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

At all times.Noriyuki Makihara50rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

A signature work by Noriyuki Makihara that delivers a universal message of living true to yourself, carried by a powerful yet gentle melody.

While acknowledging the doubts and anxieties of life, this classic is imbued with a strong resolve to cherish your true self.

Included on the album “Who Do You Share a Happy Yawn With?”, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies within six months of its June 1991 release.

It was also selected as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1992.

The melody, featuring a distinctive acoustic guitar and a calm tempo, makes it easy to sing.

For many people, it’s a song that resonates in the heart when standing at a crossroads or when they feel on the verge of losing themselves.

FlowerFujii Kaze51rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Hana (Official Video)

A signature song by Fujii Kaze with a soothing piano tone.

His expressive vocals stand out as he sings gently over a laid-back R&B rhythm.

The profound lyrics, which explore self-discovery and the meaning of life, are sure to resonate with men in their 30s.

Released in October 2023, it became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “The Best Favorite (Ichiban Suki na Hana).” The music video set in a desert, where colors vividly pop, is also a must-see.

It’s a great pick not only when you want to get the crowd going at karaoke, but also when you want to spend a special moment with someone important.

This work is packed with Fujii Kaze’s charm—be sure to give it a listen.

planetariumAi Otsuka52rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A song by Ai Otsuka that paints a bittersweet love at the end of summer.

Its simple, piano-centered arrangement layered with her clear, airy vocals resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in September 2005, the track was used as an insert song and image song for the TBS drama “Hana Yori Dango,” reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It is also included on the album “LOVE COOK” and the best-of album “Ai am BEST.” Try singing it at girls’ nights or reunions with old friends—there’s no doubt it’ll bring back memories and get everyone excited.

TemptationGLAY53rank/position

GLAY / Temptation

If you’re in your 30s, there’s a good chance you used to listen to and sing this song a lot.

The lyrics, themed around intense love and desire, are striking, and TERU’s powerful vocals really resonate.

Released in 1998, it was a massive hit that topped the Oricon year-end singles chart.

It was also used in a TDK “MiniDisc” commercial and is included on the album “pure soul.” It’s the perfect track to amp up the energy at karaoke.

If someone confident in their vocal skills takes it on, everyone’s sure to have a great time together!

Things that have formKo Shibasaki54rank/position

Ko Shibasaki – Something That Has Form

Ko Shibasaki’s song, which portrays a fragile yet beautiful form of love, is a work that deeply moves listeners.

It expresses farewells with a loved one and the lingering presence of love afterward through depictions of the night sky’s stars and moon.

Released in August 2004, it became a major hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” debuting at No.

2 on the Oricon singles chart.

With its beautiful melody and profound lyrics, this piece is undeniably resonant when sung at karaoke, especially for those who have experienced love and parting.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Golden Bomber55rank/position

Golden Bomber “Memeshikute” Music Video

Speaking of songs that get everyone hyped regardless of age or gender, we can’t forget this one! Golden Bomber has performed this song multiple times on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, so it’s well-known across generations.

Although it was released in 2009, it’s still a popular track you’ll hear on TV and at karaoke.

While the original band’s gimmick is being an “air band,” it’s also a great, cool song to perform properly as a cover band.

The lyrics candidly depict the clingy feelings of a heartbroken man and are said to be based on vocalist Kiryuuin’s real experiences.

It’s a song everyone can sing together and get excited about!

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE56rank/position

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ ZONE (Full)

Selected as the theme song for the third installment of the popular drama series “Kids War,” which starred Mao Inoue, this is one of ZONE’s signature tracks and remains highly popular to this day.

Even long after its release, it has continued to be covered by various well-known artists, and it drew attention when a cover by a popular voice actor was used in “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” For women in their 30s, it’s likely a song that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia.