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

Don't give upZARD22rank/position

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

ZARD is an indispensable presence in the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, and for many women in their 40s today, their songs undoubtedly evoke the soundtracks of youth.

The late Izumi Sakai’s clear vocals and heartfelt lyrics never lose their luster, and they’re still hugely popular at karaoke.

“Makenaide” is one of ZARD’s most famous songs, a true classic with nationwide acclaim.

While the pitch is slightly on the higher side, it’s generally average overall, and the melody is straightforward without large leaps in range, making it a good candidate for high karaoke scores.

Aim to articulate each word of the lyrics clearly, and sing the chorus with crisp, powerful delivery!

Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS23rank/position

Hito ni Yasashiku – The Blue Hearts (Be Kind to People)

THE BLUE HEARTS, one of Japan’s most iconic punk rock bands.

For men in their late 40s, they’re a perfect match.

Among their songs, the one I especially recommend for men in their 40s because it’s easy to sing is “Be Kind to People.” Popular as the theme song for a drama of the same name, this track features a catchy punk rock melody that anyone can sing.

Since the song stays mostly in the mid-range, it can tend to sound monotonous.

If you want to add more expressiveness, don’t hesitate to throw in some shouts and sing it with a masculine edge, even if it feels a bit forced.

CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Namie Amuro24rank/position

CAN YOU CELEBRATE? / (25th Anniversary Live Edit)

Namie Amuro, the Heisei-era songstress whose cultural impact every woman in her 40s has likely felt.

Her 9th single, “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?”, written as the theme song for the TV drama Virgin Road, is widely known across generations as a wedding standard.

Its rapidly evolving arrangement within a single track makes it fun to sing at karaoke, too.

Be careful not to get left behind by the rhythmic shifts—this is Namie Amuro’s biggest hit tune.

TouchYoshimi Iwasaki25rank/position

“Touch” Yoshimi Iwasaki High-Quality Audio Anime Theme Song 1985

This is the 20th single by singer Yoshimi Iwasaki, who has been studying business administration in the master’s program at J.

F.

Oberlin University Graduate School since 2021.

It became a massive hit as the opening theme for the TV anime Touch, and those in their 40s—regardless of gender—likely remember it along with scenes from the show.

Because the tempo is fast and the melody features a sharp drop from high notes to low, it’s a good idea to check it once before performing it at karaoke.

Overall, the pitch range isn’t very wide, so it’s an anime song recommended even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

Get WildTM NETWORK26rank/position

TM NETWORK「Get Wild」Official Music Video

TM NETWORK’s hit number, “Get Wild.” Thanks to its use in the Paris Olympics’ “non-paying uncle” meme, the song has gained a certain level of popularity among younger generations as well.

The piece spans a fairly narrow vocal range of mid1 F# to mid2 G, making it easy to sing for both men and women.

Although the lyrics tend to be somewhat fast-paced, the tempo itself isn’t particularly high at BPM 132, so as long as you memorize the flow properly, you should be able to sing it without any issues.

Just by you being hereKome Kome Club27rank/position

Kome Kome Club – Just Having You Here

“Kimi ga Iru Dake de” is one of the signature masterpieces by Kome Kome Club that brightened the 1990s—a song almost everyone has heard at least once.

It’s not just nostalgic; its upbeat melody and widely relatable lyrics guarantee a great time in the karaoke room.

With a relatively narrow vocal range, it’s easy for anyone to sing, which is a big plus.

This is a song with the power to lift people up in any era, carrying a message that gives courage to those who listen.

Singing it together brings out a different kind of warmth.

Soak in the pleasant nostalgia and enjoy a powerful sense of unity at karaoke.

Can't Say Anything... SummerTHE JAYWALK28rank/position

Speechless… Summer (Speechless… Summer JAYWALK ORIGINAL EDITION 1 Al Version)

A signature song by J-WALK, released in 1991, which also earned them a spot on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The heartache of a broken romance, sung over a soft, beautiful sound steeped in a Showa-era vibe, is deeply moving.

Koichi Nakamura’s vocals squeeze your heart, too.

Why is it that when it suddenly comes on, you feel like you might cry? People around their 40s, of course, and even those who remember their parents playing it in the car, will feel a certain nostalgia and have memories come flooding back.

An unfading summer classic.