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!
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- Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [50s] [2026]
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- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
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20 Classic Oldies to Sing at Karaoke (11–20)
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
This is a classic enka masterpiece by Sayuri Ishikawa that portrays burning passion and heartrending love.
Released in July 1986, it became a popular hit and topped the enka category in karaoke rankings.
On NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was performed multiple times starting from its debut in 1986, and Sayuri Ishikawa has performed it as the Red Team’s closer a total of four times.
The lyrics, expressing the complexity and poignancy of love, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
This song is guaranteed to liven up karaoke gatherings with large groups, such as class reunions or year-end parties.
Even if the high notes are challenging, if you sing with heart, those around you will surely share in the emotion.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
Kohmi Hirose is a singer-songwriter who has garnered attention on YouTube for her high level of musical sophistication and eccentric personality.
Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” used as the commercial song for the ski goods retailer Alpen, became a massive hit that led to her nickname “Queen of Winter.” The lyrics’ storyline reflects the era in which it was released and will likely feel nostalgic to those of that generation.
It’s also a great pick for karaoke, but since it’s quite a high-pitched song, be sure to sing it in a key that suits your voice.
School HeavenFingā 5
This is the fifth single, released in 1974, by Finger 5, a sibling unit from Okinawa known as the Japanese Jackson 5.
Following “Private Lessons” and “Koi no Dial 6700,” this danceable entry in their school-themed series has been covered by many artists, including Kyoko Koizumi.
Try singing it with high energy and plenty of shouts!
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
This signature song by Ai Otsuka is a karaoke staple among J-pop tracks by female singers and is often introduced as an easy song to sing.
Released in December 2003, it features a lively rhythm and a catchy, familiar melody that has won the hearts of many people regardless of gender.
The lyrics depict a sweet relationship between lovers, expressing a desire to always be together—sweet like cherries.
Included on the album “LOVE PUNCH,” it has also been used as a cheer song for high school baseball, making it beloved in a wide range of settings.
It’s the perfect pick when you want to liven up a karaoke session, so be sure to add it to your lineup!
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
When it comes to female duos that symbolize late-90s J-pop, you can’t leave out PUFFY! This song was created with lyrics by Yosui Inoue and music by Tamio Okuda.
Its laid-back, fun, and catchy sound, along with its free-spirited and surreal lyrics, left a strong impression and became a huge hit at the time.
Released in April 1998, it was also featured in a commercial for Kirin Beverage’s “Tennen Sodachi.” If you sing this song at reunions, year-end parties, or any gathering of people who lived through the ’90s, it’s sure to get everyone excited!