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

Romantic FlightKome Kome Club1rank/position

JAL Okinawa Campaign Summer Rikyu 1990 Theme Song: "Kome Kome Club - Roman Hikou"

Songs that continue to be loved across generations often have melodies with a universal appeal that anyone can sing.

Kome Kome Club’s signature song “Roman Hikō” is truly a timeless classic passed down through the ages.

Released in 1990, it was a massive hit that boosted the band’s mainstream recognition, and for those now in their mid-to-late 40s, it’s likely a nostalgic tune that brings back memories of their elementary or middle school days.

When singing it at karaoke, be mindful of the contrast between the low notes in the verse and the soaring high notes in the chorus, and take care not to go off pitch when the key changes in the final chorus.

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA2rank/position

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

The timeless hit “YAH YAH YAH” is a masterwork by CHAGE and ASKA that continues to give courage and energy to people of all generations.

With its energetic intro, it instantly creates an upbeat atmosphere.

The lyrics are simple yet relatable, with an irresistible familiarity that makes anyone want to sing along.

It’s perfect not only for karaoke, but also for boosting positivity in everyday life.

When this song plays, the space fills with a nostalgic yet fresh dynamism.

We hope you’ll enjoy “YAH YAH YAH” in a variety of situations.

SaudadePorno Graffitti3rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

Among people in their early 40s, Porno Graffitti could be considered a very popular music group.

Many might associate them with a high-pitched vocal image, but surprisingly, their songs tend to have a relatively narrow vocal range.

One of their most popular tracks, Saudade, is also set within a fairly limited range of mid2B to mid2G#.

Because it features many slightly rapid phrases, it’s a good idea to plan your breathing carefully between lines.

Summer Days of 1993class4rank/position

Summer Days of 1993

When it comes to early Heisei-era summer songs, many people now in their 40s will probably think of this track first.

As the title suggests, “Natsu no Hi no 1993,” released in 1993, was a massive hit by the male duo class, selling over a million copies.

Its melody line is set in a relatively low key, making it very easy to sing—even those who struggle with high notes can take it on without worry, and it seems promising for scoring high in karaoke.

If you’re confident in your singing, try recreating the harmonies and backing vocals with your friends!

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi5rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

For people in their 40s, this is a band that always gets mentioned when talking about moving, nostalgic bands: Elephant Kashimashi’s biggest hit.

It’s a song Hiroji Miyamoto wrote specifically as a TV drama theme for the first time, released in 1997.

In life, everyone has moments when they feel frustrated, thinking, “This is so pointless…” But if you grit your teeth and keep pushing forward, the tomorrow you once envisioned will surely arrive.

This song is filled with that kind of hope, with a symbolic depiction of the moon shining in the dark night.

Sing it with strength and confidence, carrying Miyamoto’s burning passion in your heart!

TRUE LOVEFumiya Fujii6rank/position

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

For those of you now in your 40s who spent your teenage years in the 1990s, you might associate Fumiya Fujii more with his work as a solo artist than with The Checkers.

Fujii is active in many fields beyond music, but his most famous song as a solo singer is TRUE LOVE, released in 1993 as his solo debut single.

It’s fascinating that there are many anecdotes surrounding the song’s creation—such as the fact that Fujii had no prior experience composing before writing it, and that the odd time signature in the intro came from a mistake he made while recording the demo, which was kept as is.

It’s a massive hit so iconic it appears in textbooks and remains a karaoke favorite, yet it’s based on classic chord progressions and features a straightforward melodic development, making it very easy to sing.

One point to note: in the first chorus he sings certain parts in falsetto, while in the second chorus he sings those parts in chest voice—so keep that in mind and deliver it with strength.

Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover7rank/position

My Little Lover "Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long Ago~

My Little Lover’s famed song “Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Always Been~” garnered nationwide popularity.

Adhering to orthodox pop conventions, this piece keeps the vocal range compact throughout.

Because the melodic rises and falls are very gentle, it isn’t particularly low, but as long as you choose the right key, even women in their 40s with lower voices should find it easy to sing.

It’s also a big hit at karaoke, so consider adding it to your repertoire.