RAG MusicKARAOKE
Lovely karaoke song

No worries if you're tone-deaf! Easy-to-sing J-pop songs for karaoke

Recently, with the K-pop boom, the difficulty level of Japanese music has risen sharply compared to before.

Songs that use whisper voice and mixed voice have become standard, and on top of that, advanced vocal techniques like riffs/ad-libs and hiccups are now being demanded.

In this situation, it can be quite difficult for people who aren’t confident singers to find songs that suit them and are easy to sing.

So this time, we’ve picked out tracks that even those who lack confidence in their singing or consider themselves tone-deaf can handle! Of course, we chose them with karaoke crowd-pleasing in mind, so please consider adding them to your repertoire!

Recommended for men (1–10)

to youMONGOL800

They’re a rock band formed in Okinawa Prefecture in 1998.

This song is one of their signature tracks.

It’s an upbeat number, and the chorus repeats the same phrases, so the melody and tempo aren’t very difficult.

If you focus more on the rhythm than the pitch when you sing it, it’ll sound really cool.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A song by the rock band MONGOL800, known by the nickname “Monpachi,” which has been based in their hometown of Okinawa since their debut.

Despite never being released as a single, it has been covered by various artists, and in 2019 a film based on the song was released, making it widely recognized as one of Monpachi’s signature tracks.

Because the overall key is low and there aren’t large melodic jumps even in the chorus, it’s relatively approachable for people who aren’t confident in their singing.

With a driving feel and the status of a famous song that almost everyone has heard at least once, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video
KanadeSukima Suichi

This was Sukima Switch’s second single, released in March 2004.

Since Sukima Switch’s charm lies in their laid-back, “never try too hard” vibe, the key to singing this song is summed up in how lightly you can sing it without forcing your voice.

While some parts—like the melody right before the chorus—can be a bit tricky pitch-wise, the rhythm and the way the lyrics fit are very straightforward, so I think it’s relatively easy even for men who feel “I’m not that confident in my singing…” The main point when singing this song is to always keep it relaxed and unforced.

The original key might be a little high, so find a key that suits you and enjoy it at karaoke!

Recommended for men (11–20)

LemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu’s eighth major-label single, released in February 2018.

Since it was also the theme song for the drama “Unnatural,” many of you have probably heard it.

It might seem like a somewhat difficult song, but Yonezu himself isn’t the type of singer who emphasizes technical virtuosity, so as long as you take care not to let your voice crack on the high notes in the chorus, most people should be able to sing it without too much trouble.

The key is how well you can switch into falsetto on the highest notes.

I think the most captivating part when singing this song is how much you can convey a sense of expansion as you move from the pre-chorus into the chorus—so put your heart into it and carry it through.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”
Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki

Among young actors, Masaki Suda stands out for his unique presence, showcasing talent not only in acting but also in the arts.

This is his third single, which was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “Kiss that Kills.” The song brilliantly fuses a voice that conveys the atmosphere and expressive power unique to an actor with a catchy, lyrical melody.

Although the melody moves a lot, the pitch range isn’t very wide, so it’s an approachable choice even for those who aren’t very confident in their singing.

It has a driving feel, making it a karaoke number that can get the crowd going—even if you power through it on momentum at first.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA’s “Tomoni” is a popular number both as a friendship anthem and a cheering song.

Its instantly catchy melody and positive lyrics are appealing, and it’s one of WANIMA’s most popular tracks.

Unlike their typically high-energy style, this song is written in a relatively lower vocal range, making it easier to try even for those who struggle with high notes.

The lyrics amplify a forward-looking mindset and convey a powerful message about facing adversity.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a step forward—why not sing it as if sending a message to a friend who’s feeling a bit down?

Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]
Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)

Kenta Kiritani, who exudes a uniquely distinctive presence both as an actor and as a musician, released this digital single under the name Urashima Taro from au’s popular “Santaro Series” commercials.

With lyrics that evoke a sense of wistfulness and a plaintive tone featuring the sanshin, those familiar with the commercials may find the story coming into focus.

The sparse arrangement and slow tempo make it easy to sing, but because many phrases start high and descend, it’s crucial to nail the opening note.

Once you hit that first pitch, you can carry it through to the end—so take care not to miss the melody at the very start.