From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: songs that sound cool when you can really sing them
Many of you probably want to sing cool, deep tracks at karaoke with style.
In particular, Showa-era kayōkyoku and New Music, as well as early-to-mid Heisei J-POP, are packed with timeless masterpieces that still sound fresh decades after their release—a real treasure trove of cool, mature songs.
It’s precisely because of that universal appeal that these songs continue to be sung by today’s younger generation.
In this article, I’ll introduce plenty of those songs that, if you can pull them off, will give you that sophisticated edge.
I’ve picked selections mainly from Japanese music of the ’70s through the ’90s, with some of the latest J-POP mixed in, so use this as a reference when choosing songs for karaoke!
- Must-see for men: Songs that look cool if you can sing them at karaoke—numbers that women can’t help but be captivated by.
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
- [Men in Their 50s, Gather Up!] Classic Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers & Easy-to-Sing Hits
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Karaoke songs for men in their 40s: a curated selection of hit tracks women want to hear!
- Karaoke songs recommended for men with low voices or who are good at singing in a low register
- Heisei-era masterpieces: Easy to sing! Carefully selected songs recommended for karaoke choices!
- Songs Women Want Men to Sing: Popular Karaoke Picks Chosen by Girls
- [2026] Songs I Want to Try at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
From Showa-era Kayōkyoku to Pop: Cool Songs to Master (51–60)
Together forever…GLAY
Released in 1995 as GLAY’s fifth single.
It’s a re-cut single from their first album, SPEED POP, and the song was written by TAKURO for TERU’s sister who was getting married.
Although it’s one of GLAY’s early ballads, it has become a popular wedding staple, especially as a song men sing to women.
The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira
Akira Fuse’s classic song “The Scent of Cyclamen.” Following “You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose,” it’s another hit by Fuse.
These days, because Gen Hoshino covered “You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose,” many people think that’s his biggest hit, but “The Scent of Cyclamen” is actually Fuse’s only million-seller.
It’s crafted with a strong folk vibe and a wistful melody.
Sing it at karaoke and you’ll give off a cool, mature vibe!
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Even among generations who don’t know Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi very well, many have surely heard the title.
“Kanpai,” a classic at his live shows, is a masterpiece.
Written for a hometown friend’s wedding, the song’s warm yet overwhelmingly soulful vocals by Nagabuchi resonate deeply.
I think it sounds especially cool and refined when sung gently by an adult man.
As you savor this timeless song, you’ll feel like singing it while reflecting on your own life, too.
Cheers!
North Wind ~May It Reach You~Makihara Noriyuki
It was released in 1992 as Noriyuki Makihara’s sixth single.
The song is a reworked version of “Kitakaze,” which originally appeared as the B-side to his second single, “ANSWER,” with Makihara himself adding new arrangements for its release as the sixth single.
Both the lyrics and composition were done by Makihara.
The song evokes a wintry scene with a cold north wind, and it’s a wonderful piece when sung well.
mountains and riversItsuki Hiroshi
This is a song released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 2000, with lyrics likening life to mountains and rivers.
The lyrics were written by Kei Ogura and the music composed by Takao Horiuchi, both of whom later recorded self-covers.
In 2000, it was performed as the White Team’s finale and the overall closing act at the 51st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
As a piece that expresses the depth of a man’s life, it becomes wonderfully mature and deeply moving when sung well.