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

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi50rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

This song, Good Day for a Journey, was Momoe Yamaguchi’s first attempt at a piece by Shinji Tanimura after scoring hit after hit with the duo Ryudo Uzaki and Yoko Aki.

In an era without Twitter and the like, it became a huge talking point—by today’s standards, you could call it a mega-hit.

The song was even used in a SoftBank commercial in the Heisei era, so it doesn’t feel all that old.

The lyrics evoke a slightly lonely woman traveling alone—“someone is waiting for me”—perfectly matching Momoe Yamaguchi’s image.

It’s especially recommended for people with lower voices.

Perhaps Momoe Yamaguchi is also the ideal image of a woman for many in their 50s.

outdatedEigo Kawashima51rank/position

Jidai Okure (Behind the Times) Eigo Kawashima – Unofficial Video

A singer-songwriter with outstanding vocal ability, Eigo Kawashima’s signature song.

“Jidai Okure” is a gritty number that sings of a man who doesn’t get swept along by the times.

The lyrics by Yū Aku resonate with the resolve to stay true to one’s convictions.

Ever since its release on April 21, 1986, it has been beloved for many years, and five years later in 1991, Eigo Kawashima performed it solo with guitar at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

For people in their 50s, it may be a nostalgic song that brings back memories of their youth.

Its range isn’t wide and there are few long notes, making it an easy song to try even for those who aren’t confident singers.

It’s also great for livening up a karaoke session with friends.

In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA52rank/position

[MV] In the Sun and Dust / CHAGE and ASKA

A gem of a melody that portrays the dreams and setbacks of youth—and the strength to overcome them.

Released to the world by CHAGE and ASKA in January 1991, this work captures the persistence of those who keep pursuing their dreams, set to a 16-beat rhythm infused with a Western pop sensibility.

The chorus, simple yet striking, has a familiar charm that makes you want to sing along.

A single cut from the album “SEE YA,” it was featured in Nissin Foods’ “Cup Noodles Red Zone” campaign and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s TIME3, becoming a major hit with cumulative sales exceeding 500,000 copies.

It’s a song that gently pushes you forward when you want to keep running toward unseen dreams—or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.

The Girl Who Leapt Through TimeTomoyo Harada53rank/position

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time – Tomoyo Harada

Tomoyo Harada, who has also been highly active as an actress, has done wonderful work as an artist and has produced numerous classic songs.

Among her tracks, the one I especially recommend is The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

With lyrics and composition by Yumi Matsutoya, it features a gentle melody and vocal line throughout.

The vocal range is relatively narrow, so even those who struggle with high notes should be able to sing it comfortably by adjusting the key.

Nancy of Summer ColorsYu Hayami54rank/position

Yuka Hayami Nancy of Color

Amid the idol boom of the 1980s, Yū Hayami achieved especially remarkable success.

She has produced many classic songs, and among them, “Natsuiro no Nancy” garnered particularly great popularity.

Although the song stands out for its bright and refreshing melody, the vocal line is surprisingly gentle in its rises and falls, and the range isn’t very wide.

The pitch is easy to follow as well, making it a singable choice for women in their 50s who are familiar with the track.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE55rank/position

Distance under the Starry Sky – THE ALFEE (Full)

A three-piece rock band whose songs fuse diverse musical styles such as metal, punk, progressive, and dance, and whose soothing choral work has endeared them to fans for many years—THE ALFEE’s 17th single in total.

This track dates from the period when the band name was written as ALFEE and was used as the theme song for the TV drama Innocent Relationship.

It has continued to be cherished as one of the band’s signature songs, including being performed in 2020 as the Anti-Corona Version in response to the pandemic.

It’s a rock tune that men in their 50s—its core generation—are encouraged to sing at karaoke, and, if possible, to even take on its beautiful harmonies.

Blue Coral ReefSeiko Matsuda56rank/position

Seiko Matsuda - Blue Coral Reef

This is Seiko Matsuda’s smash hit, featuring a melody so uplifting it feels like it clears away even the cloudiest skies! Just listening will energize you—and singing it will boost your spirits even more.

It’s great to sing solo, of course, but I especially recommend belting it out with a few women of the same generation.

Since it’s a song many people know, even those who don’t go to karaoke often can sing it together with someone, feel invigorated, and turn back the clock!