Heisei-era masterpieces: Easy to sing! Carefully selected songs recommended for karaoke choices!
Do you have go-to songs for karaoke when you go with friends, acquaintances, or coworkers? If you love singing, you might find yourself torn over what to start with.
On the other hand, if you’re not so confident at singing, you might struggle each time wondering what you can manage.
Many people probably want to avoid any embarrassing moments.
So this time, we’re introducing easy-to-sing songs specifically from the Heisei era.
We’ve selected songs with minimal melodic leaps and not-too-high keys—use this as a reference!
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Heisei-era Masterpieces: Easy to Sing! A Curated Selection of Recommended Karaoke Songs (21–30)
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is the third single by BUMP OF CHICKEN, known for its thick, layered sound.
Released in March 2001, it was also used as an insert song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “A Celestial Observation.” The lyrics depict dialogues with one’s past, present, and future self, exploring how to face them—spinning a universal story through growth and pain.
With a generally low key and minimal melodic fluctuation, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.
It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to face yourself or take a new step forward.
DearestHamasaki Ayumi
A ballad whose moving lyrics portray a deep love that wishes for the other person’s happiness even after losing something precious.
Released in September 2001, it’s one of Ayumi Hamasaki’s signature songs, and many may remember it as the ending theme of the anime Inuyasha.
It also won the 43rd Japan Record Award, so its recognition is outstanding.
Despite its grand sound, the melody line is surprisingly simple and stays within a comfortable vocal range.
With a relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing calmly without being caught off guard by sudden pitch changes.
Highly recognizable and easy to sing, it’s a safe pick for karaoke with coworkers or friends.
Lion HeartSMAP
A signature SMAP ballad with lyrics by Shinji Nojima, depicting a man’s resolve to protect the one he loves, likened to the figure of a lion.
Released in August 2000 as their 32nd single, it became widely known as the theme song for the drama “Food Fight,” starring SMAP member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi.
The single was a million-selling hit, also noted for featuring the fan-favorite coupling track “Orange.” With its relaxed tempo and minimal drastic pitch changes, it’s approachable even for those not confident in their singing.
If you sing it gently and conversationally over its warm melody, it’s sure to resonate with the listener.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
The lyrics, which portray the emptiness felt in everyday, fleeting moments and hope for tomorrow, are deeply moving.
Written and composed by Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi, the single “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni” was released in July 1997 and was written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara.” It became their biggest hit and is known for rapidly boosting the band’s popularity.
With a very catchy, easy-to-remember melody line and a relaxed rhythm, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a song that’s easy to sing.
It’s a timeless classic loved across generations, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko
Kyoko Koizumi, who has brightened the era as a top idol, delivers a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad with lyrics she wrote herself.
At first glance, the words seem to depict feelings toward a former lover, but did you know there’s a backstory that she actually wrote them by casting her father in the role of the lover? Released in May 1991, the song reached living rooms nationwide as the theme for the TBS drama “Papa to Natchan,” in which Koizumi also appeared, and went on to become a million-seller with over one million copies sold.
The melody, composed by Takeshi Kobayashi, features minimal leaps in range and sits in a comfortable key, making it reassuring even for those who struggle with high notes.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
Noriyuki Makihara, celebrated as one of Japan’s genius melody-makers, continues to create numerous heartfelt masterpieces.
Among his works, the song featured on his 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” is one that feels perfect for the season of departures and new beginnings.
Though not released as a single, many people may recognize it from appearances such as in NTT East Japan commercials—truly a hidden gem.
The lyrics, which reflect his own image of leaving home to chase his dreams, give courage to those just starting a new chapter in life and to everyone striving far from home.
With minimal leaps in pitch and a comfortable key, it’s easy to sing—making it a great choice for karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while, where you can share warm feelings along with nostalgic memories.
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
It’s a classic that shines with Yosui Inoue’s distinctive word choices and poetic world, evoking nostalgia and a sense of transience.
Released in September 1990 as his 29th single, it was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name.
In 1997, it was certified a million-seller by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, with total sales surpassing 1.36 million copies.
The song was also featured in a Sony Handycam commercial, boosting its popularity.
It’s perfect for karaoke, and recommended for moments when you want to look back on summer memories or reminisce about time spent with someone special.