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)
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
This is the first solo single by singer-songwriter Eigo Kawashima, whose songs, capturing the unique melancholy and inner emotions of men, have been loved across generations.
Used in a commercial for the sake brand Kizakura, the song begins with a heartrending piano melody that truly stirs the soul.
If you can pull it off at karaoke, many listeners will likely be captivated by its cool, mature vibe.
It’s also a great choice for younger people to sing at karaoke with their bosses or seniors, and it’s widely known as one of Kawashima’s signature numbers.
Hold my soulHimuro Kyosuke
It was released in 1995 as Kyosuke Himuro’s 11th single.
It was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Kaze no Keiji: Tokyo-hatsu!” and in a commercial for Pioneer’s Carrozzeria, and it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It is one of Kyosuke Himuro’s most popular and representative songs.
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.
brandy glassIshihara Yūjirō
This is a song released by Yūjirō Ishihara in 1977 that gained nationwide attention after being used in the TV Asahi drama “Seibu Keisatsu.” It was reissued two and a half years later, on November 25, 1979.
On the Oricon charts, it reached a peak position of 11th and became a long-running hit.