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Recommended for women: Start your karaoke session with these! A roundup of popular Japanese songs

When you get to karaoke, it’s hard to decide what to sing for the very first song, isn’t it?

Should you kick things off with something upbeat, start slow and ease into it, or just go with one of your personal favorites…?

For women who have this dilemma, here are some great recommendations for the first song at karaoke!

We’ve gathered a variety of hit tunes—from tracks that will get the energy soaring right from the start to songs that gently warm up the vibe.

Use this as a guide when you head to karaoke with friends, a partner, or family!

Nail that opening number and make it a super fun karaoke time!

[Recommended for Women] This Is the Perfect First Song for Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Japanese Songs (71–80)

First Love Killernozomi

Noashi (noa) – First Love Killer [Official Music Video]
First Love Killernozomi

Singer-songwriter Noashi, who has gained popularity with her offbeat melodies and lyrics that resonate strongly with women.

She’s known for her genreless musical style, releasing songs with a different vibe from her previous work each time.

Speaking of her signature tracks, wouldn’t it be “Hatsukoi Killer” (First Love Killer)? While the song carries a slightly retro, Showa-era feel, its fresh production keeps it from sounding outdated.

The vocals incorporate some rap, and because the range is very narrow, it’s exceptionally easy to sing.

It also goes over well at karaoke, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

vip?Nisshoku Natsuko

Nisshoku Natsuko – ‘vip?’ Official Music Video
vip?Nisshoku Natsuko

Nisshoku Natsuko is known as a singer-songwriter who accompanies herself on piano.

Her appeal lies in a worldview that, while grounded in lyrics that feel like slices of everyday life, also carries a touch of Ghibli-like fantasy in its melodies.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is “vip?”.

It’s a very languid piece with a fairly narrow vocal range; although there are many long tones in the vocal line, the pitch movement itself is gently contoured.

It’s basically an easy song, but the voltage rises a bit in the C section, so be sure to carefully determine the appropriate key.

I want to be lovedYumcha

Singer-songwriter Yumcha, whose lyrics about the hearts of women have made her popular among women in their teens and twenties.

Because she has many pop songs, many people mistakenly assume there are lots of high-pitched parts.

That’s why we recommend this track, “Aisaretai.” Compared to her other songs, this one has a relatively narrow vocal range, centered in the mid-to-high register.

As long as you choose an appropriate key, you shouldn’t have any concerns about vocal production.

In addition, the vocal line rises and falls much more gently than in typical pop songs, making it easy to sing in that respect as well.

Recommended for Women: Sing These First! A Roundup of Popular Japanese Songs for Karaoke (81–90)

escalateAimer

Aimer “escalate” MUSIC VIDEO & CROSSFADE (Anime “NieR:Automata Ver1.1a” Opening Theme)
escalateAimer

Aimer is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 2011.

She’s also known for contributing many theme songs for films, TV dramas, and anime.

In particular, Zankyo Sanka, the opening theme for Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc, topped numerous music charts.

One of her charms is how dramatically her style changes from song to song—sometimes delivering intense tracks, other times tender ballads.

Be sure to listen to several of her songs and enjoy the contrast.

HeroYOASOBI

YOASOBI “The Brave” Official Music Video / TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” opening theme
HeroYOASOBI

It’s the 20th digital single by the music duo YOASOBI, released in September 2023.

The song is used as the opening theme for the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

It’s an up-tempo track built on a vocal melody that moves intensely and intricately up and down, and I feel it requires quite a high level of vocal ability and expressive control to sing well.

A precise sense of rhythm is also very important.

In addition to smooth and appropriate register transitions, the way you cut off notes and sustain them in each phrase is crucial.

I recommend writing out the lyrics, carefully marking where to cut notes and so on, and studying in advance before singing.

Joyfulikimonogakari

Joyful / Ikimonogakari (Cover)
Joyfulikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari is a three-member rock band.

Their song Joyful, included on the 2009 single YELL/Joyful, became a huge hit as the theme for a Pocky commercial.

With a bright, dance-inducing vibe, it’s perfect for cranking up the energy at karaoke.

In the chorus, it feels even more exhilarating if one person takes the harmony part and you sing it as a duo.

And when you go with a big group of friends or coworkers, belting out the entire chorus together—rather than harmonizing—can be a great way to blow off steam!

Solo HeavenNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Heaven for Singles”
Solo HeavenNogizaka 46

Let me introduce “Ohitorisama Tengoku,” a song that might free you from your romantic worries just by listening to it.

It’s a track released by the idol group Nogizaka46.

The song portrays a woman who’s liberated from romance and enjoying a free, independent life.

With lively, upbeat choruses, it has an overall cheerful vibe.

It’s packed with catchy phrases that make you want to sing along.

In fact, there are many interpretations and analyses of the song, so looking into those can be fun as well.