[For People in Their 40s] Ranking of Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs [2025]

SakurazakaMasaharu Fukuyama22rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

This song features a gentle, nostalgic melody that resonates with the heart.

The lyrics, which sing of longing for lost love and memories, have struck a chord with many.

Released in April 2000, it was used as the theme song for the TBS variety show “Uunnan no Hontoko! Mirai Nikki V.” In its first week, it sold 751,000 copies, setting the all-time record for first-week single sales by a male solo artist.

Total sales reached 2,299,000 copies.

Masaharu Fukuyama’s steady vocals and the calm tone of the lyrics make it easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

Perform it at karaoke, and it’s sure to be warmly received by those around you.

To the futureKiroro23rank/position

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

Kiroro’s classic song “Mirai e” (“To the Future”) was written by Chiharu Tamashiro when she was in her third year of junior high school, and its lyrics carry a warm message about moving toward the future and growing.

The gentle, tender harmonies woven by the two artists from Okinawa soothe the listener’s heart and inspire hope for tomorrow.

For those in their forties, it’s also recommended to sing this song while reminiscing about your younger days and holding love for someone dear in your heart.

The vocal range isn’t very wide, so it’s also exceptionally easy to sing.

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi24rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

“Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni” is the 15th single by the rock band Elephant Kashimashi, led by Hiroji Miyamoto, who exudes a unique aura.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara” starring Makiko Esumi, it became one of their signature hits, marking their first entry into the Oricon Top 10 for a single.

It’s a masterpiece with Miyamoto’s straightforward vocals that stir the heart.

The lyrics, which express the desire to shine someday like the moon, resonate especially with men in their 40s.

The melody has few dynamic shifts, making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

By the time of the Christmas carolsJunichi Inagaki25rank/position

Junichi Inagaki "By the Time the Christmas Carol Plays"

This is Junichi Inagaki’s 27th single, released in October 1992.

As his biggest hit, this song has practically become a staple of the Christmas season in Japan.

Its enduring popularity is also evident from the duet version released with Kōmi Hirose in 2009.

When it comes to Junichi Inagaki songs at karaoke, you might picture a slightly overconfident guy belting them out, but this track doesn’t feature particularly tricky melodies or ultra-high notes, so even those who aren’t strong singers should feel free to give it a try without hesitation.

Inagaki’s own voice is slightly high and clear, but if singing in the original key is tough, you can lower the key and sing it with a huskier tone and it will still work well.

Add it to your repertoire as a go-to karaoke number for the Christmas season.

Time goes byEvery Little Thing26rank/position

Every Little Thing / Time goes by（from「ELT 15th Anniversary Concert Tour “ORDINARY”」）

For those who struggle with fast-tempo songs, Every Little Thing’s signature track “Time goes by” is also recommended.

Released in 1998, it was the theme song for the TV drama “Amai Kekkon” that aired at the time, so people who heard it back then will likely feel a strong sense of nostalgia.

The lyrics are deeply moving, so the trick is to sing each word carefully and clearly.

In the chorus, let your voice ring out fully and expansively.

Overall, adding a touch of fragility will bring out the song’s appeal even more.

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE27rank/position

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

The moment that somewhat melancholy intro phrase starts playing, you can’t help but get teary-eyed… there must be people who feel that way.

ZONE’s 2001 single “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~” is their biggest hit, and some of you may remember that a cover of the song was used as the theme for the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” which aired ten years later, leading to a revival hit.

It was hugely popular at karaoke back then and still is now, and its straightforward, unfolding melody makes it easy to try even if you’re not confident in your singing—and you might even score high at karaoke.

Since all the members sing in the original, it’s also a great choice to sing together with friends from your school days!

era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima28rank/position

era; age; time; period

This is a single by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima.

The original version was released in December 1975, but the one I’m introducing today is the self-cover version released in December 1993.

The song has been used as the theme for many TV shows and in commercials, and it has been covered by numerous other artists, so many of you have probably heard it before.

As you’d expect from such a well-known piece, both the melody and the lyrics are highly memorable, and it feels like something you can enjoy singing along to casually.

Even in the gentler passages, try to sing with solid projection so that your voice retains its core.