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

Snow TrainMaekawa Kiyoshi

1982 Kiyoshi Maekawa :: Snow Train @ 432 Hz

“Yuki Ressha” (“Snow Train”) is a warm song that wraps your whole body in a sense of bliss—the kind you feel in winter when you sip sake, nibble on oden, and sing just tipsy enough.

With lyrics by Shigesato Itoi, music by Ryuichi Sakamoto, and vocals by Kiyoshi Maekawa, it’s a soothing mood-kayō (Japanese popular ballad) karaoke track I especially recommend for people in their thirties who feel mentally and physically worn out.

Farewell, tearsKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Farewell, Tears”

This is the number-one song to cheer up your subordinates: if you invite a junior colleague who’s struggling or upset at work out for karaoke, have a drink together, and sing Ketsumeishi’s “Saraba Namida” for them, it will undoubtedly boost your credibility as a wonderfully caring and thoughtful boss.

First loveMurashita Kōzō

Kozo Murashita – First Love

If you still harbor a lingering regret in your heart about never telling the girl you liked back in your school days how you felt—wishing you had confessed back then—then, should you get the chance to go to karaoke at something like a class reunion after-party, I highly recommend singing Kozo Murashita’s “Hatsukoi” in front of her as a subtle message song to let her know you liked her.

Shadows of YouthZaitsu Kazuo

The Shadow of Youth (Tulip) Song: Kazuo Zaitsu

Written and composed by Kazuo Zaizu, “Seishun no Kage” was released in June 1974 as Tulip’s sixth single.

Even after roughly forty years, it remains a timeless proposal song dedicated to a beloved woman.

It’s a classic you’ll want to sing at karaoke when you want to confess your love or propose to your girlfriend.

In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Ketsui no Asa ni' Music Video (Theme song of the film 'Brave Story')

This song resonates with lyrics full of kindness and empathy.

Without hiding its own naivety, it gently conveys the desire to live life in one’s own way, carried by a warm, soothing melody.

It tenderly embraces everyday doubts and inner conflicts, as well as the ache of not being able to speak one’s true feelings, resulting in a track that stands by every listener.

Released by Aqua Timez in July 2006, it drew attention as the theme song for the animated film Brave Story.

It was also used in Sapporo Beer’s New Year Sports Special: Hakone Ekiden commercial, and has been loved by many.

This is a song you’ll want to hear when your heart is wavering or when you’re facing an important decision.

It’s also easy to follow the melody for karaoke, allowing you to sing it with heartfelt emotion.

OneRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – One

A track by RIP SLYME that’s popular even in living rooms across the country.

Incorporating an acoustic guitar sound, the mellow hip-hop track carries a sense of melancholy.

With a textured, catchy hook, it’s a classic perfect for autumn and one I can recommend to men in their thirties.

swallowtail butterflyPorno Graffitti

PORNOGRAFFITTI “Agehachou” (Tsumagoi Romance Porno ’11 ~ Pornomaru) / PORNOGRAFFITTI “Agehachou (Live ver.)”

Released in June 2001, Porno Graffitti’s sixth single and one of their signature songs, “Agehachō,” is a rhythmic, exotic, and passionate track.

It’s a stylish, cool song perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke, and it has a charm that feels completely natural even when sung by men in their 30s.