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 to master (1–10)
No more tears are neededSuzuki Masayuki
Sex appeal and cool sophistication are closely related.
That’s why I recommend “Mou Namida wa Iranai” (“No More Tears”).
It’s a hit by Masayuki Suzuki that became a nationwide sensation in the 1990s.
The biggest draw of this song is its expansive vocal line.
The smooth vocal parts, firmly rooted in Black music, exude an adult allure.
While the melody itself isn’t particularly difficult, the singer’s vocal timbre is crucial.
If you can pull it off, you’ll definitely leave a strong impression of refined coolness.
single bedSha ran Q
Released in October 1994, this is Sharam Q’s sixth single.
This piece is a heartfelt song that captures the pain and regret of a broken heart.
Its simple arrangement pairs perfectly with the moving lyrics, resonating with many listeners.
It was also used as an insert song in the film “Confession of Murder: 22 Years Later,” and continues to be loved across generations.
For karaoke, it’s recommended to sing it in a plain, unaffected style like Tsunku, bringing out the song’s lyrical world.
With few high notes or tricky phrases, it’s an easy and enjoyable pick even for those not confident in their vocal skills—why not add it to your repertoire?
Server Downmurasaki ima
Shiin, a female singer-songwriter who’s won fans with her sophisticated musicality, rose to nationwide fame with “Femme Fatale A.” Since it went viral, many of you have probably heard her songs on TikTok or Instagram.
Among her works, the one I especially recommend is “Server Down.” It’s a challenging, R&B-centered track, but the sultry allure of the A melody is incredible—definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.
From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: Cool songs to master singing (11–20)
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
This is the second single by singer Yasushi Nakanishi, who was scouted and made his major debut after someone happened to see his Stevie Wonder impression.
The song was used as the theme for the variety show “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and is a poignant ballad that conveys a message to an unforgettable lover.
Its wistful melody mirrors a man’s delicate emotions, making it easy to imagine the scenes as you sing it at karaoke.
With its beautiful melody that shakes the listener’s heart, it’s an immortal masterpiece—cool and impressive if you can truly make it your own.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
Released in 1997 as Elephant Kashimashi’s 15th single.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” became the band’s first entry into the Oricon Top 10, and turned into their biggest hit.
Thanks to this song’s success, Elephant Kashimashi gained nationwide recognition.
It is a beloved classic with many fans, even among fellow artists.
HyperNova (m-flo loves Maya)maya
Maya is a young artist who’s been drawing attention from Japanese R&B enthusiasts lately.
Her collaboration with m-flo on “HyperNova feat.
Maya” quickly put her in the spotlight.
Maya’s biggest charm, above all, is her powerful vocal ability.
She’s a singer who has mastered the kind of authentic vocal improvisation—rarely heard in Japanese pop—known as the “fake” technique, and this work showcases her skills throughout.
If you can sing it well, you’re sure to earn praise as ‘cool’ from R&B aficionados.
Wine Red Heartanzenchitai
It was Anzen Chitai’s fourth single, released in November 1983.
The song blends the flavors of Showa-era kayōkyoku and New Music in a beautifully balanced way.
That kayōkyoku touch is likely what led to its big hit status.
As for the singing, Koji Tamaki’s vocals are captivating with their distinctive vibrato, but if your goal is to “master” this song for karaoke, be careful not to imitate that style.
If you’re going for laughs, an over-the-top impersonation can work, but when you want to truly move your audience, it’s important to fully understand the song and perform it using your own expression.
