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

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.

Playlist

Moving masterpieces and popular songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	Letter to TomorrowAoi Teshima		Summary (20 characters): Aoi Teshima’s poignant, warm classic. A 2016 single that gained popularity among high school girls as a TV drama theme song.
2	366 daysHY		A 20-character summary of HY’s heartbreak song. A poignant track that sings about the person you love drifting away.
3	1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfficial HIGE DANDism		A love song brimming with happiness that portrays the two people’s lives—from past to future—like a movie.
4	Wherever you areONE OK ROCK		A love song by ONE OK ROCK that sings of eternal love. It’s very popular at weddings and has ranked number one in bridal music.
5	A Naked HeartAimyon		In her first ballad single, Aimyon expresses an approachable, feminine cuteness.
6	MiracleGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s seventh single became a major hit as the theme song for the drama “ROOKIES,” and it also received a Guinness World Record.
7	hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake		Summary (20 characters): Omoinotake’s song is a touching, beautiful piece that portrays feelings for a loved one far away.
8	threadMiyuki Nakajima		A famous Miyuki Nakajima song that likens encounters with people to threads and expresses happiness as “shi-awase.” (20 characters)
9	KanadeSukima Switch		Summary (20 characters): Theme song for a 2004 film/TV drama. A huge hit that stayed on the charts for 38 consecutive weeks.
10	HANABIMr.Children		Summary (20 characters): A wonderful song with Mr.Children’s beautiful melody and bittersweet lyrics that touch the heart.
11	If you call it loveUru		Summary (20 characters): A heartwarming song by Uru. A masterpiece portraying the importance of change and growth in relationships.
12	I long to see you now.MISIA		An emotional ballad by MISIA with the theme of “feelings I want to convey.”
13	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A clear, transparent song that expresses deep love through nature, with over 400 million views on social media.
14	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		Summary (within 20 chars): NHK's 2018 PyeongChang Olympics theme song. A cheering song featuring warm vocals and moving lyrics. (20 chars)Translation: NHK’s theme song for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. A cheering song characterized by warm vocals and moving lyrics.
15	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto		Hitoto Yo’s 2004 single. The lyrics were written based on a friend’s email. It’s a moving ballad and a karaoke staple.
16	smileIkimonogakari		Summary (20 characters): A 2013 release themed around smiles. It was the theme song for a Pokémon movie and entered the Oricon Top 10.
17	AnswerLila Ikuta		Summary (20 characters): A cheering song by Lila Ikuta. While expressing anxiety about the future, it encourages everyone who takes on challenges.
18	StoryAI		A touching song that conveys the importance of time with loved ones. Perfect for hyping up karaoke. (20 characters)
19	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		Summary (20 characters): Theme song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE for a film. An uplifting anthem about the importance of holding onto hope even in the face of difficulties.
20	As a personSUPER BEAVER		An anthem that affirms human weakness
21	rendezvousShy Taupe		Shytoupe’s classic that depicts the pain of heartbreak
22	If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER		An inspiring SUPER BEAVER song about the importance of human bonds, portraying the strength to overcome hardships.
23	planetariumAi Otsuka		Summary (20 characters): Ai Otsuka’s signature song. A 2005 single that sings of bittersweet feelings for someone you can no longer meet.
24	Eine KleineKenshi Yonezu		A song by Kenshi Yonezu that emotionally sings of the sadness and fear of parting, summarized in 20 characters.
25	horizonback number		Summary (20 characters): An inspiring back number song portraying dreams and setbacks, cheering on high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
26	cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS		A moving ballad by RADWIMPS. Included on their 2018 album. Recommended for karaoke with your partner.
27	Make it into a bouquet.wacci		A heartwarming song that expresses gratitude to one’s parents through music
28	GIFTMr.Children		A gentle, warm love song about giving a gift in a color that suits the other person.
29	Endless JourneyMr.Children		Summary (20 characters): Released in 1998. Mr.Children’s 15th single. A comeback release with uplifting lyrics that drew attention.
30	the red threadKobukuro		Summary (20 characters): A Kobukuro song about overcoming jealousy toward a lover’s ex and striving for happiness together.
