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!
- 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
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- [Popular and Crowd-Pleasing!] Stylish Song Selections and Karaoke Tracks
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: Cool songs that sound suave when you can really sing them (71–80)
Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi
A song by Takeshi Kitano—highly acclaimed across generations for his distinctive character as a comedian, film director, and actor.
It’s a bittersweet number that depicts episodes from his early days, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic, having been used as the theme song for the 2017 film Hibana (Spark).
The lyrics vividly capture the struggle between dreams and reality, likely prompting many listeners to reflect on their own lives.
Sung softly at karaoke, it’s sure to resonate with the audience—a gritty, quintessential masterpiece of the Showa era.
My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu
Southern All Stars, fronted by Keisuke Kuwata, have produced countless classics, but this time I’d like to introduce “Itoshi no Ellie.” It’s the band’s third single, depicting a man’s straightforward love.
If you sing it with an awareness of Kuwata’s distinctive vocal style and tone, the vibe really deepens.
By the way, swapping the name in the title for someone familiar to you is also a karaoke staple.
Give it a try when you want to get a laugh.
DON’T TRY SO HARDWANDS
A song by WANDS, a three-piece rock band that ranked among the top of the Being label artists who dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s.
Featured on their fourth album, “PIECE OF MY SOUL,” it takes a rock ballad approach that stands apart from their earlier pop-leaning sound—very cool.
The depth of the ensemble born from its dark atmosphere makes it perfect for those who want a karaoke pick that stands out from the crowd.
It’s a challenging song to sing, but its unique worldview is the charm of this sophisticated, moody number.
From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: Cool songs to master (81–90)
Shibuya Loner’s Kayōkyokuokayu
A powerful track that brilliantly portrays the bustle and loneliness of the big city.
The lyrics, sprinkled with Shibuya landmarks, are striking, and the languid mood balances perfectly with the energetic melody.
Released in May 2024, this is Okayu’s sixth single, also commemorating the fifth anniversary of her major-label debut.
Its high profile is evident, having been selected as Bunka Hoso’s Plus Tune for the fifth week of April.
Reflecting her experiences from her “gal” days spent in Shibuya, this song is perfect for those who long for urban romance or find themselves in a slightly wistful mood.
ReminiscenceSutādasuto☆Rebyū
This is the 23rd single by Stardust Revue, a four-piece rock band that has been energetically active since their major debut in 1981, steadily releasing new music.
The intro features a piano-driven, dreamy arrangement, and the clear, transparent vocals are so pleasing to the ear.
With its beautiful melody and ensemble, it captivates listeners even in karaoke.
The lyrical, rich choral work is moving as well—if you can pull it off, it’s a timeless classic in the cool, mature J-pop scene.
SomedayYazawa Eikichi
This is the 37th single by the legendary rock singer Eikichi Yazawa—affectionately known as Eikichi-chan—who has remained at the forefront of the J-POP scene since his 1972 debut.
The song was used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Ari yo Saraba,” in which Yazawa himself starred, and its acoustic sound featuring his soulful vocals is truly pleasing.
Despite its laid-back arrangement, the melody is powerful, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
If possible, try to be mindful of your delivery when singing—it’s a number that lets you project a cool, rugged vibe.
HEAVENFukuyama Masaharu
It was released in 1999 as Masaharu Fukuyama’s 14th single.
The song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “OUT: The Crimes of Wives,” and its lyrics express the fleeting feeling of living in this era and human desire, reflecting the themes of the drama as well.
With a Latin-tinged sound, it’s a cool track that conveys the sexy allure of a man.