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

Sneaker BluesMasahiko Kondo36rank/position

Sneaker Blues - Masahiko Kondo

A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.

With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.

Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.

Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.

Listening to OliviaAnri37rank/position

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

This was Anri’s debut single, released on November 5, 1978.

The songwriter and composer is Ami Ozaki.

It’s a slow ballad with a very beautiful melody.

While I think it takes a fair amount of vocal ability to truly do it justice, it’s also the kind of song that still works even if you simply hum along, lightly tracing the melody and lyrics.

For that reason, I think it’s an excellent choice for women in their 50s who don’t often have many chances to sing and are selecting a song for karaoke.

If possible, I hope you’ll understand the worldview of the lyrics and sing in a way that brings it to life.

Give Up on SummerNaoko Ken38rank/position

Give Up on Summer

Naoko Ken’s classic song “Natsu wo Akiramete” (“Giving Up on Summer”).

This melancholic piece, which portrays the bittersweet feelings of a summer love coming to an end, has remained in the hearts of many.

Among people in their 40s, the Southern All Stars’ version is the more common one, but for women in their 50s—especially the latter half—the original version by Naoko Ken may be the one that lingers in memory.

Overall, it’s a song arranged in a way that allows for a calm, composed delivery.

applauseNaomi Chiaki39rank/position

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

Naomi Chiaki, the songstress who epitomized the Showa era.

Unlike typical artists, her singing truly moved people, didn’t it? Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Katsuai.

It’s a classic that needs no introduction.

In the original, it may sound like she’s using falsetto, but in fact it’s a softened middle voice, so even those who can’t produce falsetto should be able to sing it easily without belting.

If it feels low, I recommend raising the key by one or two semitones.

Don't give upZARD40rank/position

Don't give up (What a beautiful memory ~forever you~)

I look forward every year to “24-Hour Television: Love Saves the Earth,” which airs on Nippon TV.

How about you? The song that always plays during the moving moments and at the finish line to cheer on the runners taking on the grueling marathon is “Makenaide.” It’s a familiar cheer song that has become deeply rooted among the Japanese public.

I’m sure everyone has been encouraged by this song—not just once or twice.

It feels good to be encouraged so directly with words like, “You’re almost at the finish line.” It’s also a popular karaoke song, so make sure you sing it before someone else does!

Pink sighMariko Takahashi41rank/position

Pink sigh

Mariko Takahashi’s classic “Momoiro Toiki.” It features a distinctly exotic melody and, while it carries elements of mood kayō (mood enka), it also incorporates contemporary J-pop characteristics.

The piece sits within a relatively narrow vocal range of mid1 G# to high C.

Since the most frequent pitch is around mid2 G#, most women should be able to sing it without difficulty.

As the song prioritizes mood, it’s recommended to sing with careful dynamics.

If a phrase ends with a consonant, letting it fade out as a voiceless sound can be an effective touch.

Slow motionAkina Nakamori42rank/position

Akina Nakamori – Slow Motion

“Slow Motion,” released in 1982 as Akina Nakamori’s debut single when she was 16, drew attention for her glamorous looks and crystal-clear voice, putting her name on the map.

With its light, upbeat rhythm and careful, note-by-note phrasing, it’s also recommended for women in their 50s who aren’t confident singers.

The song features a conversational delivery in the verse that expands toward the chorus.

Take slow breaths and sing it relaxed.

It’s sure to be a hit at karaoke with people of the same generation.