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)
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
Singer-songwriter aiko captivates fans with songs built on hooky, jazzy chord progressions and lyrics that portray a worldview any woman can’t help but relate to.
Her fourth major single, “Kabutomushi,” chosen as the ending theme for the music show CDTV, is still known today as her signature song.
Though uniquely expressed, the lyrics paint vivid scenes, and just listening can make your chest tighten.
It’s a bittersweet yet beautiful melody of exceptional quality—a number that’s sure to bring the house down at karaoke.
No, that’s not it.Suzuki Masayuki
Masayuki Suzuki, a singer affectionately known as “Martin” and hailed as the King of Love Songs.
His 18th single “Chigau, Sou Janai,” released as a double A-side with the duet track with Momoko Kikuchi, “Shibuya de 5-ji (Romantic Single Version),” was featured in a commercial for Mitsutaka’s “Boutique JOY.” Its catchy chorus and emotional melody make it a song many people can’t resist singing at karaoke.
It’s a soulful number that’s perfect for karaoke—try singing it with a consciously non-Japanese vocal style to capture its unique flavor.
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
This is “Garasu no Shōnen,” the 1997 debut single by KinKi Kids.
Composed by Tatsuro Yamashita, a leading figure in Japanese pop music, the song has a mature, sophisticated feel that goes beyond typical idol music.
When KinKi Kids made their first appearance on the 2016 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Contest), they performed this track.
1990s (31–40)
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
One of Spitz’s signature songs—even included in music textbooks—you can probably hum along to it, can’t you? It was released in April 1994, but it became a hit after being chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi” starting in January 1996.
The lyrics, reflecting love, hope, and the inherent instability of youth, are especially captivating.
They express emotions like the happiness and hope brought by meeting someone special, as well as the pain and loneliness of being misunderstood by society, offering a depth that allows for many interpretations depending on the listener.
It’s also beloved as a karaoke staple and is highly recommended as a go-to for acoustic guitar performances.
Summer Days of 1993class
A classic summer hit from 1993 that still plays on TV and radio today.
Though it’s a song from 1993, for those who spent their youth back then it brings back memories, and for those who weren’t born yet, it evokes the timeless feeling of a boy’s summer.
The chorus melody is strikingly poignant and makes you want to start singing right away.
