A long nightChiharu Matsuyama1rank/position

A long night

Here is a timeless classic that sings of passionate love.

Known as one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature works, this song was released in 1981 and became a massive hit, selling a total of 866,000 copies.

It marked a bold departure from his previous folk style, transforming into a rock-influenced piece.

Written and composed by Matsuyama himself, it powerfully expresses the emotions of a heart swayed by love.

Though regarded as an “unconventional rock song,” it has continued to be cherished across eras and generations.

Listen to it while doing household chores or on a drive, and it’s sure to resonate with your heart.

Why not surrender yourself to Matsuyama’s soul-stirring vocals?

Cactus Flower ~From Under the Same Roof~Kazuo Zaitsu2rank/position

Kazuo Zaitsu: Cactus Flower (theme song of “Under One Roof”)

Saboten no Hana, a classic song by Tulip released in 1975, was rearranged as Kazuo Zaitsu’s solo piece Saboten no Hana ~From Under One Roof~.

It became well-known as the theme song for Fuji TV’s hugely popular drama Under One Roof.

era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima3rank/position

Era – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

“Jidai,” one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature songs and the source of many timeless hits, features verses with a gentle, embracing melody, making it a truly wonderful piece.

The lyrics are crafted to be catchy and relatable to anyone, so it’s likely to be a crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

Winter LightningAlice4rank/position

Alice – Winter Lightning

This song by Alice, released in 1977, features lyrics written by Shinji Tanimura and music composed by Takao Horiuchi.

It didn’t attract much attention at the time of its release, but its popularity gradually grew the following year.

It’s one of Alice’s signature songs, notable for the striking “Ah” shout in the middle, and because it’s highly performance-oriented, it’s likely to be a hit at karaoke if two people sing it with good harmonies.

It’s a song you’ll definitely want everyone around you to clap along to in support.

The Bride SambaHiromi Go5rank/position

Bride Samba – Hiromi Go

Hiromi Go, who debuted in 1972 and won a passionate following with his sweet looks and voice.

His song “Oyome Samba” has a samba-like rhythm that makes you want to start dancing, making it perfect for karaoke.

There’s a call-and-response part, so it’s easy to enjoy together with other participants around you, which is great, right? When a string of enka and other sad songs has brought the mood down and you want to brighten the atmosphere a bit, this song is your go-to.

Move your body within your comfort level and sing it cheerfully!

Matsuken SambaKen Matsudaira6rank/position

[Official] Ken Matsudaira “Matsuken Samba II” MV

Ken Matsudaira, well-known as an actor in period dramas, delivers a delightful song that plays on the contrast with his dignified on-screen persona.

It began as part of a kayō (popular song) segment in his stage performances and then spread throughout the country.

The uplifting feeling comes through from the bright, kimono-inspired costumes and the sound that evokes the lively atmosphere of samba.

Perhaps it’s a song that blends period-drama aesthetics with contemporary music into a vibrant world that brings joy to listeners of all generations.

Into the DreamYosui Inoue7rank/position

Yosui Inoue - Into the Dream

The song that makes you want to drop all the little hassles of everyday life and just go have a blast is Yosui Inoue’s “Yume no Naka e.” Released in 1973, it has been covered by many artists, including Yuki Saito and Keisuke Kuwata, and has been featured across eras in various commercials and TV programs.

Because of that, people of many generations have heard it, making it an easy pick not only among people in their 60s—the song’s original generation—but also for karaoke with younger colleagues.

Why not sing this bright, catchy tune and use it to build a closer rapport with your team?