Maki Ohguro’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2025]

La La LaMaki Ohguro1rank/position

La La La

Maki Ohguro is a female singer-songwriter whose husky yet solid, resonant voice leaves a strong impression.

For women in their 50s, she’s arguably quite a popular artist.

Among her songs, one I particularly recommend as easy to sing is “La La La.” While the range is slightly broad at mid2A to hiF#, the pitch movement isn’t at all drastic, so overall it’s a song that’s easy to sing.

From the C-melody into the final chorus, there are repeated high phrases, so it’s best to set your key with that section as the main reference.

I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro2rank/position

Only Looking at You (2019 Remastered)

This song poignantly portrays a woman’s bittersweet feelings as she changes herself for love.

Her determination and inner conflict to be reborn for her lover are depicted in contrast to the upbeat melody.

Maki Ohguro’s powerful vocals vividly express the protagonist’s pain and wavering emotions.

Released in December 1993, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.

Within about three months of its release, it became a million seller and has been included on multiple albums, such as “Toward the Eternal Dream” and “BACK BEATs #1.” It’s a song I especially recommend to those who can relate to the struggle between staying true to oneself and being in love.

Its heartrending melody and down-to-earth lyrics gently embrace the complex emotions of romance.

A little; a bitMaki Ohguro3rank/position

Chotto (2019 Remastered)

Maki Ohguro’s “Chotto” is a fast-paced song with catchy lyrics that make it perfect for your karaoke repertoire! Its melody line is easy to sing not only for women but also for men.

While there are some high notes, the song’s lively, bursting energy makes it easy to sing out with confidence—so definitely give it a try.

And it’s not just about momentum: the lyrics brilliantly capture a woman’s feelings, so it’s also great to sing while savoring the words.

Stay closest to me.Maki Ohguro4rank/position

Stay closest to me.

An upbeat summer song with a memorable samba rhythm, “Stay Closest to Me.” Its catchy phrases will stick in your head after just one listen, and it feels great to sing at karaoke! The lyrics, which directly express a woman’s passionate feelings for a man, are also a highlight.

When you sing it at karaoke, you might find your posture naturally straightening and your chest lifting—that’s part of the song’s charm.

It does have a lot of high notes and may seem challenging at first, but once you nail it, the sense of accomplishment is huge.

Give it a try!

Summer is comingMaki Ohguro5rank/position

Summer is coming

Set to passionate Latin rhythms, this Maki Ohguro number portrays the rising anticipation that comes with summer and the impatience hidden deep in the heart.

It’s said that the lyrics reflect a strong will to push back against social pressure to marry and to forge one’s own career.

The timbales-driven beat dramatizes those complex emotions.

Released in April 1994 as her eighth single, it was chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s music program “COUNT DOWN TV” and is also included on the classic album “Eien no Yume ni Mukatte.” For anyone who wants to shine in their own way, this song might just give you the powerful push you need.

Get fired upMaki Ohguro6rank/position

Get fired up

“Atsuku Nare” is one of Maki Ohguro’s signature songs, and it brightened living rooms across Japan as NHK’s theme song for the Atlanta Olympics broadcast.

It’s also a great pick for karaoke—its refreshing brightness and powerful high notes are sure to get the crowd going.

The high notes may feel challenging, but the sense of accomplishment when you push through and hit them is exceptional! Although it’s a heartbreak song, it carries an uplifting message that many women across generations can relate to and feel inspired to sing.

BecauseMaki Ohguro7rank/position

DA･KA･RA

Released in 1992, this song sings of the love of a strong yet graceful woman and won the support of many women.

Maki Ohguro’s songs are often thought to be challenging because of the high notes, but aside from the final high note, this one stays relatively in the mid-range and the melody is easy to remember.

It’s sure to be a hit at karaoke with a group of women, so give it a try and practice!