[30s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION36rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

People in their late 20s to early 30s are the generation that lived through the golden age of Japanese rock.

Among those bands, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION was especially popular with men.

Of all their songs, the one I particularly recommend is Rewrite.

It stays in a low register for much of the track, which makes the chorus feel explosively open by contrast, and the almost roar-like phrases really fire up the crowd.

Because the verses sit so low, it’s tempting to raise the key, but if you match it to that, the chorus will be tough—so find a comfortable middle ground and sing in a moderately adjusted key.

StoryAI37rank/position

Story – AI (Full)

This is AI’s 12th single overall, released on May 18, 2005.

Because AI is highly acclaimed for her vocal ability—and on top of that, this is a slow ballad—many people who aren’t confident singers might hesitate to choose it at karaoke.

However, the melody itself isn’t difficult at all; it’s actually quite easy to sing, so there’s no need to be afraid of it.

That said, what’s important for making this song sound good is to thoroughly understand the piece, including the lyrics, before you sing.

I believe the most crucial point of expression in this song is conveying emotion through the lyrics and valuing the rests—the spaces between phrases and between words—as part of your singing.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU38rank/position

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

JUJU’s song, which weaves a bittersweet love story, is a rock ballad released in February 2009.

Produced by Seiji Kameda, it was also featured as the collaboration commercial song for MTV Japan and Nissan Cube.

JUJU’s clear, gentle vocals tenderly embrace the feeling of continuing to think of someone dear, even when apart.

The lyrics convey a heart that cherishes small moments in everyday life and gratitude toward the other person, making it a track that resonates deeply with listeners.

If you sing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to pour your feelings for someone special into your performance.

Precious thingsRoad of Major39rank/position

Lord of Major / Precious Things

Lord of Major is a rock band born from a documentary project on the popular TV show “Hamaraja.” Although they originated from a TV企画 (TV project), they specialize in punk rock and have left many memorable songs and a lasting mark on the scene.

Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is “Taisetsu na Mono.” While the song spans a relatively wide vocal range, it’s surprisingly easy to sing because it works even when sung a bit rough.

It’s perfect for those who want to belt it out at full volume.

distress (at sea/in the mountains); being lost; stranded; a disaster situationTokyo Incidents40rank/position

Tokyo Incidents – Distress

Tokyo Jihen is a band that continues to attract fans with its stylish yet decadent musicality.

They have many famous songs, but the one I particularly recommend is Sounan (Distress).

Released barely a month after their debut single, Gunjo Biyori, this track gained popularity in the Japanese rock scene.

While it has a rock-oriented sound, it exudes an even more decadent atmosphere than its predecessor.

Accordingly, the vocals have a downbeat quality throughout, with gentle rises and falls in pitch.

The vocal range is also quite narrow, from mid2A to hiD#, so for women in their 30s, it’s almost a sure bet for scoring high at karaoke.

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE41rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Nando Demo”

“Nando Demo” is popular across all generations.

I used to sing it a lot too, and it seems many people are familiar with the chorus, so it always got the crowd going.

It’s definitely a song worth knowing! The tricky part of this song is the breathing during the chorus.

Where the same phrase repeats, you can run out of breath and it gets tough.

Proper diaphragmatic breathing is important, but rather than belting each phrase with full power, try to focus on connecting the lines as you sing.

When you shift your mindset, your body will adjust so your breath lasts through the phrase.

Also, the last chorus is the most demanding; singing it with a powerful voice is more for advanced singers.

Don’t push yourself—start by singing it lightly, and you’ll get used to it little by little.

It’s also a great song for strengthening your chest voice, so give it a try in practice!

AM11:00HY42rank/position

HY – 「AM11:00」 Live Music Video

A classic karaoke song that has been hugely popular since back in the day and can be sung as a male–female duet.

In the first and second verses, the male and female parts are sung solo separately, and then they come together in the chorus.

HY’s songs are still popular even now! There are various interpretations of the song’s theme, and it’s not necessarily bright or cheerful, but thanks to its catchy melody and upbeat feel, you often see it getting the crowd going.

It’s a great pick when you want an energetic song that isn’t an outright upper tune.

It really resonates with people of that generation.