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!

[Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa Idol Songs] Classic and Latest Hits That Hype Up Karaoke (41–50)

The world's number one idolCho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu / “The World’s Number One Idol” Live at Pacifico Yokohama (2025.04.29)

The world's most idol Super Tokimeki♡Publicity Club

It’s an up-tempo track themed around self-affirmation! Released in April 2025, it features striking vocal work that showcases each member’s unique character.

The upbeat, pop sound carries a positive message that “everyone can shine.” It’s cute from start to finish, and listening to it will naturally put a smile on your face.

Perfect for a morning energy boost, and highly recommended when you want to blow away the blues!

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Yeah! Super Holiday!Aya Matsuura

Aya Matsuura “Yeah! Meccha Holiday” Music Video

Yeah! Super Holiday - Aya Matsuura

Aya Matsuura, a Heisei-era super idol and former member of Hello! Project.

She joined Hello! Project after passing the 4th Morning Musume & Michiyo Heike Little Sister Audition.

This song, released in 2002, is a lively classic produced by Tsunku.

It’s also famous thanks to impressions by Takaaki Ishibashi of Tunnels and Ai Haruna.

If everyone sings and dances to this track, it’s sure to get the crowd going.

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ChopstickNiziU

NiziU(니쥬) 1st Album 「Chopstick」 MV

ChopstickNiziU

Born from the joint audition project by Sony Music and JYP, NiziU released this song on Chopsticks Day in 2021, November 11.

Many of you may have felt you’d heard it before, even though it’s a new song.

That’s because it’s based on the piano piece “Chopsticks,” written by Euphemia Allen in 1877.

Despite being a tune you can play with one finger of the right hand and one finger of the left, it has a strangely captivating charm.

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Where did the angel go?≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 6th Single 'Where Did the Angel Go?' [MV full]

Where are the angels ≠ME

≠ME, also known by the nickname “Noimi,” is an idol group produced by former AKB48 member Rino Sashihara.

Their 6th single, “Where Did the Angels Go?,” is a track that evokes the powerful, glamorous energy of the recent girl-crush trend.

The contrast between the thrilling synth sound and their cute vocals lifts your spirits just by listening.

With a catchy melody and a stylish ensemble that sticks in your ears, it’s a modern pop tune.

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Melon juiceHKT48

[MV full] Melon Juice / HKT48 [Official]

Melon Juice HKT48

The AKB48 Group’s momentum blazed through the Heisei era, didn’t it? They’re certainly part of that.

You can get wonderfully hyped up with their powerfully positive sound and cleverly rhymed lyrics.

At karaoke, get a big group of girls to sing it! Then, if everyone jumps and makes a huge fuss together, all the tough things in everyday life will just disappear!

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Natsumatope#NAME?

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 14th Single “Natsu Matopé” [MV full]

Natsumatope #NAME?

=LOVE is a 10-member girls’ group produced by former AKB48 member Rino Sashihara, whose members have received voice-acting training.

Their 14th single, Natsumatoppe, drew attention for featuring a double center with Maika Sasaki and Iori Noguchi.

The refreshing ensemble, highlighting their cute vocals, perfectly captures summertime scenes.

With plenty of call-and-response parts, it’s an upbeat track guaranteed to hype up live shows and karaoke alike.

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mirrorFRUITS ZIPPER

mirror

Kagami FRUITS ZIPPER

FRUITS ZIPPER’s “Kagami” is a poppy, catchy song themed around a dialogue with the self reflected in the mirror.

Its charm lies in a cute, magical-girl–style sound and a message that boosts self-esteem.

It will be released digitally in January 2025 and has been selected as the web CM song for Haruyama’s “Homerare Suit.” The fantastical worldbuilding and danceable beat are a perfect match that will make your body move before you know it.

Give it a listen when you want a confidence boost!

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