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

GLAMOROUS SKYNANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA

GLAMOROUS SKY

In the late 1990s, the song that took the world by storm as the theme for the film NANA is that famous track sung by Mika Nakashima.

With lyrics by the original creator Ai Yazawa and composition by HYDE of L’Arc〜en〜Ciel, the song was released in August 2005 and immediately topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It held the top spot for two consecutive weeks, marking a first for Nakashima.

An up-tempo rock number with a punk flavor, it was also used as a song by the in-film band BLACK STONES.

The lyrics, which question the repetition of everyday life and depict a decision to leap into a new world, are sure to resonate with many.

It’s a perfect track when you want to get the energy up at karaoke.

Pure AsiaPUFFY

PUFFY “Asia no Junshin” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Puffy, the female duo that gained popularity in the early 2000s, could be considered iconic for women in their 40s.

Among their songs, one I especially recommend is “Asia no Junshin” (True Asia).

Because of its upbeat, positive melody, many might think it sits high, but the actual vocal range isn’t wide.

There are plenty of long tones, but no vibrato is required, so as long as you adjust the key appropriately, even women with lower voices should be able to sing it without any problem.

appearsHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / appears

If you came of age in the late 1990s to early 2000s, there’s a good chance you looked up to Ayumi Hamasaki as a role model.

In Japan’s music scene, she ranks first among female solo artists in total CD sales, and with her charismatic presence—including her fashion—she sparked the “Ayu” boom.

Many of her songs feature soaring high tones one after another, which might make some people feel hesitant about singing them.

For those people, we recommend “appears,” released in 1999.

Compared to her other tracks, its melody has fewer wide interval jumps, so even those with lower voices will find it easier to sing at karaoke if they adjust the key.

I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE

I hope it’s sunny.

It’s one of DREAMS COME TRUE’s signature songs, filled with kindness that gently warms the listener’s heart.

In this piece, Miwa Yoshida’s poetic words weave together memories of childhood with family, who she is now as a grown-up, and a calm gaze toward the future.

The depiction of driving along a road where she was once led by the hand conveys the passage of time and unchanged love, touching the hearts of those who listen.

Released in October 1992 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 12th single, the song reached households nationwide as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Hirari.” The album it appears on, “The Swinging Star,” also became a massive hit, breaking sales records at the time.

When you want to loosen your shoulders during busy days or recall warm moments with someone dear, give it a listen.

If you sing it at karaoke, it will gently soften the atmosphere of the room.

Pink sighTakahashi Mariko

Pink sigh

It is a masterpiece that fuses an exotic, Mediterranean-like atmosphere with an urban, sophisticated sound.

The song dreamily portrays a woman who blossoms like a flower when embraced by her lover, expressing both the beauty and the fragility of love.

Mariko Takahashi’s delicate yet powerful vocals further deepen the work’s unique world.

Released in May 1984 as the commercial song for Sanki’s “Camellia Diamond,” it was also included on the album Triad.

Highly acclaimed—including winning the Lyrics Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards—it became a long-running hit.

With a quiet mood that hints at hidden passion, this is a perfect track for spending peaceful moments with someone special.