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[2026 Edition] Karaoke Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s

For people now in their 40s, their youth was right in the middle of the CD boom and karaoke craze of the 1990s to early 2000s! Many of the massive hits tied to TV dramas and commercials were undoubtedly sung by countless people at karaoke.

In this article, we’ve picked out karaoke songs that are sure to get the party going—perfect for women in their 40s to sing! Hits from what could be called the golden age of J-POP are still popular among younger generations in the 2020s, so these are timeless classics anyone can sing.

The next time you go to karaoke to refresh yourself from busy days of work or parenting, be sure to use this article as a reference.

[2026 Edition] Karaoke songs that will hype the crowd—perfect for women in their 40s! (111–120)

LOVE Tear-ColoredMatsuura Aya

Aya Matsuura “LOVE Namidairo” Music Video
LOVE Tear-ColoredMatsuura Aya

Ayaya Matsuura’s third single, released in 2001, captured many hearts with its portrayal of a bittersweet breakup.

Written and composed by Tsunku♂, the song delicately puts into words intense emotions, regret, and lingering heartache.

Despite its uptempo pace, the lyrical melody is striking, and Matsuura’s clear, crystalline vocals further elevate the track’s appeal.

The song was also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Find the Idol!” and Matsuura opened that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this number.

It’s the perfect song to belt out at karaoke and get everyone hyped, especially for those who cherish memories of their youth.

Being just friends is fine.Takahashi Yumiko

Yumiko Takahashi / It’s Fine to Be Just Friends
Being just friends is fine.Takahashi Yumiko

A wonderful love song by Yumiko Takahashi, one of the legendary solo idols who shone in the ’80s and ’90s.

Speaking of Takahashi, her comedic role in the smash-hit drama “Shomuni” also left a strong impression.

This song, “Tomodachi de Ii Kara” (“I’m Fine with Just Being Friends”), drew attention as the theme for the drama “My Little Lover,” in which she herself appeared.

The lyrics—saying things like, “I’m fine being a friend; if you call me, I’ll come running even in the middle of the night”—may feel a bit lonely from a woman’s perspective, but now they seem like a sweet memory of young love.

The sparkling idol sound throughout also makes it a nostalgic track.

Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro 「Best Friend」 Music Video (Short ver.)
Best FriendKiroro

It became the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan.

As the title suggests, gratitude toward a best friend is sung in Kiroro’s gentle voices.

As a song that conveys thanks and warmth toward those who support you, it is often performed at events like graduation ceremonies and weddings.

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

An emotionally moving song themed around the end of summer and friendship—this is ZONE’s signature work.

The lyrics, which depict the pure memories of one’s teenage years and farewells with dear friends, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in August 2001, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kids War 3.” Its refreshing, acoustic-based sound is another part of its appeal.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, the end of summer or graduation season is especially fitting.

For those who have experienced parting with friends, it will surely strike a powerful chord.

I BELIEVEKahara Tomomi

Tomomi Kahala – I BELIEVE (Audio)
I BELIEVEKahara Tomomi

A classic that colored the golden age of J-POP in the 1990s and remains beloved by many karaoke fans, this is one of Tomomi Kahala’s signature songs.

Released in October 1995 as her second single, it became a million seller and earned her numerous newcomer awards.

The dramatic sound crafted by Tetsuya Komuro harmonizes beautifully with the crisp winter air, and her soaring vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Familiar as the CM song for Minami “JOY OF SPORTS,” it also appears in a different arrangement on the album LOVE BRACE.

If you forget the everyday and sing your heart out with the sparkle of those days in mind, you’re sure to feel refreshed!

I want to fall in love so much that the slopes melt.Hirose Kōmi

Kohmi Hirose / I Want to Fall in Love Until the Slopes Melt
I want to fall in love so much that the slopes melt.Hirose Kōmi

When it comes to Kōmi Hirose, often called the Queen of Winter, even younger listeners have probably heard the distinctive melody and high-tone vocals of her massive hit “Romance no Kamisama,” which was used in commercials for a ski equipment store.

For those of us who spent our youth in the ’90s, I remember it being almost a given that a new Hirose single would be released with the arrival of winter.

In fact, despite what I mentioned earlier, the lyrics of “Romance no Kamisama” don’t evoke winter at all; this time, I’d like to introduce “Gelandé ga Tokeru Hodo Koi Shitai,” which conjures a straightforward winter image.

I bet many people will find themselves smiling nostalgically, recalling ski trips with this song as the BGM.

The playful lyrics are hard to sing with the same bright expansiveness as Hirose herself, but please give it a try!

Valentine KissKunikyo Sayuri

Sayuri Kokusho (Kokusho Sayuri) – Valentine Kiss
Valentine KissKunikyo Sayuri

This is the debut single of Sayuri Kokusho, who is active as an actress.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s often played around town and has become a familiar tune.

It’s been covered by several artists and is known across generations.

Minayo Watanabe and Asako Shiraishi provided the backup vocals and danced as backup dancers.

How about singing it at karaoke when you get together with friends your age?