Ballad songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular hits.

SakurazakaMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

Released in April 2000 as Masaharu Fukuyama’s 15th single.

It’s a very friendly, gentle song that slips right into your ears.

In terms of range, as long as you set the key appropriately, it’s written in a range most men can sing without strain, so even those who aren’t confident singers can hum along fairly easily.

That “approachability” is likely part of what made the song a hit.

That said, Fukuyama’s own expressive vocal performance is outstanding; being able to give such depth to such a simple melody comes down to his expressive power.

In that sense, it’s also a song I’d encourage those confident in their singing to take on.

Ballad of a SingerKazuyoshi Saito

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer [Live ver.]

Here is one of Kazuyoshi Saito’s signature songs, released in 1997.

Written from the perspective of someone who sings, it’s a simple song, yet a masterpiece that has been covered by many of Japan’s most renowned artists.

Just following the lyrics as you listen is enough to move you.

The chorus is higher than you might expect, so be careful when setting the key, and make sure not to lose the pitch during the chorus.

If you do that and sing with heart, it will become a song that truly reaches the listener.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

It was Yo Hitoto’s fifth single, released in February 2004.

This may be something common to her songs, but the melody has a certain Japanese flavor to it, which makes it especially familiar and easy for us Japanese to hum along to.

Of course, her vocal skill and expressive power are very high, so singing it at a level close to hers is a tall order.

However, if you’re just tracing the melody and lyrics, it’s a relatively easy song for anyone to pick at karaoke.

I’ve heard it was written around the time of the September 11 attacks, and keeping that in mind makes the meaning of the lyrics feel very weighty.

Try singing it while taking in that gravity of the words.

HitotsuboshiKOH⁺

KOH⁺ “One-star” (Inspire Movie for the film Silent Parade)

KOH⁺ is a musical duo formed by Ko Shibasaki and Masaharu Fukuyama.

They came together after co-starring in a TV drama and have provided theme songs for the film series.

In 2022, they wrote Hitotsuboshi for the film Silent Parade.

This song is captivating for its heart-wrenching, bittersweet lyrics.

I hope you’ll sing it with heartfelt emotion.

The tempo is slow, but there are moments where the pacing changes, so please pay attention to that.

ReplayDISH//

DISH// – Replay [Official Video]

Some people may not be used to singing itself because they don’t usually go to karaoke.

In that case, I’d like to recommend “Replay” by DISH//.

It’s a song written specifically as the required piece for the junior high division of the NHK National School Music Competition.

Because of that, it’s designed so you can sing it well using just the basic vocal techniques you learned at school.

It also features a narrow pitch range and a slow tempo.

If you’re not confident in your singing, give it a try.

threadMiyuki Nakajima

thread

A classic by Miyuki Nakajima, known for its gentle, irresistibly hummable melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Released in February 1998, it became widely known as the theme song for the TV drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).

The lyrics, which express encounters and bonds between people, have moved many listeners and made the song popular at weddings and in karaoke.

In 2020, a film of the same name was released, bringing it further attention.

With its slow tempo and few complex melodic turns, it’s a song that even those who aren’t confident singers can perform comfortably.

Lowering the key makes it even easier to sing.

sillyLeo Ieiri

Leo Ieiri – Silly

Singer-songwriter Leo Ieiri.

Among her songs, the one I’d recommend to people who aren’t confident in their singing is “Silly.” That’s because, even though many of her songs—ballads included—often have intense sections, this track maintains a gentle, calm atmosphere throughout.

One distinctive feature, however, is her breathy articulation.

If you want to really master this song, try to be mindful of that.

Especially in the chorus, using this vocal approach will make it sound better.