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

dragonflyTsuyoshi Nagabuchi22rank/position

dragonfly

It’s Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s 20th single in total, released in October 1988.

It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Tonbo,” in which Nagabuchi himself starred, and it became a million seller.

It’s one of the iconic folk-rock songs of the Heisei era.

To make this song sound good at karaoke, the key is, above all, how you handle the pauses—the “ma” between phrases and between lines.

Vocally, there aren’t many particularly difficult melodic parts, so try singing while keeping a solid sense of rhythm.

Since Nagabuchi’s singing style is very distinctive, it’s perfectly fine to have fun doing an impression of him, including the scat sections in the intro and elsewhere!

Do whatever the hell you want.Kenji Sawada23rank/position

Kenji Sawada – Do As You Please (1977 TMF)

This was Kenji Sawada’s (Julie’s) 19th single, released in May 1977.

By now, as of 2023 when I’m writing this, it’s an undisputed, iconic masterpiece of Showa-era pop for anyone in their 50s! The moment in the chorus when Sawada dramatically tosses his hat was unforgettable.

I still vividly remember putting on makeup to look just like Julie and singing this song at my elementary school party.

As a song, it’s very easy to sing and has a great groove, so by all means, try copying the choreography too and have fun singing it.

Embraced by the wintry windKyoko Koizumi24rank/position

"Embraced by the Wintry Wind" Kyoko Koizumi (VINYL)

This ballad-style song portrays the ache of unrequited love, carried by Kyoko Koizumi’s transparent, heartfelt vocals.

The delicate lyrics capture the quiet longing of yearning for someone without even realizing it.

Released in November 1986, this was Koizumi’s 20th single.

It also drew attention as a star-studded collaboration written and composed by Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Don’t Lay a Hand on My Girl,” it was performed at the 1987 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, among other highlights—so many of you may remember it for its popularity at the time.

Please, sing it gently as you recall your younger days in love.

countrysideKoji Tamaki25rank/position

countryside

Even after suspending activities with Anzen Chitai, Koji Tamaki has continued to leave behind numerous masterpieces as a singer-songwriter.

Among his many great songs, the one I especially recommend for being easy to sing and guaranteed to get the crowd going is Den-en.

Although its vocal range is very narrow—mid1D to mid2E—it still has well-crafted points of excitement, making it a song with an outstanding balance of singability and energy.

Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

Even when I become an old ladyChisato Moritaka26rank/position

Chisato Moritaka “Even If I Become an Old Lady” (Live)

Released in June 1992, this is Chisato Moritaka’s 16th single.

When she debuted, she arrived with the catchphrase “Declaration of Non-Talent!” Fittingly for one of her songs, you don’t need any great vocal prowess to sing this one (lol).

Keep it light, breezy, and cute, and you’ll be just fine.

This track was also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Matta Nashi!” The melody is very simple and easy to sing, and the lyrics are memorable and easy to learn.

It might be fun to compete on scores with friends by doing a one-take on this song!

atonementTeresa Teng27rank/position

atonement

Teresa Teng, the great female singer who connected Japan and Taiwan.

Her moving expressiveness was overwhelming, and all of her songs—regardless of their content—were deeply touching.

Many people probably want to sing her songs with heartfelt emotion, don’t they? For those people, I recommend “Tsugunai.” Its simple vocal line makes it easy to pitch, so once you get used to it, you’ll be able to sing it with emotion.

Rather than imitating the original, if you thoroughly embrace your own singing style, the result will be even more polished.

UFOPink Lady28rank/position

UFO [Furitsuke] / PINK LADY

This song, released in 1977 by Pink Lady, the female idol duo that produced numerous hits from the late 1970s through the 1980s, was created by the golden duo of lyricist Yū Aku and composer Shunichi Tokura.

Their innovative choreography shines in this track as well—the “UFO” pose in the intro is something everyone remembers imitating.

The song itself is, of course, excellent, but when it comes to Pink Lady, it’s ultimately the choreography that truly defines them.