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 Kayō to Pop: Cool Songs to Master (91–100)
Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki
As another song that blends a cool, subdued vibe with tenderness, I recommend “Kowarekake no Radio” as well.
It’s a track released by Hideaki Tokunaga in 1990.
The chorus line that features the title phrase is extremely famous, isn’t it? You might already know it, but the lyrics portray the struggles of growing up.
Try singing it while reminiscing about your youth.
The trick is to slightly raise the intonation at the end of each phrase.
Listen closely and try to imitate it.
Limit LoversSHOW-YA
As a pioneering all-female metal band that remains highly active today, Show-Ya released this as their eighth single.
Used in a commercial for Showa Shell Sekiyu, the song’s aggressive metal sound made a major impact on the J-pop scene at the time.
Its fast-paced arrangement feels great to sing and is perfect for blowing off stress.
It’s a timeless classic in the history of girl bands that’s sure to get any crowd fired up at karaoke, no matter the generation.
Is it okay if I cry?yashiki takajin
Takajin Yashiki, a singer who gained great popularity in Osaka.
Anyone from Kansai probably knows him.
While he’s famous as a singer skilled at expressing women’s feelings, he actually released songs that convey men’s emotions as well.
One of them is “Naite mo Ii ka” (“Is It Okay If I Cry?”).
It candidly portrays male vulnerability, yet within that weakness you catch glimpses of a cool, mature edge.
The melody is also crafted to be both sweet and richly seasoned, so I encourage you to give it a try.
It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki
Singer-songwriter Masaki Ueda is well known for his signature song “Kanashii Iro Yane – OSAKA BAY BLUES.” Initially, it seems only the latter subtitle was used, but the current title was adopted to better convey the song’s message.
The lyrics depict a sad romance set in Osaka.
Blending words that will resonate with anyone familiar with the city, it portrays a woman’s feelings in Kansai dialect.
Overall, though, it leaves a cool, mature impression.
The vocal style has a soulful vibe, so try singing it with strength and power.
hairy chestSaijō Hideki
This is the 44th single by Hideki Saijo, a top idol singer who dominated the 1970s as one of the “New Big Three.” Written and produced by singer-songwriter Yoshinori Monta, the song features a catchy melody over a funky ensemble and is recognized across generations.
Its arrangement makes it easy to add call-and-response shouts, so it’s perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.
With its brisk, ever-changing structure, it’s a cool, quintessential Showa-era classic.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
Known by his nickname “Julie,” singer Kenji Sawada’s 19th single thrilled fans with his sexy vocals and looks.
With its catchy melody and rock-influenced arrangement, the song became a major hit, and it drew attention again in 2003 when B’z guitarist Tak Matsumoto included a cover on his album, featuring vocals by B’z singer Koshi Inaba.
The lyrics, depicting a man’s feelings toward his lover, evoke a complicated mix of bold decisiveness and lingering vulnerability—an emotion that’s hard to neatly resolve.
Beloved by a wide range of listeners, it’s the kind of number that’s guaranteed to hype up any karaoke setting.
Mary Janetsunoda☆hiro
This is one of Hiro Tsunoda’s signature songs, depicting someone looking back on and mourning an unforgettable beloved.
The gentle, soulful sound strongly underscores the song’s lyrical worldview and the power of the vocals.
Since the title “Mary Jane” is sung powerfully right at the beginning, how compellingly you deliver that part is a crucial point for drawing listeners in.
Sing while vividly envisioning that unforgettable love, and cherish the mood and airy floating feel of the sound.
