[50s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]

Snow BlossomMika Nakashima85rank/position

Mika Nakashima “Yuki no Hana” MUSIC VIDEO

This song is a winter love ballad widely cherished as one of Mika Nakashima’s signature tracks.

Its beautiful lyrics, which compare snowflakes to flowers, gently express feelings for a loved one.

Warm piano and strings blend with Nakashima’s emotive vocals to resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in October 2003, the song was included on the following year’s album “LOVE,” achieving million-seller status.

In 2019, it was also used as the theme song for a film of the same title, further endearing it to many.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to on a winter night, nestled close to someone special.

Galaxy Express 999Godiego86rank/position

Galaxy Express 999

Just hearing the intro to “Galaxy Express 999” is enough to make many people feel a rush of nostalgia, isn’t it? This song is Godiego’s 11th single, released in 1979.

It was the theme song for the smash-hit animated film Galaxy Express 999 that was released the same year.

For men in their 50s, it’s a spot-on nostalgic hit! And thanks to its upbeat, fast-paced melody, it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser at karaoke—even for generations who haven’t heard it before.

threadBank Band87rank/position

Ito (Thread) — Bank Band

Released by Miyuki Nakajima in 1992 and now regarded as one of her masterpieces, this song features truly moving lyrics that can bring listeners to tears no matter who sings it.

Even if you’re not confident in your vocal ability, simply singing it sincerely from the heart will convey your feelings to those who listen.

Try singing it with Kazutoshi Sakurai’s renowned cover as a reference.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto88rank/position

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

This was Mayo Okamoto’s debut single, released on May 10, 1995.

It was the theme song for the TBS drama “Second Chance,” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart in its eighth week on the chart.

Notably, this single remains her only No.

1 on that chart.

If you’re in your 50s, chances are you’ve heard this song at least once.

The mid-1990s, when this song was released, was truly the golden age of J-pop, a time when million-selling hits were coming one after another from various labels and artists.

One factor considered crucial back then for aiming at a million-seller was “being easy to sing at karaoke.” This song is no exception; starting with its chorus, it features melodies that are very easy to sing and remember, making it a comfortable choice even for those who aren’t confident singers.

The vocal range used in the melody isn’t very wide either, so don’t be afraid—give it a try!

Boy in the back alleyShogo Hamada89rank/position

Backstreet Boy (ON THE ROAD “FILMS”)

Shogo Hamada’s debut single, released in April 1976.

Since then, several remade versions have been released.

If you’re in your 50s, you’ve probably heard it at least once—it’s a classic of Showa-era Japan! I still clearly remember how deeply I connected with the lyrics when I first heard the song.

The vocal melody is very easy to remember and sing, so I hope you’ll enjoy singing it along with memories of your younger days!

Lingering Snowdolphin90rank/position

Nagori-yuki – Iruka

Although it’s widely recognized as the signature song of the Japanese singer Iruka, it actually originated as a track on the 1974 album “Sankaidate no Uta” by Kaguyahime.

Iruka’s cover, released the following year in 1975, became a huge hit.

It’s a classic that seems to embody all the elements of 1970s folk songs—easy to sing, easy to remember, with a clear structure and rhythm—so it’s fair to say it’s one of the top picks for karaoke even for those who aren’t confident singers.

Many women in their 50s may remember singing this song at middle school choir competitions.

We hope you’ll enjoy singing it, along with those nostalgic memories!

Island SongTHE BOOM91rank/position

THE BOOM “Shima Uta (Original Version)” Official Music Video

A representative song by THE BOOM, its sound—featuring the sanshin and the Ryukyuan scale—evokes the breeze of Okinawa and is a major part of its appeal.

While it has a gentle atmosphere that prompts reflection on Okinawan history, it also conveys sorrow and suffering.

In addition to the original version sung in standard Japanese, there is a Uchināguchi version sung in the Okinawan dialect.

It might be nice to get a feel for the Okinawan language while letting your thoughts drift to the sea of Okinawa.