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[Karaoke] A roundup of easy-to-sing songs by Yosui Inoue
One of the most indispensable singer-songwriters in the Japanese music scene, Yosui Inoue.
Since his debut as a singer in 1969, he has released numerous hit songs such as “Kasa ga Nai” and “Shonen Jidai.”
He came to be recognized as a leading figure in the genre known at the time as “New Music.”
Even in his more rhythmic numbers, his vocals and musicality have a distinctive, slightly ennui-laden atmosphere.
In this article, we’ve picked out some of Yosui Inoue’s songs that are especially easy to sing at karaoke.
Be sure to read to the end!
[Karaoke] A roundup of easy-to-sing songs by Yosui Inoue (1–10)
An outright serenadeInoue Yosui
Yosui Inoue’s “Isso Serenade” is a beautiful ballad steeped in melancholy, perfect for keeping you company on long autumn nights.
Released in 1984, it drew attention as the image song for Suntory’s Kakubin whisky commercials and sold over 350,000 copies.
Its especially poignant intro is captivating, making it ideal for grabbing everyone’s attention right at the start in karaoke.
The slow tempo also makes it relatively easy to sing well after just a few practice runs.
For the long sustained notes in the latter half of the chorus, sing gently without forcing your voice—you’ll capture the original’s nuanced flavor.
Riverside HotelInoue Yosui
Released in 1982, Yosui Inoue’s “Riverside Hotel” didn’t draw much attention at first, but later climbed to No.
11 on the Oricon chart and came to be recognized as one of his signature songs.
With its distinctive vocal timbre, melodic line, and intriguingly cryptic lyrics, this track leaves a strong impression and is a great pick when you want something a bit different for karaoke.
Its slow tempo makes it approachable even if faster songs aren’t your strong suit.
Try singing it with emotion while picturing a seaside hotel!
Traveler,Inoue Yosui
If you heard this song without any prior context and felt like you’d heard it somewhere before, you’re probably quite well-versed in the Showa era—or from the generation that lived through it.
“Tabibito yo” was the B-side to Yuzo Kayama’s 1966 single “Yozora o Aoi de,” and the version introduced here is included on Yosui Inoue’s 2001 cover album “UNITED COVER.” Choosing the B-side rather than the A-side—now that’s impeccable taste.
The original, composed and arranged by Kayama himself and sung in a folk style with The Launchers, is reimagined by Inoue in a J-pop style, fully transfiguring it into the world of Yosui Inoue.
The melody is simple, the pitch easy to grasp, and the vocal range relatively narrow, so it should be quite manageable to sing without much difficulty.
mobile phoneInoue Yosui
Even if you say “mobile telephone,” it might not immediately resonate with younger people.
It’s a general term for telephones you can use while on the move—car phones, cell phones, PHS, and the like—and this song titled “Idō Denwa (Mobile Telephone)” captures the distinctive atmosphere of the 1990s, when the idea of carrying a phone gradually became ingrained for many.
Released in 1994 as Yosui Inoue’s 39th single, it was also used as the tie-in theme for the TBS drama “Yume Miru Koro o Sugitemo.” It’s a J-pop track that uses the so-called “hachiroku” (8-beat, 6/8 feel) rhythm, arranged by the one and only Takeshi Kobayashi.
While the overall vocal range isn’t particularly high, the pitch fluctuations are somewhat pronounced.
Moving from the calmly sung A section, through the gradually building B section, into the expansive, soaring chorus—delivering those contrasts can be a bit challenging.
It might help to practice each section separately.
I don’t knowInoue Yosui
The title certainly makes an impact, but in fact, as you can tell from the lyrics, this “Wakannai” is an answer song to Kenji Miyazawa’s ‘Be Not Defeated by the Rain.’ It’s a track from Yosui-san’s highly acclaimed 1982 masterpiece album ‘LION & PELICAN,’ and it’s a gem where the stylish arrangement, Yosui’s theatrical vocal delivery, and lyrics that shine with a unique sensibility all come together beautifully.
With chord progressions and melodic turns characteristic of Yosui, it shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re used to singing Inoue Yosui’s songs.
Conversely, if you’re not, you might find the rhythmic feel and melodic lines a bit perplexing at first, but even those who struggle with high notes can definitely take on this song.
Give it multiple listens and be sure to master that signature Inoue Yosui style!
Two People Who Can’t Go HomeInoue Yosui
In 1973, Yosui Inoue released his third album, Ice World.
The album presented new musical possibilities to the scene at the time, and among its hidden gems is “Kaerenai Futari” (The Two Who Can’t Go Back).
The combination of simple folk-guitar accompaniment and a calm, wistful melody is exquisite, and its structure makes it easy to sing at karaoke.
After warming up your voice with this song, we recommend following it with the album’s title track, “Ice World!”
JealousyInoue Yosui
Yosui Inoue’s “Jealousy” is a captivating number with a distinctive worldview centered on the theme of jealousy.
Its lyrics poetically express emotions drifting in envy, and if you sing it when you’re struggling with romantic jealousy, those feelings should gradually soften.
His languid, ennui-tinged delivery, which conveys an inexpressible sense of frustration, makes you want to imitate it.
While his songs—old and new—continue to captivate many fans, this piece stands out as a particularly long-running hit.
If you’ve never sung his music at karaoke, why not start by giving this song a try?
I don’t have an umbrella.Inoue Yosui
If you can’t find an Inoue Yosui song that feels right for karaoke, you can’t go wrong with singing “Kasa ga Nai” (“I Don’t Have an Umbrella”).
Since its 1972 release, this piece has captivated many with its distinctive vocals and moving lyrics, and it’s no exaggeration to say it represents his early work.
In particular, the rhythmically driven yet ennui-tinged musicality is brilliantly expressed, and once you actually try singing it, you may find yourself getting hooked.
The lyrics are structured like a story, so if you sing while visualizing the scenes, you’ll likely be able to recreate the song’s world more deeply.
East and WestInoue Yosui
Literary and strongly message-driven, “Higashi e Nishi e” is a cynical cheer-up song also known for being covered by actor Masahiro Motoki.
Featured on Yosui Inoue’s second album, “Yosui II: Sentimental,” released in 1972, the track enjoys high recognition despite not being a single.
That makes it a crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
Its vocal range isn’t wide, so even those who aren’t confident singers can give it a try.
When you need one more push with your studies or work, sing this song and get fired up!
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
You can grasp the allure of Yosui Inoue’s songwriting and vocals in an instant by listening to his signature song, “Shonen Jidai.” Its lingering melody and ensemble, woven from a sense of floating and gentle melancholy, have even been included in middle and high school textbooks, making it beloved by many.
The song is perhaps the best example of Inoue’s musicality.
At the same time, with its simple melody and slower tempo, it’s an easy pick for karaoke.
Since people of all ages know it, it could be a great one for parents and children to sing together.