[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.

Playlist

[2026 Edition] Karaoke Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	frecklesJUDY AND MARY		The hit song from Rurouni Kenshin, 'Sobakasu'
2	CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie		Namie Amuro’s classic song “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?”
3	Like when we first metEvery Little Thing		An inspiring classic that brings back memories of first love: Summer Romance
4	I just feel like crying.Nagayama Miho		A representative ballad from the 1990s CD boom
5	A gentle feelingChara		A Char song that depicts pure love and freedom
6	Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo		Ringo Sheena, a masterpiece that sings of the feelings of urban women
7	Boys & GirlsHamasaki Ayumi		The Appeal of Ayumi Hamasaki’s Iconic 1990s Songs
8	VALENTIBoA		K-pop queen BoA shocks Japan’s music scene
9	White LoveSPEED		SPEED’s “White Love,” a smash-hit winter love song
10	Unwavering WishTamura Naomi		A classic 90s anime song by Naomi Tamura
11	This is my way of life.PUFFY		PUFFY’s signature song—refreshing and rich with a meaningful message
12	cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka’s “Sakuranbo,” a bright, cheerful love song
13	A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly		A heartwarming classic that conveys love and gratitude
14	Can’t Stop Fallin’ in Loveglobe		globe’s classic that colored the winter of 1996
15	Timing ~Timing~Burakku Bisukettsu		A classic hit from a 90s unit, a big hit once again
16	Cold Flowerthe brilliant green		The brilliant green’s exquisite love song
17	Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE(GReeeeN)		A moving masterpiece from the collaboration between MISIA and GReeeeN
18	LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.		A rousing classic by Morning Musume
19	Single AgainTakeuchi Mariya		Mariya Takeuchi “Single Again” TV theme song
20	The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo		Ringo Sheena’s “Theory of Happiness,” a masterpiece where light and darkness intertwine
21	flareSuperfly		Support women with the Scarlet theme song
22	SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki, a late-90s high school girl icon
23	Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover		A classic by My Little Lover that gives you a sense of youth.
24	First loveUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada 'First Love' drama theme song
25	Good-bye daysYUI		The moving theme song of the film “A Song to the Sun”
26	PassionUA		A classic UA song that portrays burning passion and heartrending sorrow.
27	TouchIwasaki Yoshimi		Yoshimi Iwasaki’s classic song “Touch,” a karaoke staple
28	My RevolutionWatanabe Misato		Misato Watanabe’s “My Revolution” is a moving masterpiece that pierces the heart.
29	God of RomanceHirose Kōmi		Kohmi Hirose, a popular musician on YouTube
30	Song of LoveKōda Kumi		Koda Kumi’s classic love song, with lyrics that resonate with the heart
31	The decisive battle is on Friday.DREAMS COME TRUE		The famous song by Dreams Come True, Friday
32	Crimson MoonShibata Jun		Shibata Jun’s masterpiece that makes women shine beautifully
33	beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko		aiko’s signature song “Kabutomushi” is a heartrending (bittersweet) tune.
34	HANABIMr.Children		The appeal of Mr. Children’s smash-hit song “Kurumi”
35	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		“Hanamizuki” is a masterpiece that ranked No. 1 in karaoke during the Heisei era.
36	DEPARTURESglobe		globe’s signature song “DEPARTURES” is popular.
37	365ayaka		Into the future with Ayaka’s notebook-collaboration song “365”
38	La La LaDaikoku Maki		Maki Ohguro’s signature song “La La La” becomes a major hit.
39	Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko		Showa-era classic 'Dancing Hero' heats up again
40	Dear My FriendEvery Little Thing		A big breakthrough with ELT's hit song
41	There will be love there -A place with love-the brilliant green		A classic by The Brilliant Green, highlighted by Tomoko Kawase’s beautiful voice.
42	DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS		Princess Princess “Diamonds” hit song
43	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata’s popular song “Himawari no Yakusoku”
44	FriendsREBECCA		Rebecca's iconic 80s song, a TV drama theme
45	cherrysupittsu		Spitz’s signature song “Cherry,” a classic of youth
46	Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako		Takako Matsu’s debut single is popular among people in their 40s.
