Idol Songs from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa Eras: Classic and Latest Hits That Light Up Karaoke

Sentimental JourneyMatsumoto Iyo

Sentimental Journey

A song sung by a 16-year-old girl, whose pure feelings come through straight and clear.

Released in October 1981, this debut work is a masterpiece of idol pop crafted by hitmakers Reiko Yukawa and Kyohei Tsutsumi.

Chosen as the tie-in track for Lotte’s “Ghana Chocolate” commercial, the song brought Iyo Matsumoto to wide public attention, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon charts and selling 343,000 copies.

Its lyrics, which candidly express the authentic emotions of a teenager, resonate across generations and remain etched in many people’s hearts even today.

Hum it with friends who remember those days at reunions or karaoke, and the nostalgia is sure to come flooding back.

ultra-strongestChou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

ultra-strongest

A self-assured, love-filled track delivered by Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu.

Featured on the album “Tokimeki Rulebook,” this pop number portrays the relationship between idols and their fans.

The lyrics, packed with the desire to be called “cute” and heartfelt gratitude to fans, leave a strong impression.

Paired with a catchy melody, it captivates listeners.

It’s recommended not only for their fans but also for anyone who needs a boost—this song will lift your spirits!

Single‑minded Cinderella!CUTIE STREET

[MV] CUTIE STREET “Single-minded Cinderella!”

CUTIE STREET, the hottest idol group right now.

Unlike the trendy idol groups that mainly feature K-pop influences, their classic, moe-filled orthodox style really stands out.

Their song “Single-minded Cinderella!” is a gem with a bright, poppy vibe.

From the feel of the track, you might think it’s high, but surprisingly the vocal range is narrow, and there are no sustained notes in the upper mid to high range.

It doesn’t demand fundamental vocal technique, so it’s a song that’s easy for any woman to sing.

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Ryo

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Restartmameshiba no taigun

MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN “Restart” MUSIC VIDEO

An idol group that sprang from TBS’s variety show “Wednesday’s Downtown.” The producer even includes that Kuro-chan from Yasuda Dai Circus.

The members’ names—like Aika the Spy and Hanae Monster—are boldly unique, heavily influenced by their agency WACK.

Their debut song “Re-Start” is, quite literally, a playful, humorous anthem about “starting over” in life.

With its slightly quirky lyrics, it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.

Since they’re a WACK-affiliated idol group, they’re also recommended for fans of BiSH.

Earphone Riotshiritsu ebisu chūgaku

[MV] Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku “Earphone Riot”

A revitalized Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, now joined by new members Kokona Sakuragi, Yuno Kokubo, and Nodoka Kazami—winners of the nationwide audition—deliver a breezy youth anthem of encouragement.

The lyrics are a delight, prompting you to reflect on questions like “What does it mean to be yourself?” and “What are your own words?” When you sing it at karaoke, give it all the energy you’ve got to keep up with Ebichu! If you’re singing with a group, don’t forget to assign parts in advance.

Be sure to trade off the calls like “Hey!” and “Say!” yourselves.

And don’t miss the music video—those light-blue and white outfits are wonderful!

InfluencerNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Influencer”

Here is a song by Nogizaka46 produced by Yasushi Akimoto.

It was released in 2017, with Mai Shiraishi and Nanase Nishino serving as the double centers.

The arrangement has a Spanish flair that makes the members of Nogizaka46 feel even more passionate.

Matching that fiery vibe, the choreography is one of the fastest in the group’s catalog, and the members reportedly struggled with muscle soreness while mastering it.

It seems like a track that would really get the crowd going if you sing and dance to it at karaoke.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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