Songs Everyone Knows: A Popular Karaoke Collection You Can Sing Regardless of Age
When you’re at a karaoke session with a wide range of ages, it can be hard to pick the right songs.
If you’re a working adult, you might go with colleagues or clients; if you’re a student, there may be occasions where teachers join in.
There are also more chances than you’d expect to choose songs for a broad age group, such as at karaoke contests.
In those situations, it’s tough to pick songs that every generation will recognize.
In recent years, Japanese music has been broadening—Showa-era kayōkyoku has become popular among younger generations, and some songs have achieved mega-hits through social media, gaining cross-generational recognition.
We’ll also highlight picks from angles like major event tie-ins, morning drama themes, and songs that are easy to hum along to.
We’ve gathered everything from Reiwa-era national hit songs to classic gems from the Showa and Heisei eras, so please use this as a reference.
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- Karaoke songs everyone can sing: Japanese tracks that are easy to enjoy with a group.
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Heisei-era masterpieces: Easy to sing! Carefully selected songs recommended for karaoke choices!
- Resonates across generations! Hit songs that colored the Heisei era, perfect as BGM
- Even for those not confident in their singing! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs released in the Reiwa era
- Perfect for karaoke song choices too! Hype tracks recommended for Gen Z.
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- Popular songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and hit songs.
- A roundup of upbeat Japanese songs that get you moving
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
Songs Everyone Knows: A Popular Karaoke Collection You Can Sing Across All Ages (11–20)
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
“Ue o Muite Arukō” is memorable for its lyrics that convey a strong will to keep looking forward and walking on, even while carrying sadness.
Released in 1961, the song became a huge hit not only in Japan but also overseas under the title “Sukiyaki.” With Kyu Sakamoto’s warm, comforting voice resonating in people’s hearts, this piece is a beloved classic of popular song cherished across generations.
That’s why it’s perfect to sing in settings where people of all ages gather.
Sing it with friends at karaoke, and it’s sure to inspire cross-generational empathy.
It’s a wonderful song that lets you share that positive feeling of holding back tears and walking with your head held high.
A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko
Yoko Takahashi is a singer who has performed numerous anime songs under various names, including YAWMIN and Ryuko Takahashi.
Her 11th single, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, written as the opening theme for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, is striking for its majestic arrangement despite its pop sensibility.
It’s such a famous song that even people who don’t know the anime sing it, making it an easy choice when you’re unsure what to pick at karaoke.
Especially for those of the right generation, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a classic karaoke staple.
threadNakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter whose instantly recognizable, powerful voice and lyrical songs have earned support from listeners across generations.
Her 35th single Ito, released as a double A-side with Inochi no Betsumei, was used as the theme song for the TV drama Seija no Koushin.
In addition to the original, it has been covered by many artists, so almost everyone has heard it at least once.
With a message that stirs the heart and is sure to captivate listeners even in karaoke, it’s a classic you should sing when you’re unsure what to choose.
Thank youikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari is captivating for vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s fresh, straightforward singing voice.
Their 18th single “Arigatou,” written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, is also beloved as a graduation ceremony staple.
With lyrics that weave an approachable message anyone can relate to, it’s sure to move listeners’ hearts at karaoke with people of any generation.
The overall tempo is relaxed and the melody is easy to remember, so be sure to practice it and add it to your repertoire.
I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka
Singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, who enjoyed a charismatic following with songs that powerfully voiced the feelings of youth, passed away at the young age of 26.
“I LOVE YOU,” re-released eight years after the shock of his debut album Seventeen’s Map, is known as one of his signature songs.
His powerful vocals carried by delicate piano tones, together with the lyrics’ storyline, create an atmosphere that borders on a heartfelt cry.
It’s a karaoke classic that countless men across generations have surely sung.
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa is a singer who debuted as an idol with the catchphrase “Columbia Princess,” and is now known as a leading figure in the enka world.
Her 15th single, “Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyu Gesiki” (Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene), was the song that led to her being recognized as a full-fledged enka singer.
It’s such a famous tune that even younger generations who aren’t very familiar with enka have likely heard it at least once, making it an easy choice for karaoke.
Conversely, if someone from a younger generation sings it, it’s sure to delight older listeners—a classic, well-known enka number.
[Songs Everyone Knows] A Popular Karaoke Collection You Can Sing Regardless of Age (21–30)
Crimson Lotus FlowerNEW!LiSA
This song, which became a massive hit and practically a social phenomenon as the opening theme for the hugely popular TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, powerfully captures an indomitable spirit that pushes forward with hope, overcoming the harsh fate and deep sorrow faced by the protagonist.
Its rock sound infused with a traditional Japanese flair pairs perfectly with the emotional vocals.
Released in July 2019 as LiSA’s 15th single, it was later included on the album LEO-NiNE.
With a level of recognition so high that almost everyone has heard it at least once, it’s the perfect pick to fire up the crowd at karaoke when people of different generations get together.