Even if you’re tone-deaf, it’s okay! Easy karaoke songs for men in their 40s

WON’T BE LONGBaburugamu Burazāzu

Bubblegum Brothers “WON’T BE LONG” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A track marked by an exuberant, easy-to-catch groove and festival-like, uplifting rhythms.

Inspired by the Awa Odori dance, it carries a heartfelt, empowering message about giving your all for someone else.

Its breezy Bubblegum Brothers–style sound and approachable lyrics are especially appealing.

Released in August 1990, it initially drew little attention, but after being featured on a TV program in March 1991, it caught fire and became a million-seller.

In 2006, EXILE and Kumi Koda released a cover version.

It’s an encouraging anthem that gives strength and courage—perfect for those worn out by work or daily life—and a great pick to hype up a karaoke session with friends.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A gem of a ballad, rich with emotion and singing of the bittersweet love of winter, has arrived from Keisuke Kuwata.

It’s a moving piece that looks back on warm memories of love, as if wrapped in snow, with a sense of blessing.

Rather than lamenting a past romance as merely a failure, it strikingly celebrates the moments of that love from the heart.

Alongside a beautiful, resonant melody, it conveys a gentle warmth within the winter cold.

Released in October 2001, the song was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and sold 520,000 copies on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a perfect choice for winter karaoke with family and close friends when you want to share heartwarming memories.

Embracing SummerTUBE

TUBE “Embrace the Summer” MUSIC VIDEO

With a sound that evokes clear blue skies and a shining sun, this is a quintessential summer song from TUBE.

It expresses a love so intense it keeps you up at night, conveyed through passionate lyrics and melody.

The protagonist’s once-in-a-lifetime feelings are sure to awaken bittersweet memories of love that many have experienced.

Released in May 1994, it was a massive hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts and selling 940,000 copies.

It was also featured in a Toyota Corolla Ceres commercial and has become a karaoke staple beloved by many.

It’s the perfect track for reminiscing with close friends or colleagues as you look back together on life’s milestones.

Pockets full of rainbowsYellow Magic Orchestra

My pockets are full of rainbow dreams.

Yellow Magic Orchestra is a music group recognized worldwide.

Needless to say, they are the pioneers who laid the foundation for Japanese techno.

They have many classic tracks, but the one I especially recommend is Pocket ni Niji ga Ippai (Pockets Full of Rainbows).

As you might expect from a group with strong instrumental roots, even though this piece has many vocal parts, the vocals themselves are very understated.

There are no complex vocal lines, and the range is extremely narrow, making it an excellent song in terms of singability.

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Ryo

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Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)

Just hearing that light, tinkling piano intro instantly brings back memories of those summers… It’s a Heisei-era masterpiece that colored the early 2000s! No explanation needed: “Naminori Johnny,” the smash hit released in 2001 under the solo name of Keisuke Kuwata, vocalist of Southern All Stars, is a karaoke staple and has been sung across generations.

With Kuwata’s signature style in full bloom and a wide vocal range, the melody darts busily between low and high notes, which might feel surprisingly challenging when you actually try to sing it.

At the same time, it’s so catchy you can memorize it right away just by listening.

If you sing it with clear contrast—keeping the soaring parts and the rhythmic parts in mind—you can aim for a high score at karaoke!

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KOH-1

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ForeverGosuperāzu

The Gospellers “To Eternity” at International Forum 2017/7/9 Short Ver.

This classic song, which celebrates an eternal bond with a loved one, gently conveys the idea that love, precisely because it has no form, cannot be broken.

Its strong feelings of thinking about someone across physical distance resonate in the heart alongside beautiful harmonies.

Released in August 2000, the song stayed on the Oricon charts for an impressive 44 weeks and was also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” One of its charms lies in the variety of arrangements unique to The Gospellers, such as the “Album Version” on the album Soul Serenade and the “unplugged live version” included on the single Hitori.

It remains a beloved track—one you’ll want to sing after chatting with friends, as you think of someone dear to you.

Sync Of SummerYamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita “Sync Of Summer”

This is Tatsuro Yamashita’s 53rd single, released in July 2023.

It was reportedly written specifically as a song for Kirin’s “Gogo no Kocha” (Afternoon Tea) commercial.

When you think of summer, you think of Tatsuro Yamashita!! That image, combined with the song’s title, makes this a summer anthem overflowing with his signature style that truly evokes the season.

The melody crafted with that trademark Yamashita touch doesn’t span a particularly wide vocal range, so it should be very easy to sing even for people who don’t usually sing much.

Throughout the song, it feels best not to overemote—sing it a bit bluntly, with a touch of nonchalance.

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Kei Takahata

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