frecklesJUDY AND MARY1rank/position

3. Freckles – JUDY AND MARY – The Power Source – 1997 – JAM

When it comes to JUDY AND MARY’s signature songs, many people probably think of this track.

Released in February 1996, it’s also well known as the theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin.

YUKI’s distinctive high-tone vocals blend perfectly with the band’s tight sound, resulting in a work that topped the Oricon charts and became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

The lyrics depict the complex emotions after a breakup, yet the song also conveys a positive outlook.

If you sing it at karaoke, watch out for the high notes—aim to sing smoothly without straining your throat.

CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Namie Amuro2rank/position

CAN YOU CELEBRATE? – Namie Amuro (Full)

The 9th single “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?” was written as the theme song for the TV drama Virgin Road.

It’s Namie Amuro’s biggest hit and a double-million seller beloved as a wedding staple.

With minimal melodic movement, it’s easy to sing, but since it shifts between a lively shuffle beat and a ballad, be careful not to get left behind by the rhythmic changes.

As a universally known hit, it’s a pop tune guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session.

PRIDEMiki Imai3rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

Miki Imai’s songs, known for their profound love-themed lyrics, include a masterpiece released in 1996 with lyrics and composition by Tomoyasu Hotei.

It portrays a woman living her love for her partner as her “pride,” emphasizing personal growth and devotion.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” it topped the Oricon singles chart and became a million seller with over 1.

6 million copies sold.

It was also included on an album of the same name, which likewise achieved million-seller status.

Popular as a karaoke standard, it’s recommended for those who want to sing with feelings for their loved one.

God of RomanceKohmi Hirose4rank/position

Kohmi Hirose – God of Romance (Official Video)

Kohmi Hirose is a singer-songwriter who has garnered attention on YouTube for her high level of musical sophistication and eccentric personality.

Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” used as the commercial song for the ski goods retailer Alpen, became a massive hit that led to her nickname “Queen of Winter.” The lyrics’ storyline reflects the era in which it was released and will likely feel nostalgic to those of that generation.

It’s also a great pick for karaoke, but since it’s quite a high-pitched song, be sure to sing it in a key that suits your voice.

My RevolutionMisato Watanabe5rank/position

Misato Watanabe [MV] “My Revolution”

My Revolution, released in 1986.

It was a huge hit especially among people in their 50s, wasn’t it? I’m sure there are many who’d say, “This song is my youth!” It’s easy to get into the rhythm and fun to sing, but the range is wider than you might expect—from E3 to F5—and the pitch span shifts suddenly between the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, so watch out for that! Right before the chorus, make sure your throat doesn’t close; keep it well open.

If you make a surprised face, your facial muscles lift and your throat opens up, too! Try singing the chorus in that state, focusing on resonance rather than just pushing your voice.

Keep the airflow steady so the inside of your mouth vibrates.

Once you lock into the lively rhythm, it becomes much easier to sing—so go all in and enjoy singing it with energy!

TouchYoshimi Iwasaki6rank/position

Touch

This was Yoshimi Iwasaki’s 20th single, released in March 1985.

It was produced as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Touch,” based on the original work by Mitsuru Adachi, and thanks to the synergy with the popularity of both the manga and the anime, it became a major hit that won a Gold Disc that same year.

Incidentally, the B-side track, “Kimi ga Inakereba,” was used as the ending theme for the same anime.

It’s an upbeat, lively song, and the vocal melody stays within a range that most people can sing comfortably, so feel free to pick it for karaoke and have fun.

Be sure to emphasize the contrast between the crisply articulated sections like the chorus and the more legato sections elsewhere.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto7rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

This is one of Yo Hitoto’s signature songs, known for its heartfelt lyrics and warm melody.

Released in February 2004, it spent over 136 weeks on the Oricon charts.

Chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Tuesday Suspense Theater,” it garnered wide support across generations.

Written with a wish for peace, the song is often performed in romantic settings and at weddings, and remains a karaoke favorite—recognized as one of the most-sung songs of the Heisei era.

For women in their 30s, if you have a chance to reunite with old friends, why not let this song spark a trip down memory lane?