[2026 Edition] A Collection of Japanese Songs We Want Men in Their 50s to Sing
From the late 1970s to the 1980s, the term “new music,” which evolved from traditional rock and folk, emerged, alongside the birth of city pop, the rise of the band boom, and of course the idol boom—an era that brought major changes to Japanese popular music and was experienced in real time by the generation that is now in their 50s.
In fact, the karaoke box business model also originated around the mid-80s.
From the many classic songs born in that era, this time we’ve selected tracks we’d love men in their 50s to sing.
These are all songs that will go over well even at karaoke with your boss in his 50s, so younger folks should take note too!
- [2026] Japanese karaoke songs that get men in their 50s pumped up
- Karaoke songs popular with women that they want men to sing
- [2026] Recommended Japanese karaoke songs for men in their 50s
- [2026] Crowd-Pleasing Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics
- Karaoke songs for men in their 40s: a curated selection of hit tracks women want to hear!
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Uplifting songs recommended for men in their 50s
- [50s] Popular Song Ranking by Generation [2026]
- [Men in Their 50s, Gather Up!] Classic Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers & Easy-to-Sing Hits
- Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Men in Their 50s [2026]
- [2026 Edition] Youth Anthems for Your 40s! A Roundup of Popular Heart-Pounding × Heartwarming Songs
- Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [50s] [2026]
- Famous songs we’d like women in their 50s to sing (by age group)
[2026 Edition] A Collection of Japanese Songs for Men in Their 50s to Sing (1–10)
I’m smitten with you.Yellow Magic Orchestra
This work captivates with its pop, catchy melody and sweet-and-sour, heart-throbbing lyrics.
Released in March 1983 as YMO’s seventh single, it was also used in a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial.
In the music video, created under the concept of “cute uncles,” the members—then in their thirties—dancing in colorful outfits became a hot topic.
The lyrics, which lightly capture the feeling of summer romance, were written by Takashi Matsumoto, formerly of Happy End.
It’s a song we especially hope people in their 50s will sing, but it’s a timeless classic loved across generations, so we recommend it to younger listeners as well.
SomedaySano Motoharu
A long-awaited masterpiece by Motoharu Sano was released as a single in 1981.
Although the initial response was modest, its inclusion on the following year’s album SOMEDAY sparked a surge in popularity.
With heartfelt lyrics and a refreshing melody, it has been cherished by many as a song that colors a page of youth.
It was also used as an image song for Nippon TV’s “Gyoretsu no Dekiru Horitsu Sodanjo,” making it popular across generations.
It’s a karaoke staple as well, and if a man in his 50s sings it, it’s sure to fire up the room.
It’s a track younger listeners should definitely check out.
Wine Red Heartanzenchitai
This masterpiece poignantly captures the complexity and bittersweetness of adult romance.
The profound lyrics by Yosui Inoue pair perfectly with Koji Tamaki’s richly expressive vocals.
Released in 1983, the song became one of Anzenchitai’s signature hits.
Boosted by widespread media exposure—including its use in Suntory’s “Akadama Punch” commercial and as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s National Thursday Theater series “Machigai Darake no Otto Erabi”—it became a major hit.
Now a karaoke staple, it’s a song that colored the youth of those in their 50s.
It’s also a great choice to sing as a lighthearted performance in business settings or during family time.
[2026 Edition] A Collection of Japanese Songs We Want Men in Their 50s to Sing (11–20)
And then I’m at a lossŌsawa Yoshiyuki
Yoshiyuki Ohsawa is a singer who made his record debut as the vocal guitarist of Cloudy Sky and has continued to work energetically after going solo.
His fifth single, “Soshite Boku wa Tohō ni Kureru,” which was featured in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial, has been covered by numerous musicians since its release.
The vocal range isn’t particularly wide, but the melody moves up and down in fine steps, so be careful not to lose pitch.
It’s a melancholic pop tune that would captivate listeners when sung by a man in his fifties with a rich, seasoned tone.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
This work, celebrated as a love ballad imbued with glossy allure, garnered passionate support.
It can be called a song that brought dramatic change to the music scene of the 1980s.
Atoru Terao’s sweet yet heartrending vocals vividly express the pain of heartbreak.
Released in February 1981, it topped the Oricon chart for 10 consecutive weeks and set an astonishing record of 12 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on The Best Ten.
It was also used in a Yokohama Tires commercial, making it beloved across generations.
If you’ve ever experienced heartbreak, you’re sure to resonate with its lyrics that seep into the heart.
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
This work is striking for its rain-soaked melody that etches itself deeply into the heart.
YOSHIKI’s delicate piano and Toshl’s poignantly resonant vocals capture the pain of heartbreak with remarkable clarity.
After being included on the 1989 album “BLUE BLOOD,” it has continued to be loved as one of X JAPAN’s signature songs.
Its descending chord progression is notable for the soothing way it resonates within you.
A track you’ll want to play on a rainy-day drive or during a quiet night.
It’s also a karaoke favorite, and for those in their 50s, it’s a deeply nostalgic song that recalls the days of their youth.
HERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Band
Known as a classic of the Showa era, this song blends delicate pop sensibilities with the wistful spirit of rock.
Released in February 1979 and featured in a Seiko commercial, it significantly boosted the popularity of Kai Band.
The lyrics, balancing poignancy and strength, sing of cherishing every moment in life and the resolve to place one’s beloved at the center.
As one of Kai Band’s signature songs, it has been covered by many artists, attesting to its influence.
From the first listen, it creates the illusion that you’re the protagonist of the song, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.