Recommended for women in their 50s! A curated selection of classic and popular karaoke hits that will get the crowd going

See, spring has come.ushirogami hikaretai

See, spring has come.

This heartwarming song by Ushirogami Hikaretai refreshingly captures the springtime uplift and the anticipation of new beginnings.

Yasushi Akimoto’s skillful choice of words and Tsugutoshi Goto’s catchy melody blend beautifully to create a light, springlike atmosphere.

Released in February 1988, it reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts and was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuide ni Tonchinkan,” earning support from anime fans as well.

Also included on the album “BAB,” the bright vocals of Shizuka Kudo, Akiko Ikuina, and Makiko Saito further enhance its charm.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to savor nostalgic memories while feeling the start of a new season.

southpawpinku redii

southpaw

There was a segment on a TV show with the idea that “women in their fifties remember the choreography to Pink Lady’s songs.” When they went out into the streets to investigate, they found that women around that age could all sing and dance to Pink Lady—strange, isn’t it? I bet some people even consider Southpaw their signature number! This song, which stylishly spins a mostly impossible scenario—“a left-handed female pitcher facing off seriously against a male batter”—also proved that Pink Lady wasn’t just about being cute.

And of course, when you sing it, make sure to do the choreography too!

Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako

Minako Honda – Marilyn in 1986

There’s no point in talking about what-ifs, but if Minako Honda were still with us today, she would surely be thrilling us as one of Japan’s leading divas and as one of the country’s top musical theater stars.

“Marilyn in 1986,” with its flamboyant costumes and seductive choreography, also became a hot topic and is a song I recommend to anyone feeling down.

Centered on a woman who “transforms like a butterfly in the night city,” the captivating lyrics were penned by the genius Yasushi Akimoto.

The chorus is one you’ll want to belt out with all your might!

Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi

Ayumi Nakamura – Broken-Winged Angel

When asked “Which female singer comes to mind with a husky voice?”, who do you think of? Rock fans might mention Yuki Katsuragi’s powerful vocals, while younger people might pick AiNA THE END from BiSH.

If you’re in your 50s, Ayumi Nakamura probably pops into your head first.

I still remember the shock of hearing Broken Wings for the first time.

I felt that the “bittersweetness and helplessness of youth” expressed in the lyrics could only be conveyed with that husky voice.

I’m sure some of you even danced to it at school sports days or festivals.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing along to, together with those memories.

Refrain of SoulsTakahashi Yoko

Refrain of Souls

This was Yoko Takahashi’s 14th single overall, released in February 1997.

It was used as the theme song (ending title roll) for the anime film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth.

Incidentally, the title “L’illusion” is the French reading of “refrain.” This is another classic of Heisei-era J‑Pop.

The song itself is up-tempo and very easy to get into, and since the vocal melody doesn’t span a very wide range, it might be fun at karaoke to have everyone there join in a big sing-along.

It’s a track that lets you purely enjoy “using your voice” and “singing.”

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Kei Takahata

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