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

From Me to Youflumpool

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

flumpool’s signature song is a masterpiece that sings about feelings for a loved one.

It gained attention as the theme song for the film “Kimi ni Todoke,” and after its release in September 2010, it ranked high on the Oricon charts for 11 consecutive weeks.

Ryuta Yamamura’s sweet vocals are striking, and the beautiful melody composed by Kazuki Sakai resonates deeply.

Lyrics like “I want to protect your smile” and “I close my eyes and picture a future with you” convey a profound love for someone special.

If you plan to sing it at karaoke, it’s a good idea to practice in advance so you can hit the high notes.

Singing it together with someone important to you will surely become a wonderful memory.

A street corner where even lovers get wetMasatoshi Nakamura

Lovers Also Get Wet on the Street Corner (1984 Live Version)

“Koibito mo Nureru Machikado” is a Latin-style rumba number with a beautifully wistful melody.

Written and composed by Keisuke Kuwata and performed by Masatoshi Nakamura, it became a huge hit.

It’s a classic adult love song that you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

The song is Masatoshi Nakamura’s 17th single and was released in September 1982.

scabHidenori Chiwata

[Official] Anime “Konjiki no Gash Bell!!” Opening Video: Hidenori Chiwata - “Kasabuta” / Zatch Bell!!

Singer-songwriter Hidenori Chiwata, who made headlines when he resumed activities in 2007 under his real name, Isao Chiwata, released the single “Kasabuta” on April 23, 2003.

The track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Zatch Bell!.

Its lyrics, which evoke the struggles of youth and hope for the future, are likely to bring back memories for those now in their 30s.

It’s also a great choice for karaoke, but be careful not to lose the rhythm, as the melody has many subtle rises and falls and the tempo is fast.

Sync Of SummerTatsuro Yamashita

Tatsuro Yamashita “Sync Of Summer”

This is Tatsuro Yamashita’s 53rd single, released in July 2023.

It was reportedly written specifically as a song for Kirin’s “Gogo no Kocha” (Afternoon Tea) commercial.

When you think of summer, you think of Tatsuro Yamashita!! That image, combined with the song’s title, makes this a summer anthem overflowing with his signature style that truly evokes the season.

The melody crafted with that trademark Yamashita touch doesn’t span a particularly wide vocal range, so it should be very easy to sing even for people who don’t usually sing much.

Throughout the song, it feels best not to overemote—sing it a bit bluntly, with a touch of nonchalance.

Glass BoyTatsuro Yamashita

Glass Boy – KinKi Kids (Full)

Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Glass Boy” is flavored with a Spanish-style exotic touch and is a perfect karaoke song for a refreshing, mature singer.

Released in July 1997 as KinKi Kids’ debut single, the song became a major hit.

Night SeaMasahiro Kuwana

Night Sea

Masahiro Kuwana’s song “Night Sea” is a romantic and dramatic poetic piece that gently sinks into the heart, evoking deep peace and tenderness.

It’s a highly recommended karaoke choice you’ll want to add to your repertoire as an adult ballad.

The White LoversKeisuke Kuwata

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

As a solo artist, Keisuke Kuwata’s seventh single overall, released in October 2001.

It was used as the song for Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercials, in which Kuwata himself appeared, as well as for UNIQLO’s “LifeWear/HEATTECH: Winter Is the Time to Go Outside” commercials.

You could truly call this a staple of late-’90s to early-2000s J-pop.

Many songs from that era are very easy to sing, and this ballad is no exception—it’s something anyone can casually sing and enjoy.

It might even be fun to sing it while doing a Kuwata-style impression, don’t you think?