Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation: 60s [2025]

PRIDEMiki Imai36rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

Praised as a “refreshingly pure love song,” this piece is one of Miki Imai’s signature tracks, known for her powerful and beautiful vocals.

Its lyrics, portraying a woman who lives with pride in her love for her partner, resonated with many listeners.

Released in November 1996, it gained attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc.

” It topped the Oricon singles chart and became a major hit, selling over 1.

6 million copies.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing calmly at karaoke.

Why not sing it while holding close the joy of being in love and your feelings for someone special?

Forever with youYuzo Kayama37rank/position

Yuzo Kayama – Forever With You

This was the fifth single overall by Showa-era superstar Yuzo Kayama, released in December 1965.

It sold over three million copies and received a Special Award at the 8th Japan Record Awards in 1966—truly a classic of the Showa period.

Kayama’s resonant, powerful vocals are so outstanding that some people might hesitate to sing it at karaoke for that reason alone, but the melody is very simple and easy to hum, so don’t be afraid to give it a try.

Try placing the sound toward your lower jaw inside your mouth and really resonate in your chest; that should help you get closer to the rich vocal quality of the man himself.

And when you sing it at karaoke, don’t forget to recreate the spoken-word part, too!

I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto38rank/position

Walk looking up Sakamoto Kyu — with lyrics

A song distinguished by its buoyant melody and heartwarming lyrics.

It carries a positive message that encourages you to keep moving forward even in tough times, and it continues to resonate with many people.

Released in 1961, it became a huge hit not only in Japan but also overseas.

In the United States, it became known as “Sukiyaki” and reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

With a modest range that makes it easy to sing and suitable for a wide variety of voices, it’s also a popular choice for karaoke.

As a timeless classic loved across generations, why not add it to your repertoire? Sing it with your own feelings, carried by Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals.

It was spring, wasn’t it?Takuro Yoshida39rank/position

It Was Spring 2014 Takuro Yoshida

An uptempo track that sets the tone for the fourth album “Genki Desu,” released in 1972.

Takuro’s cool vocals breezily sing of the fleeting nature of love.

With an extremely low range—its lowest note is mid1 A#—this song is a godsend for men with lower voices.

While the dense lyrics and quick delivery can be a bit challenging, its comfortable, soothing sense of drive makes it easy to sing! Perfect for spring karaoke or when you want to get hyped with one of Takuro’s rock numbers.

Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Masahiko Kondo40rank/position

Masahiko Kondo — Gingin-Gin ni Sarigenaku (1981, Showa 56)

Released in September 1981, this is the fourth single by Masahiko Kondo, a major Showa-era idol who rose to fame as part of the “Tanokin Trio” alongside Toshihiko Tahara and Yoshio Nomura.

There’s hardly any need for me to say more—if you’re a Japanese person in your 60s today, you’re sure to know this smash hit of Showa-era pop! No need for complicated commentary to sing this one—just belt it out and enjoy.

If you imitate Kondo’s gestures and hand movements while you sing, you’ll have even more fun!

White SwingBilly BanBan41rank/position

White Swing

Billy BanBan is a brother folk duo that continues to perform today.

They’ve created many classic songs over the years, but the one we especially recommend for men in their 60s is Shiroi Buranko (White Swing).

While it falls under the folk genre, it’s characterized by a rhythm somewhat akin to soul and other Black music styles.

The vocal range is narrow, and there are no parts that require belting, so it’s also a good choice for those aiming for a high karaoke score.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

If I'm wrapped in kindnessYumi Arai42rank/position

Wrapped in Gentleness – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya)

It has a very gentle melody reminiscent of a Western nursery rhyme.

If you’re a woman in your 60s who feels “I’m not so good at karaoke…,” please give this song a try.

There’s one high note near the end of the chorus, but don’t worry too much about it—just have fun singing.

This song also gained attention as the ending theme of the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

It’s a great choice for karaoke with small children, too.