A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
When you go to karaoke with people from the same generation—like at class reunions, year-end parties, or New Year’s gatherings—nothing gets the energy up like nostalgic hits! The real charm of these retro tunes is that only those who lived through the same era can sing and listen while reminiscing about those days.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected hit songs from the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s—tracks that were beloved back then and are still cherished by many today.
Use this as a guide when choosing songs for karaoke with friends from your generation!
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that get everyone excited. Songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
- Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- From Showa-era kayōkyoku to J-POP! A nostalgia-packed roundup of karaoke crowd-pleasers
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [50s] [2026]
- Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
- [For People in Their 40s] Karaoke Songs That Are Easy to Sing: 2026 Ranking
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
1970s–1980s (’71–’80)
Burn, you fine womantsuisuto
It was The Twist’s fifth single, released in 1979.
It was used as the song for Shiseido’s Summer Campaign “Natsuko no Natsu” commercial that year and became a big hit.
They also performed this song on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Sing it with gusto, projecting your voice from deep in your belly!
CAT’S EYEAnri
This is the 13th single by singer-songwriter Anri, produced as the opening theme for the TV anime Cat’s Eye.
Its sense of speed and thrilling arrangement, which evoke the world of the anime, were embraced by many listeners, and it’s still recognized today as one of Anri’s signature songs.
For those in their 40s and older who likely watched the series in real time, it’s guaranteed to hype up a karaoke session with peers.
With its catchy melody that brings back memories of youth, it’s a pop tune loved beyond the bounds of anime songs.
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Hiromi Ohta is a singer-songwriter who is currently also active as a PR ambassador for Kasukabe City, serving as a “Kasukabe Goodwill Ambassador.” Her 4th single, “Momen no Handkerchief” (Cotton Handkerchief), remains her signature hit and is still frequently covered by musicians today.
The lyrics are written in a dialogue format, with the verses from the man’s perspective and the chorus from the woman’s, vividly evoking the misunderstandings of a long-distance relationship.
It’s a karaoke staple that we hope not only her generation but people of all ages will come to know.
1990s (71–80)
A collection of nostalgic oldies that resonate with the younger generation too!
We’ve showcased plenty of nostalgic hits up through the 1980s—did any songs make you want to sing along? With so many classics, it’s hard to choose, isn’t it? Now, let’s move on to nostalgic songs from the early Heisei era. For many younger people, this might be the period that feels “nostalgic,” too!
1990s (1–10)
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
This song was used as the first opening theme for the Fuji TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story and became a huge hit.
The lyrics are sprinkled with a fairytale-like sweetness and poignancy, and the chorus—sung powerfully, almost like a shout—feels exhilarating.
Just by you being herekome kome CLUB
It’s a classic song that expresses a universally relatable feeling: being able to feel happy just by having someone you love.
Released in 1992, it became a massive hit after being chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Sugao no Mama de.” It achieved an astonishing 2.89 million sales and also won the Japan Record Award.
The simple yet heartfelt lyrics and the warm, signature melody typical of Kome Kome Club are especially appealing.
It remains beloved across generations at karaoke, so try singing it at class reunions, year-end parties, or any large gathering.
It’s sure to bring the whole venue together and get everyone excited!