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
1990s (ages 21–30)
I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN
A ballad with a tear-jerking, beautiful melody that you’ll want to sing at karaoke with a touch of echo.
The first verse is a real showcase where you can sing calmly and fully, and from the second verse a beat is added, making it a song that can really hype up a karaoke room.
The lyrics are moving as well, so if you’re confident in your vocal skills, this is a masterpiece worth practicing thoroughly and unveiling at just the right moment.
I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi
This is one of Kazuyoshi Saito’s early masterpieces.
It’s the No.1 feel-good song that kicks off with a cheerful guitar intro, and many people have probably heard it as the opening theme for Ponkikkies.
The song has been loved by many for a very long time, so it’s been used on TV numerous times even after Ponkikkies, and it’s also an easy track to get into at karaoke.
The rattlesnake is comingTonneruzu
A classic hit by Tunnels, one of Japan’s most iconic comedy duos, who are still active on the front lines with their outrageous personas.
This song perfectly matches their character and is sure to get the crowd going at karaoke.
Its slapstick, comedic vibe makes it enjoyable for everyone from kids to adults.
It’s a number you’ll definitely want to show to people who haven’t heard it yet.
Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo
Ringo Sheena, a singer-songwriter who has also been active as the central figure of Tokyo Jihen, has drawn attention for her one-of-a-kind musical style since her debut.
Despite not being released as a single, Marunouchi Sadistic—featured on her blockbuster first album Innocence Moratorium—has become one of her signature songs, frequently performed at both her solo shows and Tokyo Jihen concerts.
Its lively piano melody riding on a shuffle beat creates an effortlessly enjoyable vibe to sing along to.
It’s also a karaoke staple, and musicians in particular can’t help but be drawn to the world depicted in its lyrics.
Melty loveSHAZNA
SHAZNA’s major-label debut single.
Used as the ending theme for the TV Asahi program “Tokoro-san no Kore Ari Njanai no!?,” it became SHAZNA’s biggest hit.
The vocalist IZAM’s androgynous appearance was shocking for the time and generated a lot of buzz.