31	If I Had Never Met You ~Summer Snow Winter Flower~Aimer		A moving song that poignantly conveys lingering attachment and unforgettable tenderness through its vocals.
32	wedgeHanako Oku		A masterpiece by OkU Hanako, a poignant heartbreak ballad
33	The Toilet GodKana Uemura		Summary (20 characters): A touching masterpiece packed with memories of Kana Uemura and her grandmother, rich in storytelling.
34	Song of Eternal NightGod does not play dice.		Summary (20 characters): A poignant, fan-favorite song that moves with lyrics and vocals.
35	blinkback number		A moving song that sings of kindness and love—the desire to protect others and to give—summed up in 20 characters.
36	Blue amberback number		back number, poignant emotions and intricate harmonies
37	Untitled TodayHirai Dai		A song that cherishes the small joys of everyday life
38	All of the YouthFujifabric		Depicting the end of summer and the fleeting nature of youth
39	Once more[ re: ]		An inspiring song that delivers hope through the power of music
40	You Go Your WayCHEMISTRY		A classic by CHEMISTRY. It beautifully sings of the sadness of parting and has left a deep impression on many people.
41	When Someone’s Wish Comes TrueHikaru Utada		Summary (20 chars): A ballad portraying how one's happiness leads to another's misfortune, and accepting that reality.
42	C.O.S.M.O.S. ~Cosmos (Autumn Cherry Blossoms)~Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE		Summary (20 characters): The 14th single by Sandaime JSB. Released in 2014. A commercial song about the pain of a secret romance.
43	Close your eyesKen Hirai		One of Ken Hirai’s signature songs, it sings of pure love while switching between chest voice and falsetto.
44	cherry blossomKetsumeishi		A masterpiece whose poignant memories of cherry blossoms and love resonate in the heart
45	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Summary (20 characters): Official song of the Athens Olympics. A moving masterpiece that celebrates athletes' efforts.
46	Like the shining moonSuperfly		A moving song that powerfully expresses the joy of love and encounters through Superfly’s strong vocals.
47	Rainy BlueHidemasa Tokunaga		Hideto Tokunaga’s 1986 debut single. A poignant, bluesy song that movingly depicts heartbreak.
48	Just… I want to see youEXILE		A single by EXILE. It was SHUN’s last song with the group, a renowned ballad that showcased their vocal ability without any dance.
49	crescent moonAyaka		Ayaka's fourth single. A love ballad themed around a long-distance relationship. A song that won the Japan Record Award.
50	Peter Pan syndromeSound Schedule		A gentle rock tune that portrays nostalgia for youth and the acceptance of change.
51	Just a little longer until graduationGLAY		Summary (20 characters): A graduation song written and composed by TAKURO in 2002. The bittersweet feeling of parting and a sense of nostalgia linger in the heart.
52	I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki		A single released by Yutaka Ozaki in 1991. A masterpiece that has been covered by many musicians even after his death.
53	Goodbye, LipsHarleo		Summary (20 characters): Theme song of the film “Farewell Song.” Heartbreaking breakup lyrics sung by HaruLeo. Written and composed by Motohiro Hata.
54	The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE		Summary (20 characters): A classic J-POP love ballad. Lyrics filled with nostalgia and hope, and easy to sing at karaoke.
55	Someday Merry ChristmasB’z		A track from B’z’s 1992 mini-album “FRIENDS.” A renowned ballad that intertwines earnest romance with anxieties about loss.
56	Together foreverKobukuro		A single released by Kobukuro in 2004, it became the biggest long-running hit as a classic wedding song.
57	Promise of SunflowersMotohiro Hata		A moving timeless classic that portrays the friendship between Doraemon and Nobita, beloved across generations.
58	A Song For ××Ayumi Hamasaki		A song in which an adolescent passionately sings about the conflict between expectations and their own feelings.
59	Smile and say goodbyeFujifabric		The gentle music of Fujifabric and the earnest lyrics—saying goodbye with a smile despite the struggle—resonate with listeners.
60	AliensKirinji		A Kirinji masterpiece that depicts society’s loneliness and love
61	SparkleRADWIMPS		The striking theme songs of Makoto Shinkai’s works resonate with the heart.
62	He was alive, wasn’t he?Aimyon		A powerful, satirical song about modern society with acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment.
