Lovely karaoke song

Moving masterpieces and popular songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Have you ever been moved by a song you heard someone sing at karaoke?

From bittersweet love songs to anthems that cheer you on in life, to tracks that tell stories that resonate deeply—many songs can leave a lasting impression.

Of course, sometimes it’s the singer’s skill that makes it moving, but in this article, we’ll introduce a wealth of timeless songs that can move listeners no matter who’s singing them.

It’s a flood of emotionally powerful songs—so moving you might cry—when you think about the messages in the lyrics and the stories behind them!

Be sure to try singing them yourself and move everyone around you.

Moving, must-sing masterpieces and popular songs for karaoke (41–50)

Close your eyesKen Hirai

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

Close Your Eyes by Ken Hirai

When it comes to this song, you could say no explanation is needed—it’s one of Ken Hirai’s signature tracks.

In the intro, he deliberately uses chest voice with a murmuring delivery to create a sense of wistfulness, while in the chorus he switches gears, skillfully alternating between falsetto and mixed voice—his true forte—to highlight the song’s “transparency,” singing of pure love.

I bet many guys have dashed to their local vocal schools hoping to learn how to sing this one well.

By all means, belt it out and show off your proud vocal skills to the fullest!

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cherry blossomKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Sakura”

Sakura Ketsumeishi

This iconic song that symbolizes the spring season is also extremely popular at karaoke.

It’s a bittersweet yet heartwarming track that sings of past love, revived alongside scenes of cherry blossoms.

The contrast between the rap-driven storytelling and the catchy chorus that anyone can sing along to is truly moving.

Released as a single in February 2005, it became the group’s biggest hit despite having no tie-in.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and the emotional atmosphere is sure to deepen.

When the chorus comes, join in together for a rousing sing-along and enjoy the sense of unity!

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Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

Glorious Bridge - Yuzu

This song, which was the official theme for the Athens Olympics, has lyrics that honor athletes’ daily efforts and truly move us.

Whether they shine on a glamorous stage or sometimes fall short of the results they hoped for, there’s always grueling everyday training behind it.

It was a classic that accompanied many moving Olympic moments at the time.

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Like the shining moonSuperfly

Superfly “Like the Shining Moon” Music Video

Superfly like a shining moon

Shiho Ochi’s powerful, soaring vocals linger in your ears.

The key point is how warmly and movingly the song celebrates loving someone and the joy of meeting them, so when you sing it at karaoke, try to pour emotion into each and every lyric.

It’s the theme song for the drama “Summer Rescue: The Clinic on the Sky.” It’s also the theme song for the 20th anniversary title in the “Tales of” series, “Tales of Zestiria.” Released in 2012, it was Superfly’s 15th single.

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Rainy BlueHidemasa Tokunaga

HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA – Rainy Blue

Rainy Blue Tokunaga Hideaki

It’s a very heartrending, bluesy song—one that I think can move anyone who’s experienced heartbreak to tears.

It’s also remembered for covering many timeless classics.

With an undeniable musical sensibility and a rare, soaring high-tone voice, Hideaki Tokunaga—one of the leading artists in the Japanese music scene—delivers this breakup number.

Co-created with Makoto Oki, whom he met while working part-time in Karuizawa, the song became one of his signature tracks.

It was released in 1986 as Hideaki Tokunaga’s debut single.

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Just... I want to see youEXILE

EXILE / I Just... Want to See You - Short version -

Just... I want to see you EXILE

This song was released as EXILE’s 19th single.

SHUN, the vocalist, wrote the lyrics for what became his last song during his time in EXILE, and the performance features no dancing—relying solely on vocal ability.

The male perspective’s “I miss you” sounds deeply heartrending.

It’s a standout ballad you’d want someone you love to sing.

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crescent moonAyaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka Mikazuki

It was released in 2006 as Ayaka’s fourth single.

With this song, she won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist, boosting her popularity.

It’s Ayaka’s first love ballad, themed around a long-distance relationship.

It’s a classic that also reached No.

1 on the 2007 Oricon Karaoke Chart.

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