A lineup of classics! Easy-to-sing Heisei-era songs, perfect for karaoke picks
Do you have go-to songs for when you go to karaoke with friends or coworkers?
If you love singing, you might find yourself unsure where to start because there are so many options.
On the other hand, if you’re not very confident at singing, you might be unsure what you can actually sing.
Many people probably want to avoid the embarrassment of not being able to sing well.
So this time, we’re focusing on the Heisei era and introducing songs that are easy to sing.
We’ve selected tracks with minimal melodic leaps and not-too-high keys, so feel free to use this as a reference!
Packed with classic hits! Easy-to-sing Heisei-era songs that are also great picks for karaoke (1–10)
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is the third single by BUMP OF CHICKEN, known for its thick, layered sound.
Released in March 2001, it was also used as an insert song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “A Celestial Observation.” The lyrics depict dialogues with one’s past, present, and future self, exploring how to face them—spinning a universal story through growth and pain.
With a generally low key and minimal melodic fluctuation, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.
It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to face yourself or take a new step forward.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto
When it comes to Yo Hitoto’s signature songs, this is the one.
Released in February 2004 as her fifth single, it was a massive hit, spending over 136 weeks on the Oricon charts.
Known as a classic J-pop ballad, it’s also very popular for karaoke.
The lyrics convey a wish for peace and were reportedly written in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Characterized by a gentle melody and deep emotional expression, the song has been covered by various artists.
It has also been used as a movie theme song and in commercials.
With its relaxed tempo and status as a well-known tune, it’s an easy choice to sing at karaoke.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
A signature song by aiko that portrays the joys and sorrows of love through the changing seasons.
Its delicate lyrics and beautiful melody resonate deeply.
Released in November 1999 as her fourth single, the track had a significant impact on her subsequent music career.
It symbolically depicts a couple’s relationship through seasonal scenery and has struck a chord with many listeners.
It has also been covered by Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing at karaoke, and performing it with rich emotion lets you fully enjoy the song’s world.
At all times.Noriyuki Makihara
A highly recommended, easy-to-sing song by Noriyuki Makihara is “Donna Toki mo.” Its charm lies in a simple yet moving melody and, above all, uplifting lyrics that value staying true to yourself.
You might find the key a bit high, but by adjusting it, it becomes easy for anyone—regardless of gender—to sing.
That’s why, if you sing this at karaoke, others will surely start humming along!
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
A signature song by MONGOL800, notable for its driving rock sound and beautiful harmonies.
Included on the album MESSAGE released in September 2001, it was also used as an insert song in the TV drama Proposal Daisakusen.
It has inspired numerous film adaptations and covers, and is a gem loved by a wide range of generations.
With its fast tempo that makes it easy to get hyped and its relatively low key, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.
It’s a classic of youth punk—highly recommended for trying harmonies with friends.
Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long Ago~My Little Lover
This is the third single by MY LITTLE LOVER, released in 1995.
Used as the opening theme for the NTV drama “Owaranai Natsu,” the song became a massive hit, selling over 1.
8 million copies.
Co-written by Kenji Fujii and Takeshi Kobayashi, it stands out for its lyrics that weave together nostalgia and hope.
From the lyrical guitar in the intro to the catchy melody and striking key changes, every element of the track is superb.
It’s a quintessential 1990s pop song that evokes memories of distant hometowns and loved ones while giving you the courage to take a new step forward.
Island SongTHE BOOM
A signature song by THE BOOM that vividly portrays the landscapes and history of Okinawa.
Released in 1992, the track was born from frontman Kazufumi Miyazawa’s experiences during a visit to Okinawa.
Its distinctive melody weaves together the Ryukyu scale and Western scales, beautifully singing of Okinawa’s nature and culture, as well as the sorrow of war.
This gem of a song offers a prayer for peace while staying close to the hearts of the Okinawan people.
It’s also very popular at karaoke and loved by a wide range of ages.
Recommended for those who want to feel the charm of Okinawa or reflect on peace.
With its slow tempo, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.