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[Eternal Idol] A roundup of Seiko Matsuda’s easy-to-sing songs
Since her debut in 1980 with the classic hit “Hadashi no Kisetsu,” Seiko Matsuda—an eternal idol whose outstanding vocal ability and instantly recognizable, soaring high notes have been her signature—has continued to influence Japanese women’s fashion and lifestyle.
It’s amazing not only that she released a string of masterpieces during her 1980s heyday, but that she has also continued to produce hits as a singer-songwriter from the 1990s onward.
Seiko-chan’s songs are perennial favorites at karaoke, but as mentioned at the start, many people struggle with those expansive high notes.
This time, we’ve picked out some relatively easy-to-sing tracks and included tips for performing them at karaoke—so don’t miss it!
[Eternal Idol] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Seiko Matsuda Songs (1–10)
Blue Coral ReefSeiko Matsuda
The famously soaring high notes at the very start make this an unmistakably “Seiko-chan” masterpiece! Released in 1980 as her second single, Aoi Sangoshō is one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature early songs, and for many people it’s the first track that comes to mind when they hear her name.
In 2021, she even released a self-cover titled “Aoi Sangoshō ~Blue Lagoon~,” and the song continues to be loved in the Reiwa era as well.
Naturally, it’s also hugely popular for karaoke, though you’ll likely hear people say the continuous high tones are tough.
That said, the overall range and melodic rises and falls are fairly average, so if you adjust the key to fit your own range, it’s surprisingly singable.
If you go all out and belt the chorus with full energy, it’ll surely feel amazing!
Eyes Are DiamondSeiko Matsuda
Hit song “Hitomi wa Diamond,” released in 1983, is a masterpiece by Seiko Matsuda created by a golden trio: lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, composition by Yumi Matsutoya, and arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya.
It’s often described as Matsuda’s first full-fledged heartbreak song, yet it’s imbued with Takashi Matsumoto’s refined aesthetic, giving it a distinctly urban sensibility that sets it apart from typical domestic breakup songs—and it still sounds truly superb in the Reiwa era.
Try emulating Matsuda’s delivery, which infuses emotion while remaining light and effortless; if you consciously contrast the calm A section with the soaring chorus, it will come across beautifully.
Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda
One of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs, Akai Sweet Pea, released in 1982, is very popular for karaoke and is well-known among younger generations.
The lyrics and arrangement were handled by Masataka Matsutoya, and the composition was by Yumi Matsutoya under the pen name Kureta Kaho.
Its relaxed tempo makes it easy to sing comfortably with natural breaths, which is a key point of its singability.
The key isn’t particularly high, so it should be relatively easy for women to sing.
It has also been covered by many artists, including ClariS and Hideaki Tokunaga, so be sure to check those versions as well.
Cherry blossomSeiko Matsuda
The fourth single overall, “Cherry Blossom,” opened up a new frontier for Seiko Matsuda, with Kazuo Zaitsu of Tulip brought on as the composer.
Although Matsuda wasn’t very familiar with the New Music style, she delivers the song flawlessly—as you’d expect.
Since it stays in a high register from beginning to end, those who struggle with high notes should adjust the key when singing it at karaoke.
It’s not a song that’s clearly divided into A-melody, B-melody, and chorus, so rather than singing it aimlessly, try to be mindful of contrast between sections as you perform!
The Door to SummerSeiko Matsuda
Even across the generations, this is the song that screams summer for so many people.
Released in 1981, “Natsu no Tobira” was used in a Shiseido commercial and has continued to be featured in ads even after the Heisei era, sometimes in parody versions.
The lyrics, which capture the sweet, slightly tangy moment when two people are just about to become a couple, paired with the refreshing melody, make a strong impression.
The high notes in the chorus aren’t excessively high, either, so among Seiko Matsuda’s songs, it’s relatively easy to sing.
Above all, its widespread recognition makes it a great pick for karaoke with people of any generation.
The Wind RisesSeiko Matsuda
“Kaze Tachinu” is an important song that drew Seiko Matsuda’s artistry to new heights, with a gorgeous string arrangement by Kan Inoue that immediately catches the ear.
It’s a classic that showcases Matsuda’s assured ability to fully make Takashi Matsumoto’s literary lyrics and Eiichi Ohtaki’s meticulously crafted sound world her own.
The melody isn’t especially difficult—there aren’t drastic jumps in pitch and it stays within a fairly consistent range—but the sustained high notes throughout can be tough if you struggle with higher registers.
The soaring high note at the end of the chorus is where you really want to shine with a beautiful vibrato.
First, adjust the key to suit your vocal range, and if possible, master diaphragmatic breathing; that will make it much easier to produce Matsuda’s signature long tones!
Seaside BalconySeiko Matsuda
Seiko Matsuda has many classic summer songs, but isn’t The Balcony by the Beach (Nagisa no Balcony) the one that many people love most? With Takashi Matsumoto’s striking, masterful lyrics, a composition provided by Yumi Matsutoya—aka Yuming—under the pseudonym Kureta Keiko, and arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, this golden trio crafted a gem that Seiko Matsuda elevates to the fullest with her charming yet undeniably skilled vocals and expressive power—truly impressive.
The main hurdle when singing this song is, as expected, the relatively high average vocal range.
That said, there are some slightly lower notes in the A section, and if you adjust the key and focus on the crucial points, the melody itself is very singable.
So even if high notes aren’t your strong suit, don’t hesitate to give it a try.