Lovely karaoke song

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

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
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.

We’ve picked out songs from a wide range of idols—male and female alike—from classic Showa and Heisei-era idol hits to idols thriving in the Reiwa era!

Alongside the all-time staples, we’ve gathered insider-favorite tracks that idol enthusiasts will appreciate, while still being easy for a broad audience to enjoy.

Use this list as a reference for your next playlist.

Many of the melodies are simple, so everyone can sing, dance, and get hyped together!

Go all out with the latest tracks bursting with idol charm, or bask in nostalgia with old favorites—enjoy idol songs in whatever way suits you best!

[Idol Songs of the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa Eras] Classic and Latest Hits (21–30) That Fire Up Karaoke

GOATNumber_i

Number_i – GOAT (Official Music Video)

GOATNumber_i

This innovative hip-hop track, composed entirely of rap, has drawn attention as a bold song that breaks out of the conventional idol-pop mold.

The title, meaning “the greatest of all time,” is said to embody the group’s confidence and resolve.

Released digitally on January 1, 2024, the song sparked a huge reaction, surpassing 10 million views on YouTube in just three days.

It’s perfect for those with a strong sense of rhythm or a knack for rap.

Nail the groove and turn your karaoke session into an absolute blast!

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I WishNaniwa Danshi

Naniwa Danshi – I Wish [Official Music Video] YouTube ver.

I Wish Naniwa Danshi

I Wish, the sixth single by Naniwa Danshi, was chosen as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama My Second Aoharu.

The melody has the feel of a Heisei-era idol song, with a moderate mid-tempo.

The vocal range spans from mid1 G# to hi B, with the highest chest note at hi A.

Both the falsetto and chest voice peak notes only appear in the final chorus, so overall it leans more toward a mid-to-high range rather than purely high.

Its catchiness is outstanding, so it’s sure to go over great at karaoke.

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Don't take off my sailor uniformOnyanko Club

Onyanko Club - Don't Take Off My Sailor Uniform

Don't Take Off My Sailor Suit - Onyanko Club

Here’s the Onyanko Club’s debut song, released in 1985.

For those above a certain age, it’s an incredibly nostalgic classic.

Onyanko Club was born from the TV show “Yuyake Nyan Nyan.” Members included Shizuka Kudo and Marina Watanabe.

You could say this was the first group produced by Yasushi Akimoto, who continues to produce various idol groups today.

With lyrics and choreography that are easy to pick up, it seems like it would really get the crowd going at karaoke.

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Double Double FIGHT!CANDY TUNE

[MV] CANDY TUNE “Bai Bai FIGHT!”

Double Double FIGHT! CANDY TUNE

This is a CANDY TUNE song released in April 2024, filled with positive vibes and energetic sound as a cheering anthem.

The lyrics, carried by the melody, convey the importance of caring for and loving others, as well as the strength to push forward toward your goals.

What stands out in this work is the upbeat rhythm that’s fun to enjoy with dance, and the vocal parts that highlight each member’s individuality.

On TikTok, a unique dance where the members line up in a single vertical file and pop out to the sides drew attention and took the top spot on the charts.

Riding that momentum, their commemorative tour across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka included two additional days at Makuhari Event Hall.

It’s a song that resonates with the younger generation who enjoy social media and with everyone who strives hard every day.

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Happinessstorm

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

Happiness Arashi

A song packed with a lively rhythm and a positive message! Its melody naturally lifts the listener’s spirits, and the powerful lyrics give a push toward stepping into the future.

Released in 2007, it also made waves as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari.” It’s a live-show staple, and the sight of the entire venue coming together in excitement is truly spectacular.

As spring brings new beginnings, singing it at karaoke is sure to spread positive energy! Sing it with friends and savor the best moments together.

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Blue Coral ReefSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - Blue Coral Reef

Blue Coral Reef Seiko Matsuda

It’s a classic with a striking intro that seems to carry the sparkle of the sun and the scent of the sea breeze.

You can picture a summer day by the ocean with someone you love—the racing heartbeat and the little burst of boldness that comes with it.

It evokes scenes of a sweet and dazzling romance.

This song, which propelled Seiko Matsuda to the status of “eternal idol,” was released in July 1980 as her second single and is also included on her debut album, SQUALL.

As the theme for Glico’s ice cream commercial, it brightened living rooms across the nation and topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks.

It’s a refreshing track that instantly paints listeners’ hearts in summer hues.

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NagiichiNMB48

NMB48 – Nagiichi Official MV

Nagiichi NMB48

That classic idol, fast-paced sound gets you hyped right from the intro.

It overlaps quite a bit with AKB48’s songs (lol).

But since they’re in the same group, that can actually be a strategy—so it’s fine! In any case, it’s a lively idol song perfect for girls to have fun with—can’t go wrong! You’ll want to sing it as cute as you can!

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