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

Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya

“Suteki na Holiday” by Mariya Takeuchi [KFC Christmas Commercial Song] Band Cover

A Christmas song by Mariya Takeuchi that beautifully sings of universal love.

The moment it starts playing, you can feel, “Ah, winter is here!” It’s familiar from the KFC commercials, too.

With its bouncy rhythm and a flowing chorus melody, it’s a wonderfully pleasant track.

Watching someone sing it joyfully makes my heart flutter.

Whether you’re listening or singing along, it wraps you in a bright, happy feeling.

It’s a warm number that gently stays by your side in both tough times and joyful moments, so be sure to sing it and have fun with it!

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KEI

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AutomaticUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Automatic

Singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada made her major debut at the young age of 15 and has continued to evolve by constantly incorporating new musical styles.

Her first single, Automatic—released as a double A-side with time will tell—was a massive hit that achieved double million sales despite being a debut track.

Many women in their 40s, who are of the same generation as Utada, likely sang it as a karaoke staple back in the day.

It’s a pop tune that would surely get the crowd going, especially if you recreate the distinctive music video in a room with a sofa.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Marigoldaimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyong’s songs have a timeless appeal that’s independent of trends, making them popular across generations.

“Marigold,” released in 2018, marked her major breakthrough.

Its somewhat nostalgic melody evokes the early Heisei era, making it very pleasant to listen to and a classic that resonates with people of all ages.

For women in their 40s who say, “I mostly listen to the J-pop from my youth, but I want to try singing something more recent…,” I highly recommend Aimyong’s songs.

“Marigold” sits on the lower side pitch-wise and doesn’t have an extreme vocal range, so even those with lower voices or who feel insecure about singing should give it a try!

Wasshoi!Aikawa Nanase

"Wasshoi!" LIVE @ NANASE'S DAY 2025

Nanase Aikawa was recently appointed as the Japan–Brazil Friendship and Goodwill Ambassador.

Her song “Wasshoi!” was released in 2025 with the theme of connecting Brazil and Japan.

The piece intentionally incorporates a distinctly Japanese-style melody, featuring several enka-like phrases.

As a result, it’s naturally crafted to be easy for Japanese listeners to sing, but since the end of the chorus holds a long note at a slightly higher pitch, be careful not to let your voice crack there.

If you set the key to suit this section, there aren’t any particularly difficult elements, so please use this as a reference.

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Ryo

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Refrain of SoulsTakahashi Yoko

Refrain of Souls

It’s a masterpiece where Yoko Takahashi’s overwhelming vocal power—enough to shake the listener’s soul—blends magnificently with a majestic orchestra.

The theme suggested by the title, “repetition” or “recursion,” may have gained a universal depth and breadth precisely because lyricist Neko Oikawa honed her senses and spun the words without probing too deeply into the heart of the story.

Released as Takahashi’s single in February 1997, it left a powerful impression as the theme song for the anime film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth.

The track shone at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and sold over 630,000 copies in total; it was later included on the album “~refrain~ The songs were inspired by ‘EVANGELION’.” It’s a song you’ll want to sing when you need to unleash your emotions at karaoke or immerse yourself in the world of an epic story.