single alongside “Niji” and “Himawari,” this song also drew attention for being featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial.

One of the reasons it’s easy to sing is its catchy melody that lets everyone get excited and sing along.

Another charm is how memorable it is, thanks to that melody and its simple, straightforward lyrics.

You’ll need to pay attention to the rap part in the middle, but overall it’s a song you can sing relaxed and have fun with!

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