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 to Master (31–40)
cherry blossomKawaguchi Kyogo
Kyogo Kawaguchi’s ‘Sakura’ is a wonderfully soothing spring song featuring his stunningly beautiful vocals.
While there are many songs about cherry blossoms, this track stands out with its overwhelming sense of atmosphere and a voice that carries a touch of melancholy.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing every time spring arrives, and it’ll likely be a strong addition to your karaoke repertoire this season.
After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke
It was released in 1994 as Keisuke Kuwata’s fifth single.
The song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Shizukanaru Don,” marking the first time one of Kuwata’s solo songs was chosen as a TV drama theme.
With lyrics told from the perspective of a timid, unremarkable man—a viewpoint not often seen in his solo work—it has become a classic beloved by male listeners.
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
It was released in 1965 as Yuzo Kayama’s fifth single.
The song was used as the theme for the film The Young Graduate of the Electric Guitar, starring Kayama, and became a massive hit, selling over three million copies.
Covered by many artists, it is one of Yuzo Kayama’s signature songs, known for its striking lyrics that sing of straightforward love.
Last sceneHotei Tomoyasu
It was released in 1996 as Tomoyasu Hotei’s 11th single.
Issued as the lead single for King & Queen, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Contrary to Hotei’s striking appearance, it’s a gentle, warm ballad and is highly regarded as a classic adult ballad.
Morning silhouetteHamada Shogo
A song by singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada, who made his major debut as the drummer of the rock band Aido and, even after going solo, is known for his extremely limited media exposure.
Included as the B-side to his 7th single “Kaze o Kanjite” (“Feel the Wind”), the track’s bluesy yet somehow refreshing arrangement evokes the image suggested by its title.
The rich chorus in the hook makes it a pleasure to sing at karaoke.
With lyrical lyrics and a soulful melody, it’s a tasteful number you’ll want to deliver with cool, understated finesse.