47	GibbsShiina Ringo		Shiina Ringo’s early signature song, a buzzworthy work in a pink dress
48	fireworksaiko		Aiko’s classic song “Hanabi,” a memory of youth
49	366 daysHY		Okinawa-born HY is active in both music and branding.
50	PreciousItō Yuna		An inspiring masterpiece that expresses bonds of the heart, 'Precious'
51	Kiss me right nowLINDBERG		A hit song by LINDBERG, popular as a TV drama theme.
52	Sign of LovePUFFY		PUFFY’s classic songs, melodies that resonate in the heart
53	wailing in griefKudō Shizuka		Shizuka Kudo, a multitalented singer
54	fragileEvery Little Thing		The ELT classic “fragile” is a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart.
55	First LoveUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada: Masterpieces of First Love and Heartbreak
56	MPurinsesu Purinsesu		A famous song by Princess Princess
57	Spring Dayaimyon		Aimyon's “Harunohi” is a masterpiece.
58	A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi		Yumi Matsutoya’s classic song “Midsummer Night’s Dream”
59	I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s captivating singing voice and popular songs
60	planetariumOtsuka Ai		Planetarium, nostalgic classic songs!
61	JupiterHirahara Ayaka		Ayaka Hirahara’s hit song that sings of the preciousness of life
62	From the depths of the heart to the water planetMoriguchi Hiroko		Singer Hiroko Moriguchi’s signature song “With Love to Water Planet.”
63	BOY MEETS GIRLTRF		TRF’s classic hit “BOY MEETS GIRL”
64	Maiden in Loveikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s youth song “Koisuru Otome”
65	I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase		Nanase Aikawa debuts, produced by Tetsuro Oda.
66	WHITEBREATHT.M.Revolution		A signature song by T.M.Revolution—a powerful track set amidst falling snow.
67	Secret of my heartKuraki Mai		Mai Kuraki’s “Secret of my heart” is a masterpiece.
68	Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE		DREAMS COME TRUE’s cross-generational favorite “Mirai Yosouzu II”
69	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		Yumi Matsutoya’s classic song brimming with the sentiments of spring
70	The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi		A dance beat song sung by Hitomi Shimatani
71	Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartShinohara Ryoko with t.komuro		Ryoko Shinohara’s song produced by Tetsuya Komuro, with a powerful singing voice
72	P.S. I LOVE YOUPINK SAPPHIRE		A band song that became a hit as a TV drama theme
73	Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		An inspiring, heartwarming song that encourages you and is loved across generations.
74	Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke		Keisuke Kuwata’s solo single, full of playful spirit
75	DEAR FRIENDSPERSONZ		A husky-voiced PERSONZ ballad
76	Cherry Blossom Timeaiko		Aiko’s classic that portrays the lovestruck feelings of spring—a song that resonates with the heart
77	A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko		Evangelion theme song ranks 3rd in Heisei-era karaoke
78	PRIDEImai Miki		Miki Imai’s signature song “PRIDE” is moving.
79	Even when I become an old ladyMoritaka Chisato		A timeless anthem that captures women's feelings and resonates across generations
80	StoryAI		AI’s classic song “Story,” a moving piece about love and bonds
81	The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS		That bouncy summer classic still lingers in my heart.
82	Swaying feelingsZARD		A heartfelt masterpiece by ZARD that evokes the spirit of youth
83	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		An inspiring and hopeful cheer song, “TOMORROW”
84	I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko		Kyoko Koizumi’s classic: Encounters and Gratitude
85	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		Signature song of BUMP, expressing a shooting star using guitar
86	TemptationGLAY		Signature song by GLAY, featuring an exhilarating melody
87	LemonYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon” is easy to sing and popular.
88	TOMORROW NEVER KNOWSMr.Children		A timeless song that sings of hope for the future, resonating in the heart.
89	threadNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s masterpiece that influences all of Asia
90	Flavor of lifeUtada Hikaru		Utada’s heartrending masterpiece, a moving track
91	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s “Stars on the Ground” is a song of hope.
92	Love so sweetarashi		Arashi 'Love so sweet' — a classic song of youth
93	Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya		The charm of Christmas songs and heartwarming vocals
94	Snow BlossomNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s signature song “Yuki no Hana” is a masterpiece.
95	The Day Love Was BornFujitani Miwako, Ouchi Yoshiaki		Miwa Fujitani and Yoshiaki Ouchi’s classic duet
96	crescent moonayaka		Ayaka’s “Mikazuki” is a poignant song about a long-distance relationship.
