[50s] Karaoke Songs That Get the Crowd Going: 2025 Rankings

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi64rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi65rank/position

The Last Rain

A masterpiece that vividly captures the pain of heartbreak is powerfully sung by Yasushi Nakanishi.

Released in September 1992, the song became a massive hit, selling over 800,000 copies and establishing Nakanishi as a ballad singer.

It poignantly portrays a breakup scene of a couple in the rain and expresses a profound love that cannot be put into words.

Covered by many artists, including EXILE’s ATSUSHI and Kumi Koda, it is recognized as a classic in Japanese music history.

As a song that comforts those who have experienced heartbreak or parting from someone dear, it continues to be loved by many people even today.

Sailor Suit and Machine GunHiroko Yakushimaru66rank/position

Hiroko Yakushimaru Sailor Suit and Machine Gun

Speaking of Hiroko Yakushimaru, she’s now an actress who often plays motherly roles.

“Sailor Suit and Machine Gun” is the theme song of the film of the same title in which she starred for the first time.

It brings back memories, doesn’t it? There are probably very few people in their 40s and 50s who don’t know it.

With its soaring high notes and gentle delivery, it’s a number I’d love to hear women sing at karaoke.

It’s also great for class reunions.

era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima67rank/position

era; age; time; period

I like the commercials for Suntory’s canned coffee “BOSS.” Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones plays a comical role every time, yet the story always ends with a touch of poignancy.

Miyuki Nakajima’s song “Jidai” playing as the background music fits the commercial perfectly.

With its gentle lyrics—“Sad things and happy things link together as the times go by”—I think many people can’t help but see their own lives in it.

Released in 1975, the song still reaches our ears so naturally; it truly is a classic.

For those in their 50s, it might take you back to just before your youth—a track full of nostalgia.

Lonely Tropical FishWink68rank/position

Lonely Tropical Fish (Music Video)

WINK, a duo representing 1980s synth-pop.

Their vocals have a pleasantly laid-back quality, and that relaxed vibe earned them a passionate following among certain listeners.

Their song “Lonely Tropical Fish” is their biggest hit.

Because it features high-note phrases, it’s often misunderstood as being difficult to score well at karaoke.

In reality, there aren’t large melodic leaps within each section.

The high parts and mid-range parts are clearly separated, so if you can use mixed voice or falsetto, you shouldn’t have trouble staying on pitch.

TouchYoshimi Iwasaki69rank/position

Touch

This was Yoshimi Iwasaki’s 20th single, released in March 1985.

It was produced as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Touch,” based on the original work by Mitsuru Adachi, and thanks to the synergy with the popularity of both the manga and the anime, it became a major hit that won a Gold Disc that same year.

Incidentally, the B-side track, “Kimi ga Inakereba,” was used as the ending theme for the same anime.

It’s an upbeat, lively song, and the vocal melody stays within a range that most people can sing comfortably, so feel free to pick it for karaoke and have fun.

Be sure to emphasize the contrast between the crisply articulated sections like the chorus and the more legato sections elsewhere.

RunnerBakufū Slump70rank/position

Bakufu Slump “Runner” MUSIC VIDEO (HD)

The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.

Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.

Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.

This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.

Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.