Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers: Women’s Ranking [2025]

A Midsummer Night's DreamYumi Matsutoya15rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Midsummer Night’s Dream

When it comes to Yuming’s signature songs, this is the one! The lyrics vividly portray a passionate romance on a hot summer night.

Amid shimmering fireworks and sudden downpours, it captures sweet, heartrending moments with striking clarity.

Released in July 1993, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (“I Can’t Tell Anyone”).

The single topped the Oricon weekly chart and became her first million-seller.

It has been covered by many artists, a testament to its widespread appeal.

Highly recommended if you want to liven up a karaoke session—enjoy its exotic, passionate atmosphere while reminiscing about a love from the past.

atonementTeresa Teng16rank/position

Atonement – Teresa Teng (Full)

Depicting a heartrending farewell between a man and a woman, this piece can be considered Teresa Teng’s re-debut song in Japan.

Released in January 1984, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.

5 million copies.

Set in a room where the western sun streams through the window, it conveys a woman’s loneliness as she reminisces about a past love, along with a faint wish for the one she’s parting from.

Its simple, singable melody gains even greater depth when performed with emotion.

Whether at a gathering with friends or during a solo relaxation moment, it’s a superb choice.

Why not add it to your repertoire for your next karaoke session?

First LoveHikaru Utada17rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

This is one of Hikaru Utada’s signature songs, with straightforward, powerful feelings woven into beautiful lyrics.

It vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak and the unforgettable memory of a first love, resonating deeply with many people.

Released in April 1999, it topped the karaoke charts for 15 consecutive weeks and drew attention as the theme song for the TV drama “Majo no Jōken” (Forbidden Love).

It’s perfect for anyone who’s found it hard to forget someone they once loved dearly.

It’s also a great choice to sing at karaoke with someone you’re interested in.

If you sing it carefully to convey the lyrics, it’s sure to pierce their heart.

The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE18rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – Future Prediction Map II ~VERSION '07~ (from Live from DWL 2015 Live Ver.)

Although it is counted among DREAMS COME TRUE’s (hereafter, DCT) signature songs, it has never been released as a lead single.

Instead, it was included as the 10th and final track on their second album, “LOVE GOES ON…,” and was also released as the B-side to their fifth single, “Egao no Yukue,” in 1990.

The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and there are numerous cover versions by DCT themselves as well—truly a classic of Heisei-era J-POP.

As of 2023, many women in their 50s likely have fond memories tied to this song.

Please sing it with feeling and enjoy.

366 daysHY19rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

This is one of HY’s signature songs that resonates with many as a poignant heartbreak ballad.

Infused with the powerful sentiment of “even thinking about you 365 days a year isn’t enough,” the song delicately portrays lingering attachment and unforgettable feelings for a former lover.

Included on the album “HeartY,” released in April 2008, it was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama and Toho’s distributed film “Akai Ito” (Red Thread).

With lyrics that express the pain of a broken heart and emotions that remain strong despite the passage of time, the song has found broad appeal across genders and generations.

For women in their 30s looking to light up a karaoke session, why not sing it while reminiscing about your youth?

I can't stay a daydreaming girlNanae Aikawa20rank/position

Nanase Aikawa / I Can’t Be a Dreaming Girl

One of Nanase Aikawa’s signature songs, which catapulted her into the ranks of star singers under the production of Tetsurō Oda.

This catchy, rock-style track—also covered by Demon Kakka of Seikima-II as well as idol group Yumemiru Adolescence—remains a karaoke favorite across generations.

If you’re in your 50s, it probably hit right around your youth, so some of you might even say, “My band covered this song.” Many were drawn to the lyrics, which skillfully speak for a girl on the verge of becoming an adult.

It’s a highly recommended song for belting out at full power and forgetting all your worries!

foreignerSaki Kubota21rank/position

Saki Kubota "Ihōjin" Animated Music Video

Saki Kubota’s biggest hit song, “Ihoujin.” Chances are, everyone has sung this piece at least once.

Because the vocal range is fairly wide, many people may feel it’s difficult, but the truth is the vocal line is quite simple.

If the height makes it hard to sing, adjust the key so you can use chest voice—not mixed voice—for the high phrases in the A section and the chorus.

Doing so will also make it much easier to keep your pitch in check.