[2026] Recommended Japanese karaoke songs for men in their 50s

ChampionArisu

Alice Champion

Alice’s 14th single, released on December 5, 1978.

At the time, Alice was riding high, and this song became their biggest hit.

As of 2021, many people in their 50s might remember holding a broom like a guitar during school cleanup time or at class parties and singing this song—perhaps you’re one of them? In fact, so am I.

The chorus parts aren’t that hard to sing, so it’s also fun at karaoke to split the parts—one as Tanimura, one as Horiuchi—and sing it like a duet!

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Kei Takahata

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MasqueradeShonentai

When people in their 50s think of a Johnny’s idol group, many would instantly name Shonentai.

Dominating the scene in the 1980s, the three members now each thrive in TV dramas, films, and stage productions.

Their signature song, of course, is their debut track Kamen Butokai (Masked Ball), which topped the Oricon charts.

Composed by the Shōwa-era master Kyōhei Tsutsumi, its lyrics were written by Tetsuya Chiaki—an assignment realized at the request of Kazukiyo Nishikiori, a big fan of Eikichi Yazawa, for whom Chiaki penned many songs.

Frequently covered by their Johnny’s juniors, the song has reached younger generations and can rightly be called a classic of Shōwa-era pop.

It’s a staple hit at karaoke gatherings of people in their 50s, and performing it in front of younger colleagues might just get the crowd going!

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KOH-1

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Seventeen-Year-Old’s MapOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki Seventeen’s Map Yokohama Arena

Yutaka Ozaki’s son, Hiroya Ozaki, has been showing energetic activity in music.

If you listen to his singing voice alone, you might mistake it for Yutaka Ozaki himself—it’s that similar! I hope he continues to fully demonstrate the talent he inherited from his father.

Speaking of Yutaka Ozaki, there’s the divine track “Seventeen’s Map.” I think many people still say, “I still listen to it.” Lyrics like “Struggling and suffering with the uncontainable energy of youth—that too is because of youth” really strike a chord with young people back then and even now.

The B-side of this single is the classic “OH MY LITTLE GIRL.” This makes me want to listen to a bunch of his songs—maybe it’s time to pull out some old records for the first time in a while.

Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

If you’re looking for a song to get everyone hyped together, “Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi” is a great pick.

It’s a track released in 2002 by enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa.

Although it’s relatively recent, it was a huge hit, so most people have probably heard it.

The song’s biggest draw is the chorus, where everyone can join in with call-and-response and clapping.

I’d love for you to try it together with a group.

It also sounds fun to listen to it alongside other versions of Zundoko-bushi.

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yamamoto

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DAYBREAKotoko

DAYBREAK Otokogumi 1988

When it comes to male idol groups from the 1980s, many people probably think of Otokogumi.

Debuting from Johnny & Associates in 1988, their signature songs are known for their strong rock flavor and rich emotionality.

Their debut single was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Otokodaro!!” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts, becoming a massive hit that stayed on the rankings for 30 weeks.

In karaoke, this song—sung with a powerful yet delicate voice, telling a story of overcoming loneliness and hardship to find love and hope—is guaranteed to liven up company parties and school reunions.

MarionetteBOØWY

Marionette

A smash hit by BOØWY—an act too big to be summed up as just a rock band.

If you’ve ever been in a band, chances are you covered this song at least once.

And if you play guitar, you’ve definitely tried that iconic intro! Believe it or not, this song was performed at every single BOØWY concert until their breakup.

Back in the day, there weren’t many live videos or DVDs, and of course no internet, so live shows had this sacred, once-in-a-lifetime aura.

Folks in their 50s will probably agree.

It’s still a heart-pounding rock tune today, covered by artists like Akatsuki and Yoshihiro Kai!

Forbidden Rouge MagicImagawa Kiyoshiro + Sakamoto Ryuichi

Forbidden Rouge Magic / Kiyoshiro Imawano + Ryuichi Sakamoto [))STEREO((]

It’s a bold song that shocked society in the 1980s.

Created as Shiseido’s spring campaign song, it was born from a collaboration between Kiyoshiro Imawano and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Released on February 14, 1982, its promotional video caused a stir with flashy scenes of the two racing through the city at night and scattering bundles of cash.

During a TV performance, the moment when Imawano kissed Sakamoto created a major sensation.

The lyrics, which celebrate the importance of living freely without worrying about others’ eyes, still resonate with many people today.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to instantly liven up the room.