[40s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]

Nameless PoemMr.Children29rank/position

Mr.Children “Nameless Poem” Mr.Children “HOME” TOUR 2007 ~in the field~

Mr.

Children, popularly known as “Misuchiru,” have a massive hit song called “Namonaki Uta” (“A Nameless Song”).

It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Pure,” so some men in their 40s who watched the show at the time may remember it.

The song features tongue-twister-like lyrics, and many people probably recall memorizing that part perfectly for karaoke.

Since Misuchiru are popular across generations, you can’t go wrong choosing this song for karaoke.

Love will winKAN30rank/position

Aiwa Katsu

Released on September 1, 1990.

This is singer-songwriter KAN’s biggest hit and a classic representing Japan.

It topped the Oricon charts for eight consecutive weeks and sold over two million copies, achieving double million status.

The song was featured as an insert track on the hugely popular Fuji TV variety show “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai TV,” leading to a long-running hit.

It’s a beloved love song that everyone from the generation who experienced it in real time can sing.

frecklesJUDY AND MARY31rank/position

Freckles – JUDY AND MARY (Full)

JUDY AND MARY’s “Sobakasu,” which is also popular as an anime song, was used as the first opening theme for the Fuji TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story and became a million-selling hit.

In JUDY AND MARY, the sole female member and vocalist, YUKI, wrote most of the lyrics, whose charm lies in words that are cute yet pierce the heart.

Back then, plenty of people likely tried to imitate YUKI’s singing voice at karaoke! If you want to bask in nostalgia or get the crowd going, be sure to pick “Sobakasu.”

Summer Days of 1993class32rank/position

Summer Day of 1993 – class (Full) Lyrics: Hajime Matsumoto Music: Ken Sato cover

The music group class was created at the behest of a producer who wanted to form a duo like Simon & Garfunkel in Japan.

Their first single, “Natsu no Hi no 1993,” used as the theme song for the TV drama “Kimi to Itsumademo,” became a massive hit, achieving million-seller status despite being their debut.

For those in their forties—the generation of the time—it might be the first song that comes to mind when you think of summer.

With its distinctive, beautiful choral work, it’s a pop tune that’s perfect for two people to sing together at karaoke.

FriendsREBECCA33rank/position

REBECCA “Friends” (Shibuya Public Hall, Dec 25, 1985)

Here is the fourth single from the popular band Rebecca, released in 1985.

It was used as the ending theme for the drama “Half Potato na Oretachi” and became a big hit, so many of you may remember it.

The lyrics depict youthful romance, and vocalist NOKKO’s fashion—somewhat influenced by Madonna at the time—also brings back memories.

single bedSharam Q34rank/position

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

The song “Single Bed,” which became a major hit in 1994, is likely one many people in their 40s and older used to sing at karaoke.

This track, which became Sharan Q’s first million-seller, is a classic ballad about a breakup.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, you can go for a gentle, heartfelt rendition—or hype things up by doing a Tsunku impression.

cherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai Otsuka35rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

Known as one of Ai Otsuka’s signature songs, this track is her second single, released in December 2003.

As an upbeat, bright love song, it captured the hearts of many.

The lyrics depict a sweet, always-together relationship like a pair of cherries, giving listeners energy and courage.

It’s also beloved in a wide range of settings, even being used as a cheer song for high school baseball.

If you sing it at karaoke, it’s perfect for relieving the stress of busy days at work or parenting.

Belt it out with full energy and get everyone pumped up!