[40s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]

Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE8rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – Future Prediction Map II ~VERSION '07~ (from Live from DWL 2015 Live Ver.)

Known by the nickname DoriKamu, DREAMS COME TRUE has long been at the forefront of the J-POP scene, delivering melodious songs favored by Japanese listeners while showing influences from funk and soul.

It’s a famous track that almost everyone has heard at least once—even non-fans—but did you know it has never actually been released as an A-side single? Among DCT’s many challenging songs, this one has a relatively simple melody, making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

It’s especially a crowd-pleaser at karaoke for women in their 40s, the generation that grew up with it, regardless of singing ability.

wailing in griefShizuka Kudo9rank/position

Shizuka Kudo / Doukoku [Official Video]

Among Shizuka Kudo’s discography, which has produced numerous hit songs since her solo debut in the late 1980s, the best-selling is Dokoku, released in 1993.

It’s a masterpiece with lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima and music by Tsugutoshi Goto, and many women in their 40s today likely have this song in their karaoke repertoire.

The song is set in a relatively low key for a female vocal, making it a great choice for women with lower voices who struggle with high notes.

Kudo’s characteristic, sultry vibrato is applied naturally, yet the difficulty level is modest, with a very memorable and easy-to-sing melody line.

It’s also recommended for those aiming for high scores at karaoke.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM10rank/position

THE BOOM “I Want to Become the Wind” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A perfect summer tune, marked by an irresistibly catchy chorus and a pleasant samba rhythm.

Released as a single in March 1995, it became a hit, peaking at No.

19 on the Oricon charts.

The track features a variety of instruments, and enjoying their tones is part of its charm.

It was also used in a Suzuki Landy commercial, making it widely familiar to many people.

The lyrics, which sing of a strong desire for freedom and the joy of being with a loved one, resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a refreshing choice for a driving soundtrack and guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke!

Love Story Comes SuddenlyKazumasa Oda11rank/position

Love Story Suddenly – Kazumasa Oda

One of Kazumasa Oda’s signature songs, “Love Story wa Totsuzen ni.” The track was included on “Oh! Yeah!”, released in 1991 as the sixth single of Oda’s solo career, and it became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Love Story.” Even people who are a bit younger than the drama’s original audience often know this famous tune, and it’s sure to get the crowd going if a guy sings it at karaoke.

A passionate love song—many women are bound to feel their hearts flutter when they hear it!

A Midsummer Night's DreamYumi Matsutoya12rank/position

Fall in Love - Koibito ni Ochite by Akiko Kobayashi

With its exquisite key and tempo that suit a wide range of singers, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a fun, confidence-boosting song for karaoke-loving women in their 40s.

The sophisticated melody and lyrics by Yumi Matsutoya have been loved across generations, and when paired with the comfortable accompaniment, you’ll feel as if the karaoke room instantly transforms into a magical summer world.

Enjoy a wonderful moment with this song, which is upbeat yet composed, and cherished by a broad audience.

The Theory of HappinessRingo Sheena13rank/position

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

Since her debut, Ringo Sheena has always maintained an unchanging beauty and radiance, earning her many female fans.

Many people likely admire her because they’re around the same age.

From the glamorous costumes in Tokyo Jihen to her unwavering vocal presence and lyrics that convey Japanese so clearly, she overflows with charm.

This song, Happiness Theory, is Ringo Sheena’s debut single, released in 1998.

While the track has a very fresh appeal, the lyrics are quintessentially “Ringo.” Among her songs, it’s also one that’s relatively easy to sing at karaoke.

I don't want to let go.T-BOLAN14rank/position

T-BOLAN “I Don't Want to Let Go” Music Video

This is T-BOLAN’s second single, released as a single in December 1991, cut from their first album, “T-BOLAN.” A cover by Gackt was later released as well.

It’s a very beautiful ballad; the intro, led mainly by piano and vocals, might be a bit challenging for those who aren’t confident singers to tackle at karaoke.

However, if you can gently deliver that opening, then for the chorus and beyond, just sing with all the heat and passion—like the original—and it should come together quite nicely.

If your voice cracks on the high notes, it can ruin the whole performance, so if you plan to sing this at karaoke, it’s best to figure out a key that suits you beforehand.

Give it a try and showcase a passionate, emotion-filled vocal!