97	EverythingMISIA		A smash-hit ballad, a famous song popular with women
98	Time goes byEvery Little Thing		A poignant breakup song that resonates with women in their 40s
99	LOVE 2000hitomi		An emotional musical work that sings of the essence of love
100	JOYYU-KI		YUKI’s solo songs after the breakup of JUDY AND MARY
101	LOVE LOVE LOVEDREAMS COME TRUE		DREAMS COME TRUE’s classic hit “LOVE LOVE LOVE” became a huge smash.
102	loveHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino's 'Koi,' a catchy masterpiece
103	yellow yellow happyPoketto Bisuketsu		An upbeat song that affirms oneself and sings of love
104	Feeling great!!mihimaru GT		An exhilarating dance music track from the CD bubble era
105	Love will winKAN		One of KAN’s signature songs—a positive, heartwarming classic.
106	Cutie HoneyKōda Kumi		Getting hyped, passionately singing Cutie Honey
107	AutomaticUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada scores a major hit with her debut single.
108	A Perfect SkyBONNIE PINK		A refreshing summer smash hit like a clear blue sky
109	Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira		The hit song from the drama “Nobuta.”
110	Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato		Singing of a bygone love with the Watarase River as the backdrop
111	SAKURA DropsUtada Hikaru		A poignant yet hopeful masterpiece about cherry blossoms by Hikaru Utada
112	Let’s Count Your Kisses ~You Were Mine~Koyanagi Yuki		Poignant love songs, timeless classics that resonate with the heart
113	LOVE Tear-ColoredMatsuura Aya		A coming-of-age song that portrays the ache of a broken heart.
114	Being just friends is fine.Takahashi Yumiko		Yumiko Takahashi’s classic song, Memories of Love
115	Best FriendKiroro		A heartwarming classic that sings of gratitude to a best friend
116	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		A masterpiece by ZONE: a moving classic about summer memories and friendship
117	I BELIEVEKahara Tomomi		"I LOVE YOU" became a big hit, a moving song
118	I want to fall in love so much that the slopes melt.Hirose Kōmi		Kohmi Hirose’s classic winter songs and memories of youth
119	Valentine KissKunikyo Sayuri		Sayuri Kokusho’s classic Valentine’s song
120	Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY		A timeless youth anthem: PUFFY’s summer song!
121	flameLiSA		‘Homura’ is a moving masterpiece that served as the theme song for Demon Slayer.
122	STARSNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s debut song captivates.
123	Lonely Tropical FishWink		Wink’s classic hit “Lonely Tropical Fish” is easy to sing with a blank expression.
124	Don’t give upZARD		ZARD’s iconic 1990s hit “Makenaide” (“Don’t Give Up”)
125	for a long timeKiroro		Kiroro’s classic song “Nagaimade” is a bittersweet love song.
126	Dewdrops of DreamsMatsu Takako		Takako Matsu’s wistful love song, a classic you’ll want to hear in the summer
127	Overnight Sensation ~The Era Is Entrusted to You~TRF		An anthem of the ’90s, a message of hope
128	Zankyo SankaAimer		Aimer’s iconic song from Demon Slayer, full of exhilarating speed
129	Blue TearsJUDY AND MARY		Early popular songs by JUDY AND MARY
130	Turn the roulette of fateZARD		A heartwarming masterpiece that brings the courage to live
131	Marigoldaimyon		Aimyon’s “Marigold” is a masterpiece.
132	Become the windtsuji ayano		Aya Tsuji’s gentle singing voice and classic songs
133	ButterflyKimura Kaera		Celebrating 20 years since debut, continuing a distinctive singing career
134	I’m ProudKahara Tomomi		Tomomi Kahara’s signature self-affirmation song
135	BE TOGETHERSuzuki Ami		The brilliance of J-pop: Ami Suzuki’s masterpieces
136	Refrain of SoulsTakahashi Yoko		Yoko Takahashi’s masterpiece, a song that stirs the emotions
137	moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro		Chihiro Onitsuka’s moving masterpiece: an expression of loneliness and self-confidence
138	Lion HeartSMAP		SMAP’s popular song “Lion Heart” becomes a big hit.
139	Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho		Iconic 90s songs heal the heart with a new shine
140	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		SMAP’s famous songs gave courage to many people.
