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

Feelin’ great! 〜Nothing But Something〜DA PUMP

DA PUMP / Feeling Great! ~Nothing But Something~ (short ver.)

DA PUMP is a dance and vocal group that has been active for many years.

Early in their career they had a stylish vibe, but as they gained experience they gradually began tackling comic songs and the like, broadening both their musicality and their persona.

Their track “Gokigendaze! ~Nothing But Something~,” judging by the title alone, might seem like a comic song, but in reality it’s more of a then-contemporary R&B-style pop number, finished with a distinctly stylish feel.

riceDISH//

DISH// – Rice [Official Video]

The four-member rock band DISH//.

While they’re a band, they also have idol-like popularity and enjoy tremendous support from women.

Among DISH//’s songs, the one I especially recommend to men in their 30s is Gohan.

DISH// tend to have many glittery, female-friendly tracks, but this one is crafted with a slightly grittier, earthier melody.

Kitamura Takumi’s vocals may make that less obvious, but if you’re a man in your 30s, wouldn’t you be able to bring out that grittiness even more?

I want to be kinder.Kazuyoshi Saito

Kazuyoshi Saito – I Want to Be Kind [Music Video]

Kazuyoshi Saito’s classic hit “Yasashiku Naritai.” If you’re a man in your 30s, it’s safe to say you know this song.

People discovered it in various ways, but the most common might be through the drama “I’m Mita, Your Housekeeper,” which became a social phenomenon.

The song has a somewhat decadent rock vibe, but perhaps because the lyrics are full of hope, it doesn’t feel self-deprecating the way songs in this style sometimes can.

It’s especially popular with men, so try singing it at karaoke when you’re out with your guy friends!

Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE “Shanghai Honey” MV

Recently, ORANGE RANGE has enjoyed a cross-generational revival hit and is once again drawing public attention.

They’ve produced many classic songs, and for men in their 30s, every track likely holds special memories.

Among their works, one I especially recommend is Shanghai Honey.

Released in 2003, it was composed on a foundation of the then-trending mixture rock.

It carries a somewhat West Coast vibe, characterized by a laid-back yet distinctly dope feel.

CultureTatsuya Kitani

Culture / Tatsuya Kitani – CULTURE / Tatsuya Kitani

Singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani enjoys overwhelming support from young people.

Even among men in their early thirties, many likely listen to his music.

Among his tracks, the one I especially recommend is Culture.

While it has a somewhat synth-pop, refreshing sound, its message runs deep, and its abstract yet memorable lines leave listeners with something to ponder.

The music video by Barbapapa—known for “Vwieh” and “A Slightly Left-Leaning Educational Program”—is also a highlight!

MelissaPorno Graffitti

Porno Graffitti “Melissa” MUSIC VIDEO (Anime “Fullmetal Alchemist” Cour 1 Opening Theme)

Porno Graffitti is a musical duo that still enjoys strong, enduring popularity.

Among men in their thirties, more than half probably sing their songs quite often.

Of all their tracks, the one I especially recommend is Melissa.

It’s memorable for its sharp, punchy chorus, which carries a slight Latin flavor.

The A and B verses feel like refreshing rock, and the contrast creates a distinctive atmosphere.

Youthful AmigoShuji and Akira

Tomohisa Yamashita, Kazuya Kamenashi, Shuuji to Akira, Seishun Amigo

The famous song “Seishun Amigo,” known as the theme for the popular drama Nobuta wo Produce, is sung by the duo Shuuji to Akira—Tomohisa Yamashita and Kazuya Kamenashi.

It features a passionate melody with a slight kayōkyoku flavor, yet it also carries a certain laid-back, Heisei-era nonchalance that leaves an impression.

Although falsetto appears, the overall range is narrow, so even men in their 30s can sing it comfortably while reminiscing.