Recommended Japanese pop songs for karaoke for men in their 30s

Song of the WheelsBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN 'Song of the Wheels'

This song features a refreshing melody that evokes the sparkle of youth.

Released in August 2004, it’s also included on the album “Yggdrasil.” There’s a story that Motoo Fujiwara completed the lyrics and melody in a single night.

With lyrics themed around parting and reunion, it resonates deeply with listeners.

It showcases BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature delicate emotional expression throughout, and it’s a popular track frequently performed live.

For men in their 30s, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke—why not sing it from the heart while reflecting on treasured memories with someone special?

PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY “PIECES OF A DREAM” Official Video

This song portrays the dreams and hopes of youth, as well as setbacks and growth.

As symbolized by the lyric “a fragment of a half-baked dream,” it expresses the emotions that waver between ideals and reality.

Released in March 2001 as CHEMISTRY’s debut single, it entered the Oricon Singles Chart at No.

2, later became a million seller, and won Song of the Year at the Japan Gold Disc Awards.

In 2016, it was also used as the ending theme for the TV anime ReLIFE.

While looking back on the past, the song carries a determination to move forward, gently encouraging those standing at a crossroads in life.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to resonate with those around you.

innocent worldMr.Children

Mr.Children 「innocent world」 MUSIC VIDEO

This is Mr.

Children’s (hereafter “Mr.

Chiru”) fifth single, released in June 1994.

It was used as the commercial song for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Aquarius Neo/Aquarius Iosis.” At the time of release, it sold 200,000 copies initially and went on to become a million-selling hit.

So as of December 2023, most people in their 30s have probably heard this track at least once.

While Mr.

Children’s songs generally grew more challenging to sing as their career progressed, the songs from this period still feature straightforward melodies that are easy to hum along to.

A close analysis of vocalist Sakurai’s singing reveals the use of falsetto and mixed voice, especially in the chorus, but don’t worry too much about that—just raise your voice and enjoy singing.

A flower now blooming toward the sunNOBU

NOBU – “Now, a Flower Blooming Toward the Sun” MV

With its beautifully orchestrated string intro and NOBU’s powerful, energetic vocals, “Ima, Taiyō ni Mukatte Saku Hana” is a highly recommended self-empowerment song I want to sing at karaoke—a track that lifts me up when I’m feeling down and gives me strength and courage.

~asterisk~ORANGE RANGE

JUMP MV / 'BLEACH' × '*~Asterisk~' | ORANGE RANGE

Known as one of ORANGE RANGE’s signature songs, this track depicts the light of stars in the night sky above, and features lyrics about sentiments and wishes from ages past that transcend time, as well as the strength to keep on living.

Released in 2005 as the first opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime BLEACH, it has been covered by many artists.

The piece is characterized by its distinctive rhythm and shifting vocal parts, delivering a pleasantly driving feel.

Sung at a karaoke gathering of friends who once shared their youth, it can evoke both nostalgia and freshness, allowing everyone to share in the joy of harmonizing together.

Until the world endsWANDS

WANDS “Until the World Ends… [WANDS 5th Generation ver.]” MV

WANDS is a rock band formed in 1991.

Their song “Sekai ga Owaru Made wa” was used as the second ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK and is a karaoke staple.

In 2019, the band’s popularity resurged after welcoming Daishi Uehara as the new vocalist.

In 2022, the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK was also released, and thanks to the synergy of these events, singing this song can evoke both nostalgia and freshness for those around you!

Christmas songback number

back number – Christmas Song (full)

Set against the winter chill and Christmas scenery, this heartwarming song portrays a yearning love for a partner.

The loneliness of not being able to see one’s loved one and the struggle over how to express one’s feelings sink in with a gentle melody.

Released in November 2015, the track was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “5→9: The Monk Who Fell in Love with Me,” winning the hearts of a broad audience.

It is included on back number’s album Chandelier, which reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

As winter arrives, it’s widely listened to—truly a new staple Christmas song.

Sing it at karaoke, and you’ll surely be wrapped in a pleasant atmosphere while sensing the subtle nuances of romance.