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

My RevolutionMisato Watanabe36rank/position

My Revolution – Misato Watanabe (Full)

People in their 40s probably feel a strong sense of familiarity with this as a generational hit song.

Misato Watanabe’s “My Revolution” still has lyrics that resonate today.

Its friendly, catchy melody is easy to sing and easy to listen to, so it’s sure to get everyone hyped! Belting out the chorus line “My Revolution” feels amazing and will boost your confidence for tomorrow! Definitely sing it when you go to karaoke with friends from the same generation!

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto37rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

The song, which sings of prayers for peace and the preciousness of love, is characterized by heartfelt lyrics and a gentle melody.

Released in February 2004, it remained on the Oricon charts for over 136 weeks, becoming a popular hit.

It was also used in Nippon TV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater and in commercials, reaching a wide audience.

It has long been a favorite in karaoke and is known as one of the most frequently sung songs of the Heisei era.

With its soft vocals and approachable melody line, it’s a safe choice even for karaoke beginners.

Why not sing it with feelings for someone special?

La La LaMaki Ohguro38rank/position

La La La

Maki Ohguro’s classic “La La La.” Among her works, this track especially harmonizes J-pop and pop rock, presenting an overall upbeat, powerful, yet refreshing melody.

In this song’s vocal lines, the pre-chorus (B section) is the most powerful, followed by the verse (A section), while the chorus is arranged with a lighter, more straightforward vocal line.

The tricky part is the pre-chorus, but it doesn’t require a wide vocal range; you just need to focus on crisp articulation at the start of the lines, so even women in their 40s with lower voices should be able to sing it without any problem.

Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing39rank/position

Time goes by – Every Little Thing (Full)

A gemlike love ballad that embraces everyone’s sense of incompleteness and loneliness with universal kindness.

Released by Every Little Thing in February 1998, this song beautifully portrays how lovers may hurt each other yet grow together through the experience of love.

Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday 10 p.

m.

drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), it went on to sell over 1.

4 million copies.

It has since become familiar as a commercial song for numerous brands, including Toyota and SoftBank.

With its gentle melody and lyrics whose depth resonates more and more with life experience, it’s sure to move you.

single bedSharam Q40rank/position

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

This is a wistful ballad that poignantly sings of lingering feelings for a former lover, a classic that gently teaches the preciousness of love.

As the protagonist looks back on memories left behind on a single bed, they realize that a romance once taken for granted was in fact more valuable than jewels, weaving a moving drama.

Released by Sharam Q in October 1994, the song became a major hit, ranking 24th on the year-end charts.

It was also used as the ending theme for the anime D.

N.

A²: They Were Once a Thing, and included on the album Inferiority Complex.

It’s the perfect track for reminiscing about youthful love while sharing memories with friends.

Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Ulfuls41rank/position

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

This rock tune celebrating the joy of pure love is a fan favorite that showcases Ulfuls’ musicality to the fullest.

Its lyrics, which candidly express gratitude to a loved one, resonate deeply, and together with its bright, catchy melody, the song lifts listeners’ spirits.

Released in February 1996, it was included on the album “Banzai” and also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” Moreover, it won the Excellence Award at the 38th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect track for getting pumped up at karaoke with friends or for reminiscing about special memories with someone important.

JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY42rank/position

THE YELLOW MONKEY – JAM

For rock fans in their 40s, many of you may have admired THE YELLOW MONKEY, right? Yemon has produced countless classics, but the song I especially recommend as being easy to sing is JAM.

While it gives off an energetic vibe, its overall vocal range is quite narrow, from mid1C to mid2F.

In terms of singability, it’s a perfect choice.

However, because the range is narrow, it can be hard to create moments of excitement, so you’ll need to be mindful of rhythm and dynamics as you sing.