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

Where did the angel go?≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 6th Single 'Where Did the Angel Go?' [MV full]

≠ME, also known by the nickname “Noimi,” is an idol group produced by former AKB48 member Rino Sashihara.

Their 6th single, “Where Did the Angels Go?,” is a track that evokes the powerful, glamorous energy of the recent girl-crush trend.

The contrast between the thrilling synth sound and their cute vocals lifts your spirits just by listening.

With a catchy melody and a stylish ensemble that sticks in your ears, it’s a modern pop tune.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Happinessarashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

A song packed with a lively rhythm and a positive message! Its melody naturally lifts the listener’s spirits, and the powerful lyrics give a push toward stepping into the future.

Released in 2007, it also made waves as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari.” It’s a live-show staple, and the sight of the entire venue coming together in excitement is truly spectacular.

As spring brings new beginnings, singing it at karaoke is sure to spread positive energy! Sing it with friends and savor the best moments together.

Please, Bach!Hinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Please, Bach!” Music Video

A bright song with a catchy chorus melody and an appealing sense of rhythm.

Since many parts aren’t too high and can be sung without strain, it’s a relatively easy idol song for women to sing! It’s a cheerful, energetic track characteristic of Hinatazaka, so it will definitely get the crowd going! There are sections with a lot of words, but instead of trying to articulate every single syllable, you’ll sing more rhythmically if you keep it light and ride the melody.

You might initially struggle with the rhythm in the B-melody, but if you stay calm and focus on the spacing, the rhythm will lock in—so don’t worry.

Keep the meter in 4/4, and imagine resting on the first beat before singing.

Once you get that space right, it’ll sound really cool! There’s also a touch of Bach in the latter half of the song, making it irresistible for classical music fans!

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Kubota Mami

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Why not? / Who cares? / It’s all good.Janīzu WEST

Ee ja nai ka / Johnny's WEST

As a classic festival song, “Ee Janai ka” might make you wonder for a moment whether those lyrics even work as a song, but no, it’s got a level of energy that rivals Hibari Misora’s “Omatsuri Mambo.” If you’re looking to amp things up at karaoke, picking this track will at least guarantee everyone’s excitement.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda - Blue Coral Reef

It’s a classic with a striking intro that seems to carry the sparkle of the sun and the scent of the sea breeze.

You can picture a summer day by the ocean with someone you love—the racing heartbeat and the little burst of boldness that comes with it.

It evokes scenes of a sweet and dazzling romance.

This song, which propelled Seiko Matsuda to the status of “eternal idol,” was released in July 1980 as her second single and is also included on her debut album, SQUALL.

As the theme for Glico’s ice cream commercial, it brightened living rooms across the nation and topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks.

It’s a refreshing track that instantly paints listeners’ hearts in summer hues.

36°C U・B・UHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “36°C U.B.U” Official Music Video (Hatsuboshi Gakuen – 36°C U.B.U)

This is a song from the idol-training game “Gakuen Idolmaster.” Among its many unique idols, Rinami Himezaki—who exudes a big-sister charm—delivers this solo number.

It’s a pop tune bursting with toy-box energy, driven by a breezy groove of bass and guitar that feels irresistibly good.

The lyrics depict the push and pull of romance, wishing the other person would turn up the heat just a little more.

If you’ve got a crush right now, it might hit especially close to home.

Give it a listen when you want to lean into that lovey-dovey mood!

Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko

Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku by Masahiko Kondo

This song, released in 1981, is one of Masahiko Kondo’s signature tracks that brought a fresh breeze to the idol pop scene of the time.

It strikes a perfect balance between flashy idol flair and restrained subtlety, captivating listeners with lyrics that weave in English phrases and a catchy rhythm.

It was also included on the album “Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku,” released in December of the same year, and was used in a commercial for House Foods’ “Kukure Curry.” The song marked his debut appearance at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s a recommended pick when you want to get hyped with people of the same generation or savor a nostalgic Showa-era mood.