Romantic FlightKome Kome Club1rank/position

Kome Kome Club “Roman Hikō” [SHARISHARISM ACE -THE 8TH OF ACE-]

A signature song by Kome Kome Club that sings of a journey of the heart, pursuing dreams and love with burning passion.

Released in 1987, this track has continued to captivate many with its refreshing, upbeat melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.

It also drew attention when it was used in a JAL commercial.

Even now, it remains beloved across generations, covered by a variety of artists.

When you’re struggling with work or relationships, singing it will surely give you courage.

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA2rank/position

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

Known colloquially as “Chage and Aska,” the music duo CHAGE and ASKA gained popularity for their nostalgic songs and distinctive harmonies.

This is their 31st single.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “If You Look Back, He’s There,” and was released as a double A-side single together with “Yume no Bannin.” Its high-energy arrangement and straightforward message make it a perfect choice for men in their 50s who often experience work-related stress.

It’s a refreshing number you’ll want to belt out with friends at karaoke.

SaudadePorno Graffitti3rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

When it comes to Porno Graffitti’s go-to hype song, doesn’t “Saudade” come to mind? The overall vocal range of the song is G3–G#4, so it’s quite narrow.

However, as anyone who knows the song will sense, the tricky parts are the high notes and the speed of the lyrics.

The chorus is relatively easy to sing calmly, but in the A and B sections, if you haven’t memorized the lyrics, you’ll struggle to keep up with the tempo and get left behind.

Also, the key gradually rises, so your stamina will be tested.

For the fast lyrical parts, try not to articulate every word crisply; instead, aim to let the words flow smoothly along the melody.

In the final chorus, the song modulates and the key goes up even further.

If you pull your voice backward while singing, it may crack, so try to project forward with a clean attack.

It’s also important to keep your core (tanden) engaged at all times.

Plant your feet and sing it out!

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi4rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

HOWEVERGLAY5rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

GLAY is a four-member rock band that dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s as a leading visual kei act, establishing numerous milestones.

Their 12th single, HOWEVER, used as the theme song for the TV drama Ryakudatsuai: Abunai Onna, became GLAY’s first million-selling hit.

Because the melody features increasingly higher tones toward the latter half, you’ll need to pace yourself when singing it at karaoke.

For those in their 30s, just listening to it will likely bring back memories of their youth; it’s one of GLAY’s signature songs.

countrysideKoji Tamaki6rank/position

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

This is a gem of a masterpiece by Koji Tamaki, depicting people who, while facing the weaknesses and conflicts hidden within, live with strength.

The song richly portrays life as it is: a solitary soul kicking a stone, eyes gazing at the night sky in prayer, and an oil-stained back fallen silent.

Its melody gently teaches the importance of not overreaching, but simply taking one step at a time and steadily doing what you can.

Released in July 1996, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Coach” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels lost or anxious in daily life, or who is searching for a way of living that is true to themselves.

Winter, againGLAY7rank/position

GLAY / Winter, again

If you’re in your early forties, I imagine many of you used to listen to or sing this song a lot back in the day.

It starts with a gentle first verse and gradually builds up, and the chorus—where the emotions explode—is incredibly cool.

It’s by no means an easy song, but if someone confident in their vocal ability sings it, it’s sure to get everyone fired up!