Idol Songs from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa Eras: Classic and Latest Hits That Light Up Karaoke

NEW LOOKMISAMO

MISAMO「NEW LOOK」Music Video

MISAMO, a TWICE sub-unit composed of the three Japanese members, covers a classic hit by Namie Amuro inspired by 1960s fashion icon Twiggy.

Released on October 9, 2024, it serves as the lead single from their second Japanese mini album.

The lyrics, which depict self-expression and growth through fashion, are striking, portraying modern women in search of their true selves.

Blending a retro vibe with a modern arrangement to perfection, this track is ideal not only for fashion enthusiasts but also for anyone on a journey of self-discovery.

36°C U・B・UHatsuboshi Academy

Hatsuboshi Academy “36°C U.B.U” Official Music Video (Hatsuboshi Gakuen – 36°C U.B.U)

This is a song from the idol-training game “Gakuen Idolmaster.” Among its many unique idols, Rinami Himezaki—who exudes a big-sister charm—delivers this solo number.

It’s a pop tune bursting with toy-box energy, driven by a breezy groove of bass and guitar that feels irresistibly good.

The lyrics depict the push and pull of romance, wishing the other person would turn up the heat just a little more.

If you’ve got a crush right now, it might hit especially close to home.

Give it a listen when you want to lean into that lovey-dovey mood!

Please, Bach!Hinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Please, Bach!” Music Video

A bright song with a catchy chorus melody and an appealing sense of rhythm.

Since many parts aren’t too high and can be sung without strain, it’s a relatively easy idol song for women to sing! It’s a cheerful, energetic track characteristic of Hinatazaka, so it will definitely get the crowd going! There are sections with a lot of words, but instead of trying to articulate every single syllable, you’ll sing more rhythmically if you keep it light and ride the melody.

You might initially struggle with the rhythm in the B-melody, but if you stay calm and focus on the spacing, the rhythm will lock in—so don’t worry.

Keep the meter in 4/4, and imagine resting on the first beat before singing.

Once you get that space right, it’ll sound really cool! There’s also a touch of Bach in the latter half of the song, making it irresistible for classical music fans!

Here we go! Phantom Thief GirlMomoiro Clover Z

[Momoclo MV] Go for it! Phantom Thief Girl / Momoiro Clover Z (MOMOIRO CLOVER / IKUZE! KAITOU SHOUJO)

This song, “Ikuze! Kaitō Shōjo,” is often hailed as Hyadain’s greatest masterpiece.

Believe it or not, it’s the major-label debut single of none other than top idol group Momoiro Clover Z.

It even appears in a column of a junior high school music textbook—getting into a textbook is amazing! Even after Akari graduated and Momoka left the group, the lyrics and arrangement have been adapted and the song continues to be performed, making it a crowd-pleaser for karaoke.

The fun part of this song is using the original part assignments sung by each Momoclo member and doing it “by assigned parts” with everyone! Have fun singing!

Everyday, KachushaAKB48

[MV full] Everyday, Kachusha / AKB48 [Official]

If you want to instantly liven up a karaoke session or boost the summer mood, try picking AKB48’s “Everyday, Kachusha.” It’s a quintessential idol song with a pleasant melody and straightforward, summery lyrics.

One of the great things about AKB48’s songs is how they can instantly energize the atmosphere at parties or karaoke.

It’s also easy to sing: the pitch range isn’t too wide, and the melody gradually rises, making it easy to control.

Only you win (for me).Hinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Kimi Shika Katan”

“Only 〇〇 wins” is a trendy phrase meaning “Only 〇〇 can win; 〇〇 is the best!!”.

This song, with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto, uses that phrase cleverly.

The center is Shiho Kato, who’s also an exclusive model for CanCam—her first time as center on a single under the Hinatazaka46 name! In any case, Hinatazaka46’s songs, like ‘Kyun’ and ‘Doremisolasido,’ are known for their catchy choruses that really stick in your head.

This one is no exception: the ‘Kimi Shika Katan’ line, which is also the title, is especially wonderful, so be sure to emphasize the ‘Kimi Shika Katan’ part when you sing it.

The choreography, which looks almost like a mirror image, is adorable too.

If you’re in a spacious karaoke room, it could be fun to try dancing along!

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

SEKAI NO OWARI’s classic song “RPG.” This work, which could be called the culmination of the band’s fantastical musical style from their early days, is something anyone born in the Heisei era has probably heard at least once.

Surprisingly, the song’s vocal range is quite narrow, spanning from mid1 C# to hi A.

Since the frequently used notes are also on the lower side, even men with lower voices can sing it without issue if they drop the key.

If you want to boost the quality, try mixing in breaths like Fukase does—doing so will really liven things up at karaoke.