63	Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS’ songs are love songs that express a straightforward feeling toward a single woman, characterized by lyrics open to multiple interpretations.
64	Thank youOKAMOTO’S		A birthday song from OKAMOTO’S filled with gratitude and love
65	Black Boots ~oh my friend~SOPHIA		A moving requiem by vocalist Mitsuru Matsuoka, dedicated to a departed friend, imbued with remembrance and respect.
66	single bedSharam Q		Sharan Q’s first million-selling hit and the ending theme of the anime DNA.
67	OrangeSMAP		A moving song that tenderly and poignantly conveys gratitude while choosing to part despite being in love.
68	Thank youIkimonogakari		A signature song by Ikimono-gakari, an emotional ballad filled with gratitude.
69	era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima		Miyuki Nakajima’s second single, released in 1975. Featured at graduation ceremonies and in textbooks, it has been sung across generations and remains popular for karaoke.
70	Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Angela Aki		A work that portrays growth and innocence through an exchange of letters between one's 15-year-old self and future self.
71	soap bubbleMorning Musume		A song that portrays the fragility of a faint first love and the importance of believing in your own path.
72	LemonKenshi Yonezu		One of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature songs. A track that sings a message to a beloved person from whom one has been separated.
73	The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi		Yasushi Nakanishi’s poignant ballad
74	White LoversKeisuke Kuwata		Embracing the memories of a winter romance along with love
75	Night journeyYorushika		The Appeal of the Insert Song 'Yako' from the Anime Film
76	To Your TownASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		A song with beautiful high notes, imbued with the hope that even an unreliable self can be of help to someone.
77	Name of the FlowerBUMP OF CHICKEN		A BUMP OF CHICKEN masterpiece that weaves feelings for a loved one
78	to go on a rampage; to start acting violently; to run amokUlfuls		A song about the importance of having someone dear who stays by your side when you lose sight of your own worth.
79	sea colorAKINO from bless4		A hopeful song that shows the future when you walk guided by the voices you trust. AKINO’s soaring high tones are captivating. (20 characters)
80	Winter,againGLAY		A song released by GLAY in 1999. It’s a ballad with a soaring, energizing chorus. The love-themed lyrics are moving.
81	Unrequited loveAimer		Summary (20 chars): Aimer’s signature song. With a husky voice and simple accompaniment, it conveys straightforward love.
82	One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		Summary (20 characters): A single by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS. Masahiro Tanaka appears in the PV, and it was used in a baseball TV program.
83	If you laugh at the skywacci		A pop-rock song by wacci. It brings back memories of overcoming tough practice together with teammates.
84	Unfit to be a loverMiyuhan		A song by Miyuhan. It features bold lyrics that can’t quite hide lingering feelings for a former lover.
85	March 9Remioromen		Summary (20 characters): A drama theme song originally written as a wedding graduation song. The melody is challenging.
86	El’s ParadiseSound Horizon		A popular song by Sound Horizon. It tells the story of a doll waiting for its creator to return, and it’s highly challenging both to perform and to sing.
87	nape (of the neck)aiko		A poignant love ballad of regret for not cherishing someone and the time that was lost, summarized in 20 characters.
88	searchlightKoji Tamaki		A warm song characterized by Koji Tamaki’s strained, emotional vocals.
89	White lilies on my birthdayMasaharu Fukuyama		Masaharu Fukuyama's 30th single. Theme song for Tonbi. A ballad themed around gratitude to one's parents.
90	My Best Of My LifeSuperfly		A ballad that sings of a grand and powerful woman's emotions
91	Fragments of an EncounterKetsumeishi		A touching song depicting encounters with people and personal growth
92	Bright FutureMari Okonogi, Hiroshi Hatanaka		A heartwarming ballad, a love song that echoes across the lake's surface
93	The Curry Rice WomanSonin		A poignant love song about a woman who cooks her ex-boyfriend’s favorite curry while thinking of him.
94	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		A heartwarming song that reflects the anxieties and hopes of youth
95	walnutMr.Children		Kurumi is a song that makes you want to chase after the dreams you once gave up on.
96	Moon CryingKumi Koda		A single released by Kumi Koda in 2008. A moving ballad that depicts the moon as a watchful presence and the bonds with the people who support us.