141	I Want to See You ~Missing You~Matsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s classic hit “Anata ni Aitakute” — a million-selling song.
142	GoodbyeGAO		GAO's signature song 'Sayonara' is a masterpiece.
143	Wasshoi!Aikawa Nanase		Nanase Aikawa performs a song celebrating Japan–Brazil friendship.
144	Choo Choo TRAINZoo		A signature song by EXILE, a classic that people of all ages can dance to.
145	Things that have formShibasaki Kou		Ko Shibasaki's moving ballad resonates with the heart.
146	Thank youikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari produces a smash hit song.
147	I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki		Maki Ohguro expresses a diverse range of genres with her powerful vocals
148	Captivated by a sparkling momentMANISH		A 90s pop-rock classic that resonates with the heart
149	summer festivalWhiteberry		The nostalgic charm of “Natsu Matsuri” for women in their 40s
150	Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki		The Appeal of Miyuki Nakajima’s “Between the Sky and You”
151	I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE		A heartwarming classic by DREAMS COME TRUE
152	Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo		A song about Shiina Ringo’s passionate love at 17.
153	Can You Keep A Secret?Utada Hikaru		Theme song of 'HERO', a masterpiece by Hikaru Utada
154	MHamasaki Ayumi		Let's sing Ayumi Hamasaki's classic song 'M' with feeling.
155	ClassicJUDY AND MARY		A masterpiece that poetically depicts a heartrending love
156	The Talent for LoveKawamoto Makoto		A famous song by Makoto Kawamoto, a guitar-based female singer
157	Poem of SunlightLe Couple		Hidamari no Uta became a hit as a song featured in a TV drama.
158	LOVE ,DAY AFTAR TOMORROWKuraki Mai		A cheer song that refreshingly sings about feelings of love
159	instinctShiina Ringo		Shiina Ringo's distinctive sound and powerful vocals
160	MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka		Shizuka Kudo's wistful melody captures the heart
161	STEADYSPEED		SPEED’s youthful hit songs, timeless classics that resonate with the heart
162	FACEglobe		A classic by globe, KEIKO’s cool vocals resonate in the heart.
163	Swingin’LOVE PSYCHEDELICO		LOVE PSYCHEDELICO’s refreshing summer pop song
164	CANDY GIRLhitomi		hitomi’s 90s classic “CANDY GIRL”
165	Soul RevolutionSuperfly		Superfly's soul-stirring masterpiece song
166	A flower blooming in joyACO		The classic song by ACO, a female trip-hop singer.
167	FRIENDSHIPH Jungle with T		The third single by H Jungle with t
168	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A song where an encounter with love makes the heart shine
169	MisterKARA		KARA’s captivating dance-pop hit song
170	Pure AsiaPUFFY		A famous song by Puffy, a popular duo from the 2000s
171	Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki		A powerful song that likens unnoticed people to stars
172	After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko		Kyoko Koizumi's masterpiece depicting the light and shadow of idols
173	Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi		Yuming’s classic song “Hello, my friend”
174	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		Representative song of Rimi Natsukawa from Okinawa
175	I believeayaka		An inspiring song with Ayaka’s vocals that resonate in the heart
176	appearsHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki is a music icon of the late 1990s.
177	Love MySelfIS:SUE		A message song that cherishes being yourself
178	senpainozomi		A song that delicately expresses complex emotions toward an older woman
179	vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko		Mari Takahashi’s famous song “Hagayui Kuchibiru” (Frustrating Lips)
180	Pink sighTakahashi Mariko		A classic by Mariko Takahashi that portrays love with a lover in a fantastical way
181	GLAMOROUS SKYNANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA		Mika Nakashima’s theme song for NANA is a major hit.
182	Moon DropsRUI (Shibasaki Kou)		Ko Shibasaki’s hit song from the movie “Yomigaeri”
183	Sweet EmotionAikawa Nanase		Nanase Aikawa: The Music Revolution of the ’90s
184	SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s classic song “Sakurazaka” is perfect for karaoke beginners.