Easy-to-sing karaoke songs: Classic picks for women in their 40s

Blizzard of Blossoms of a WomanOka Midori

Blizzard of Blossoms of a Woman

This is a Reiwa-era life-encouragement song by Midori Oka, renowned for her mysterious enka style, showcasing powerful kindness and brightness! “Onna no Hana Fubuki” is the B-side to “Kami no Tsuru,” released in February 2019, and it’s a masterpiece that lifts your spirits when you’re feeling down.

It’s perfect for wrapping up a karaoke session, as well as for farewell parties or New Year’s gatherings.

It’s classic, straight-down-the-middle enka, so those accustomed to the genre should be able to sing it smoothly.

Overall, the pitch is high and the range is wide, so if you’re new to enka, try breaking it into parts—A melody, B melody, and chorus—and focus your practice on the sections you find most challenging.

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Melody for TomorrowOka Midori

"Melody for Tomorrow" MV full ver

Tomorrow’s Melody is a pop ballad that steps beyond the realm of enka and kayōkyoku.

Released in 2021, it became a landmark song that opened a new chapter for Midori Oka.

Composed by Minoru Komorita (credited as “Komorita Minoru”), who has crafted many classics including SMAP’s major hits like Dynamite and Lion Heart, its poignant yet powerful melody will feel familiar to those who often sing J-pop at karaoke.

Among Oka’s songs, this one has a relatively narrow vocal range and doesn’t feature drastic melodic leaps, so once you learn the tune, it should be easy to sing.

After that, try to focus on expressing the emotional nuances—just like Oka does!

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Crimson Japanese lantern (plant)Oka Midori

Crimson Japanese lantern (plant)

It’s a hidden gem that, while reminiscing about the Hozuki Market held in Asakusa, highlights its intense passion even more by choosing a calm, beautiful delivery instead of putting overt resentment over betrayal front and center.

Although it’s positioned as the coupling track to the single “Namidauta,” released in February 2024, it’s sure to be irresistible for those who love Midori Oka’s mysterious side.

The melody doesn’t demand particularly difficult techniques and is relatively easy to sing, so I encourage you to give it a try at karaoke.

With songs like this, it’s harder to express the simmering, uncontrollable emotions in a restrained way than to showcase technique, so be sure to read the lyrics carefully before you sing!

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NO TITLISTMiyazawa Rie

Rie Miyazawa: NO TITLIST

Rie Miyazawa’s classic song “NO TITLIST.” Since Miyazawa is not primarily a singer by trade, most of her released tracks are organized around simple vocal lines.

This work is no exception, featuring a very easy progression that anyone can sing.

The structure, which steadily ramps up in energy, is striking, but once the chorus begins the excitement settles down.

As a result, the vocal range stays compact, making it a song that even women with lower voices can sing without any trouble.

vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko

vexing lips

Mariko Takahashi has remained popular since the 1970s.

She’s an exceptionally long-running artist who stayed at the forefront into the 1990s.

Because of that, I think even women in their 40s are quite familiar with her songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hagayui Kuchibiru (“Frustrated Lips”).

It’s a striking piece featuring vocals influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku and the distinctive synth sounds of the early ’90s.

In this song, the chorus reaches the highest notes, but it stays within the mid-to-high range overall, and the long sustained notes only appear in the lower register.

As a result, it’s a very singable tune for women with lower voices.