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 that sound suave when you can really sing them (71–80)
Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi
Eikichi Yazawa, a driving force in Japan’s rock scene.
Many people admire not only his songs but also his character and way of life.
One track I’d like to highlight is Jikan yo Tomare (“Time, Stand Still”), which sings about a no-nonsense view of love.
It portrays a man thinking of the one he loves.
The lyrics are romantic yet distinctly masculine.
If you try it at karaoke, take your time and sing with feeling.
Since much of the song sits in the lower register, it’s a good pick even if high notes aren’t your strength.
Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi
Kuwata Masashi’s classic song “Kampaku Sengen” (The Patriarch’s Declaration) centers on a domineering, head-of-the-household man on the verge of marriage.
Because Masashi Sada himself wrote both the lyrics and music, some people have mistaken him for being that kind of authoritarian husband, but in reality, he was motivated by seeing a society with more and more timid men and chose to portray a strong-willed male figure on purpose.
Although the song initially faced strong backlash from women when it was released, it has since become one of Sada’s signature tracks.
It’s a song brimming with rugged charm—be sure to give it a listen!
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.
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.
As time goes bysawada kenji
It was released in 1975 as Kenji Sawada’s 14th single.
Used as an insert song for the TV drama “Akuma no Yona Aitsu,” in which Sawada himself starred, it became a major hit.
With lyrics by Yū Aku, it is one of Kenji Sawada’s signature songs and has been covered by many artists, regardless of gender.