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)
North Wind ~May It Reach You~Makihara Noriyuki
It was released in 1992 as Noriyuki Makihara’s sixth single.
The song is a reworked version of “Kitakaze,” which originally appeared as the B-side to his second single, “ANSWER,” with Makihara himself adding new arrangements for its release as the sixth single.
Both the lyrics and composition were done by Makihara.
The song evokes a wintry scene with a cold north wind, and it’s a wonderful piece when sung well.
From Showa-era Kayōkyoku to Pop: Cool Songs to Master (51–60)
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Even among generations who don’t know Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi very well, many have surely heard the title.
“Kanpai,” a classic at his live shows, is a masterpiece.
Written for a hometown friend’s wedding, the song’s warm yet overwhelmingly soulful vocals by Nagabuchi resonate deeply.
I think it sounds especially cool and refined when sung gently by an adult man.
As you savor this timeless song, you’ll feel like singing it while reflecting on your own life, too.
Cheers!
SubaruTanimura Shinji
Shinji Tanimura’s classic song “Subaru.” Not only is it beloved in Japan, it’s also popular across Asia, especially in China.
When it was first released in 1980, its positions on the Oricon charts weren’t particularly high.
However, after being featured in a commercial for “Super Nikka,” it steadily climbed the rankings and ultimately sold over 600,000 records.
If you sing this song at gatherings with an older crowd, it’s sure to be a hit.
I knew it—I love you.yashiki takajin
Takajin Yashiki, who brought numerous classic songs into the world.
The first time this Tokyo-born artist tried writing lyrics in Kansai dialect was with “Yappa Sukiyanen.” Written from a woman’s perspective, it portrays the inability to completely hate an ex-lover after a breakup.
It’s a ballad with distinctive chorus parts, and if sung out, it can create a romantic atmosphere.
Interestingly, there are parts where the way the lyrics are sung differs from how they would be pronounced if read as-is; this is said to be closer to actual Kansai dialect pronunciation.
It’s nothing good.Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, whose songs about burning manly passion are supported by men of his generation.
His track “Rokuna Mon Ja Nee,” released in 1987, became a major hit as the theme song for the drama Oyako Zigzag, in which Nagabuchi himself starred.
It’s a well-known song that many people have heard, not only those who remember the era but also thanks to its huge success.
It creates a rugged, cool vibe yet also gets everyone fired up as a karaoke song—by the chorus it turns into a big sing-along.
It’s a number I highly recommend to anyone who’s been feeling stressed out lately.
ParadiseHirai Ken
It was released in 2000 as Ken Hirai’s eighth single.
This song became the catalyst for his big breakthrough, but it was the first single for which Hirai himself neither wrote the lyrics nor composed the music.
His sexy, sultry vocals combined with the mature lyrics make for a very cool, sophisticated track.
The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira
Akira Fuse’s classic song “The Scent of Cyclamen.” Following “You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose,” it’s another hit by Fuse.
These days, because Gen Hoshino covered “You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose,” many people think that’s his biggest hit, but “The Scent of Cyclamen” is actually Fuse’s only million-seller.
It’s crafted with a strong folk vibe and a wistful melody.
Sing it at karaoke and you’ll give off a cool, mature vibe!