97	ColonyBUMP OF CHICKEN		Summary (20 characters): A song by BUMP OF CHICKEN. Motoo Fujiwara's vocals and the grand accompaniment are striking, and the lyrics allow for diverse interpretations.
98	Time goes byEvery Little Thing		Summary (20 characters): A signature work by Every Little Thing. A moving ballad that reflects on a broken heart and organizes one’s emotions.
99	red trainkururi		Introduction to a music video featuring the red trains of the Keikyu Main Line, drawing attention from railway enthusiasts.
100	MiracleKeppra		Kepla’s debut single is a youth anthem that expresses an unchanging wish for friendship through the voices of four singers and an acoustic guitar.
101	heartPorno Graffitti		A ballad that sings of the strength to keep spurring oneself on despite suffering from the loss of something precious.
102	You are my friend.Ken Hirai		Summary (20 chars): A song about the value of friendship. It movingly portrays the preciousness of friends who share joys and hardships, complemented by a beautiful music video.
103	How gasoline sloshesBLANKEY JET CITY		Summary (20 chars): BLANKEY JET CITY’s first release after changing labels. An aggressive band sound that alternates between calm and intensity.
104	moratoriumRemioromen		Summary (20 characters): A heartwarming 2005 Remioromen song that expresses life's confusion with a gentle melody.
105	far; distant; by farSpitz		A popular song by Spitz with an appealing openness to interpretation. It gives you courage, and for karaoke, it’s recommended to lower the key and sing it slowly.
106	Metro FilmMotohiro Hata		Motohiro Hata’s bittersweet, heart-piercing lyrics express regret and confusion, resonating with everyone.
107	AloneMayo Okamoto		A 1996 single by Mayo Okamoto. A sad song whose lyrics describe the painful experience of heartbreak and betrayal by a close friend.
108	SaraiYuzo Kayama & Shinji Tanimura		Summary (20 characters): A collaboration between Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura. A heartwarming classic filled with thoughts of hometowns and loved ones.
109	Like the stars in that sky…EXILE		A heart-stirring song with themes of hope and love
110	Boyfriend Part IICrystal Kay		Crystal Kay’s breakout work. An R&B song that sings about gentle memories with a first love.
111	mirageTETSU69		Summary (20 characters): Precious things vanish due to weakness of heart. A song that turns hesitation and suffering into impulse and sets you running.
112	The Red DiaryRed Team 4		A song about a delicate relationship that isn’t bad enough to break up yet still doesn’t quite work, and a wish for love to keep burning.
113	MissingToshinobu Kubota		A track from Toshinobu Kubota’s 1986 debut album that has continued to be covered as one of his signature ballads.
114	I’ll be by your side.Waki Maeda		A single by Wataru Maeda released in 1993. A classic ballad that expresses feelings about love.
115	I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto		"Ue o Muite Arukou" is a famous song known overseas, with a message that resonates when your spirits are low. It’s also perfect for karaoke.
116	To all living thingsNaotaro Moriyama		Naotaro Moriyama’s masterpiece. A grand ballad that celebrates all life. It expresses the dignity of living as part of nature.
117	Ariga juujuuYo Hitoto		This is a song that repeatedly sings of gratitude and love for my parents while looking back on memories with my family.
118	Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN		A winter love song that simply, with an acoustic guitar, sings about the small everyday joys of winter spent with a lover.
119	Brand-New MyselfCharcoal Filter		A song that gives you the courage to love yourself when times are tough and to be reborn again and again.
120	Miniature GardenTsukiko Amano		A song about a straightforward yet perilous love that longs to stay by a loved one’s side, even while getting hurt.
121	old diaryAkiko Wada		A classic by Akiko Wada. It sings of the impulsive way of life in one’s youth and the passion of adolescence.
122	Let’s Count Your Kisses ~You Were Mine~Yuki Koyanagi		Yuki Koyanagi’s debut single. It became an anime theme song and a long-running hit, expressing regret and nostalgia after a breakup.
123	Ice RainShizuka Kudo		Summary (20 characters): Shizuka Kudo’s 23rd single from 1994. A renowned ballad depicting the sorrow of parting in a year-end city.