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
2000s (ages 21–30)
WekapipoSOUL’d OUT
SOUL’d OUT, a legendary Japanese hip-hop group, made their debut with the single Wekapipo.
Released in 2003, the title comes from how Wake Up People sounds when pronounced like a native.
The track is known for the groove-filled rap and polished production by Diggy-MO’, who serves as the main MC and lead vocalist.
In 2019, Diggy-MO’ contributed a song to the voice-actor-driven character rap project Hypnosis Mic, which trended on Twitter and brought renewed attention to him.
Mini Moni. Janken Pyon!Minimoni.
Mini Moni is an idol unit formed by members of Morning Musume along with an additional female singer.
Their song “Mini Moni.
Jankenpyon!” is one of their signature tracks, released in 2001.
Every phrase leaves an impact, but the segment with an Arabian-style melody in the middle is especially memorable.
In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez
This is a well-known song that was also used as the theme for the animated film Brave Story.
Its straightforward, boyish emotions and lyrics are striking.
It has a slightly rap-like style, so it might require some technique to sing.
Enjoy the nostalgic feel of Aqua Timez as you give it a try.
travelingUtada Hikaru
This song was produced based on the concept of lifting your spirits, and its strikingly original music video—featuring extensive use of CG and animation—became a hot topic.
Rather than a traditional pop song, it can be described as a track meant to be enjoyed by singing along to the phonetic feel in time with the rhythm.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
This is the commercial song for Meiji Seika’s “bodagalbo,” featuring Mika Nakashima herself.
In recent years, it was used in 2016 as the ending theme for episode 8 of the TV anime ReLIFE.
Known as a classic winter song, it has been covered by various artists.