Idol Songs from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa Eras: Classic and Latest Hits That Light Up Karaoke
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!
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Idol Songs from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa Eras: Classic and Latest Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers (31–40)
Gimme Chocolate!!BABYMETAL
One of BABYMETAL’s signature songs, from the group that recently announced an indefinite hiatus.
It’s a track that absolutely electrifies venues overseas, too—though the Japanese lyrics probably don’t really come across? Well, it’s a song powerful enough to leap over language barriers anyway.
The main line is basically “Give me chocolate,” and there aren’t many other proper lyrics, but if you can sing this, you’re guaranteed to be the life of the party.
And if you’ve got people to take on the roles of YUIMETAL and MOAMETAL and hype it up with dance performance, it’s a surefire hit!
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
Here’s a hit song by AKB48 released in 2013.
Rino Sashihara served as the center.
A fortune cookie is a sweet containing a paper fortune, served at Chinese restaurants in places like the United States, and it’s said to have its origins in Japan.
The choreography by Papaya Suzuki is also captivating, making it a classic that makes you want to dance while singing.
The lyrics encourage an ordinary girl who doesn’t stand out, and singing it is sure to lift your spirits.
lovesicknessManeki Kecak
Maneki Kecak is an idol group produced by the Japan Twintail Association.
Other idols produced by the association include drop and Nanaland.
Who’s your favorite idol? While everyone else is getting through karaoke with calmer songs, cranking things up with an idol song is totally fair game, right? Even if you don’t know the idol group Maneki Kecak, many people know this song—considered a bona fide masterpiece of idol music—Kimi Wazurai.
The lyric “I went crazy because I fell in love with you” has the refreshing straightforwardness of classic idol style.
When the chorus hits right at the start, be sure to hype everyone up with ‘-kecha’ (a type of wotagei fan performance)!
HeroesMomoiro Clover Z
This is a song that’s guaranteed to hype up any karaoke session! Momoiro Clover Z’s powerful vocals and the strong, uplifting message cheering on athletes will resonate in your heart.
Chosen as the official support song for Japan’s team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it was released in November 2021.
Included on the album “IDOLA,” this track gives courage to everyone striving toward their dreams.
Sing and dance to it with friends, and you’re sure to make unforgettable memories! It’s also a perfect pick when you need a boost of energy for tomorrow.
School HeavenKyoko Koizumi
This song, covered by Kyoko Koizumi in 1988, was originally released by Finger Five in 1974.
With lyrics that depict relatable school-day episodes and call-and-response shouts, it’s a track you can’t help but get excited about.
By the way, the shout sections are based on Gary U.
S.
Bonds’ American hit “New Orleans,” so you might enjoy giving that a listen too.
Tracing the roots of different songs is part of the fun—this is a beloved oldie with enduring popularity.
[Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa Idol Songs] Classic and Latest Hits That Hype Up Karaoke (41–50)
younger boyCandies
This song portrays the bittersweet feelings of love and the gentle gaze of someone watching over a slightly stubborn and self-willed younger man.
The perspective—a woman observing a man’s awkwardness—is striking, and it deftly captures a relationship with a subtle age gap where the feelings of love can’t be accepted straightforwardly.
Released in February 1975 as Candies’ fifth single, the track broke into the top 10 on the Oricon charts and served as a springboard for their first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It was also featured in the 2007 film “Little DJ: A Small Love Story,” reaffirming its charm.
The song has been covered by various artists and idols and remains beloved across generations.
It’s recommended for those who want to feel the nuances of an age-gap romance, the purity of being in love, or to bask in nostalgic memories of youthful days.
idol costumeNadeshiko on a high peak
This is a digital-only single produced by HoneyWorks, released in May 2025.
It’s the second song in a project of five consecutive releases.
Centered on themes of self-affirmation as an idol and the bond with fans, it’s a bright, poppy dance track.
The up-tempo rhythm and catchy chorus leave a strong impression, making your heart leap as you listen.
It’s an energetic number that distills the full charm of Takane no Nadeshiko.