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 Kayō to Pop: Cool Songs to Master (91–100)
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.
Don’t go.Tamaki Kōji
A singer-songwriter who seems like a bundle of musical sensibilities—with overwhelming vocal prowess praised even by professional musicians as “the best singer in Japan,” countless hit songs, and multi-instrumental talent—Koji Tamaki’s fifth single.
The track was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s 30th anniversary drama “Goodbye, Ri Kouran,” and it’s a number he often performs live.
Featuring piano and strings while carrying a subtly oriental atmosphere, the arrangement draws listeners deeply into its world.
With its dreamlike melody that’s sure to turn heads at karaoke, this is a refined track I’d recommend to anyone looking for something cool and understated.
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.
triggerSera Masanori
This is the third single by the rock band Masanori Sera & Twist, formed around Masanori Sera, which helped make the then-still-uncommon genre of rock popular in the J-POP scene.
The arrangement, featuring gritty vocals and a Hammond organ sound, has a cool vibe that truly evokes Western rock.
With its blend of wistful atmosphere and aggressive energy, it’s guaranteed to hype up any karaoke session.
It’s a timeless classic that lets not only those who lived through its era but also younger singers project a cool, mature edge.
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.
