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

A woman born in OsakaBORO

BORO 'A Woman Born in Osaka' 1979

When it comes to local songs from Osaka, this track is almost always mentioned.

Singer-songwriter BORO’s signature song “A Woman Born in Osaka” was released as a single in 1979, and the original version has a whopping 18 verses, making it a major work with a total running time of 34 minutes.

As the title suggests, it’s a sad love song told from the perspective of a woman from Osaka: her views on love and the kind of man she likes, her move to Tokyo, and how she ultimately returns to the city where she was born—Osaka.

If you have a husky voice like BORO, how about giving it a try?

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utatane

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River of Ten Thousand MilesCHAGE and ASKA

[LIVE] The River of Ten Thousand Miles / CHAGE and ASKA / THE Summer Festival Osaka Castle LIVE

CHAGE and ASKA’s songs are popular with both men and women.

Their track “Banri no Kawa” was released as a single in 1980 and has an oriental vibe.

Back then, the group was still called Chage & Asuka, right? While Chage and Aska’s songs are also popular karaoke picks for people in their 50s, doesn’t this song feel distinctly masculine? It’s a love song that expresses a man’s heart, comparing the flow of a river to feelings that can’t reach their destination.

It hits harder than a gentle love ballad—one of those songs that really grabs you.

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utatane

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MoonlightKuwana Masahiro

Masahiro Kuwana - Moonlight

This is a song by Masahiro Kuwana, who sadly passed away and is still missed.

People tend to focus on his wild, unconventional lifestyle, but he also sang beautiful ballads like this one.

It may not be among the most popular choices for karaoke, but for those who know it, it’s a deeply moving, mature song.

Give it a try and sing it.

Let’s get married.yoshida takurou

Let's get married.

It’s a famous song released by Takuro Yoshida in 1972, and it also stands out for depicting the social backdrop of the time, like long hair.

It became a huge hit, selling over 400,000 copies.

Yoshida himself later held his wedding at a church in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.

It’s quite a fun song to sing while reminiscing about when you proposed, isn’t it?

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) – LIVE CORE Complete Edition: Yutaka Ozaki in Tokyo Dome, 1988-09-12

It was released in 1985 as Yutaka Ozaki’s fourth single.

Issued as a lead single from the album “Kaikisen” (Tropic of Return), the song was both criticized for having some lyrics considered provocative—which contributed to a “delinquent” image—and embraced by young listeners.

It’s a classic that brings back memories of troubled youth and is one you can sing along to.

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

It may feel a bit less hyped these days, but it’s a song that has been loved for years as a graduation anthem.

Is there anyone who doesn’t know it? It’s perfect for celebrations like passing an exam, graduation, starting a job, or retirement.

The karaoke tip is to sing as if you’re breaking the words into phrases.

It gives a heartfelt vibe and makes you sound better.

It’s a cliché, but timing a toast to match the lyrics is a surefire way to get the crowd going.

Under the Big Onion ~ Distant Feelingsbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump: Under the Big Onion at Budokan

It was released in 1989 as Bakufu Slump’s 15th single.

The song title “Tamanegi” (Onion) refers to the giboshi ornament on the roof of the Nippon Budokan, and it’s a bittersweet love song.

It was used in a Cosmo Oil TV commercial and as the theme song for the Shochiku film “Battle Heater,” and it was also performed at the 40th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.