Easy-to-sing Japanese karaoke songs recommended for women in their 50s
Some women in their 50s may have drifted away from listening to or singing music because they’re so busy with everyday life.
Even when they occasionally go to karaoke with friends, they often struggle to choose songs.
There are probably quite a few people who feel that way.
This time, we’ve put together a selection of songs for women in their 50s—nostalgic and, we hope, easy to sing.
We hope this article will inspire you to rediscover the joy of singing.
Karaoke-friendly Japanese songs recommended for women in their 50s (1–10)
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda is a top idol who needs no introduction and was emblematic of the 1980s.
Her clear, sweet voice captivated many fans.
Among her many famous songs, the one I recommend for karaoke is “Red Sweet Pea.” It’s widely known across generations, from younger listeners to older ones.
The chorus is a bit high, but since the song starts in a relatively low register, you can ease into it at a relaxed pace.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
Isn’t this one of the easiest songs to sing among young female idol groups? It’s not that up-tempo, so even people who don’t know AKB48 will listen attentively.
No matter who you’re with at karaoke, it leaves a good impression.
You can sing it with confidence—give it a try!
Poem of a Sunlit SpotLe Couple
Le Couple’s signature song is “Hidamari no Uta.” It was used as an insert song in the TV drama “Under One Roof 2.” Its gentle melody and clear, expansive vocals are striking.
Though simple, it resonates deeply and continues to be loved not only by women in their 50s but by people across generations.
“Le Couple” is said to mean “husband and wife” in French.
Sign of LovePUFFY
Many of PUFFY’s upbeat songs are actually quite easy to sing.
Among them, “Ai no Shirushi” is especially recommended because the melody is simple and straightforward.
Since the melody doesn’t move much, it’s a song that people without a wide vocal range can sing with confidence.
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
If there are a lot of younger members, such as at workplace karaoke, how about AKB48’s “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie”? It’s a popular song that often ranks high on karaoke charts.
The key is a bit high, but it’s mid-tempo, easy to sing, and really gets the crowd going.
Lingering Snowiruka
The bittersweet early-spring folk song “Nagori-Yuki.” Iruka’s “Nagori-Yuki” is a classic that left a deep mark on the Japanese music scene.
Originally written and composed by Shozo Ise of Kaguyahime, the song gained new charm through Iruka’s vocals.
It’s a nostalgic tune for women in their 50s and is set in a key that’s easy for women to sing.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
Released in 1987, “Yume wo Akiramenaide” is a solo single by Takako Okamura, who debuted as part of the duo Amin.
The phrase “don’t give up” has led to its image as an encouraging anthem, but there’s also talk that it was originally written as a heartbreak song.
Sentimental JourneyMatsumoto Iyo
Despite being her debut single, this masterpiece became Iyo Matsumoto’s signature song.
While it’s known as a track that sings of a 16-year-old girl’s pure first love, it actually also contains a critique of mass-consumption society.
With its relaxed tempo and easy-to-sing melody, it’s perfect for women in their 50s as well.
Released in October 1981, it was the song that cemented Iyo Matsumoto’s popularity.
It’s an ideal choice when you want to liven up a karaoke session.
Although it may seem like a high-pitched song, its narrow vocal range makes it a good fit for women with lower voices, too.
Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko
This was Kyoko Koizumi’s 20th single overall, released in November 1986.
It was also used as the theme song for the film “Don’t Lay a Hand on My Girl,” in which Koizumi starred for the second time.
The lyrics and composition were by Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE.
While Takamizawa is often associated with a high-tone vocal image, perhaps because this was a song provided for Koizumi, the vocal range used in the melody is kept very singable, and the melody itself is easy to remember and hum, so even those who aren’t confident singers should find it comfortable to perform.
That said, precisely because the vocal range is narrow, singing it too flatly can make it dull.
Please be mindful to create clear contrasts in your delivery—for example, by singing the pre-chorus (B section) with a bit more strength.
Even when I become an old ladyMoritaka Chisato
This was Chisato Moritaka’s 16th single overall, released on June 25, 1992.
It was also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Matta Nashi!” As you’d expect from Moritaka, whose album “Hijitsuryokuha Sengen” caused quite a stir, this song has a very laid-back feel and is extremely easy to sing.
It was a big hit when it came out, so as of 2022, I imagine many women in their 50s fondly remember singing it at karaoke back then.
Being in your 50s is widely considered “middle-aged,” but I actually think it’s great fun to sing this song precisely after you’ve reached that stage.
Don’t overthink it—just enjoy yourself.