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 kayō to pop: Cool songs to master (41–50)
I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi
This song fully brings out the coolness of a straight-ahead band sound.
The guitar, the organ, the chord progression—everything is straightforward.
That’s exactly why the skillful musicianship that makes it all sing really stands out.
Kazuyoshi Saito’s vocals have a rough, gritty texture that matches beautifully with the guitar’s distorted grit.
Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo
Sadness Is Like Snow is a classic by Shogo Hamada, released in 1981.
He wrote the song after his mother suffered a stroke, and its lyrics carry the message that it’s precisely when we face sorrow that we can become gentle.
Although the song gained popularity in the early ’90s, the version most people know is the 1992 remake used as a TV drama theme.
The original version has a cool, understated vibe too, so why not give it a try and sing it?
Tsubasaandāgurafu
This song was released in 2005.
It’s Under Graph’s debut track.
A straightforward band sound is layered with vocals that, in a good way, lack bravado.
The cool, matter-of-fact way it sings about meetings and partings is captivating.
Precisely because it isn’t overly emotional, the lyrics feel more real.
ON THE ROADTakehara Pisutoru
A man admired by men: Pistol Takehara.
With just a guitar, the way he sings so passionately is incredibly powerful and cool.
I can’t help but think how amazing it would feel to belt out his songs like that.
Even without a deep voice like his, if you sing with feeling, I’m sure you can deliver a great song!
Ti AmoEXILE
It’s a song included on EXILE’s 28th single, “The Birthday 〜Ti Amo〜,” released in 2008.
Chosen as the CM song for Meiji’s “Meltykiss,” it became a major hit.
It won the Grand Prize for the first time at both the 50th Japan Record Awards and the 41st Japan Cable Radio Awards.
It’s a track that exudes masculine allure.
MPurinsesu Purinsesu
For those looking for songs that showcase vocal power and high notes, M is highly recommended.
It’s a track by Princess Princess, a five-member all-female rock band.
The song vividly and emotionally portrays the sorrow of a woman after a breakup.
Incidentally, it’s been covered by many male artists, so checking out those versions can be helpful.
Some covers are sung softly, while others focus on lower registers.
Also, if you’re listening for the first time, I hope you’ll start by paying close attention to the lyrics.
Together forever…GLAY
Released in 1995 as GLAY’s fifth single.
It’s a re-cut single from their first album, SPEED POP, and the song was written by TAKURO for TERU’s sister who was getting married.
Although it’s one of GLAY’s early ballads, it has become a popular wedding staple, especially as a song men sing to women.