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[Yutori Generation] Nostalgic Vocaloid classics. Songs that hype up the karaoke crowd.
For those now in their late twenties to early thirties—the so-called “Yutori generation”—Vocaloid may be something deeply nostalgic.
Days spent binge-listening to Vocaloid songs on Niconico during our school years, conversations with friends after class, getting excited talking about the latest tracks.
Those memories of youth feel both nostalgic and vividly real—and, oddly enough, they’re experiences many of us share.
Today, the production techniques and sound design pioneered by Vocaloid producers have greatly influenced the current music scene.
In this article, we’ll dive into the enduring appeal of Vocaloid tracks that continue to captivate the hearts of the Yutori generation.
[Yutori Generation] Nostalgic Vocaloid Classics. Songs That Hype Up Karaoke (1–10)
Senbonzakurakuro usagi P
A classic that anyone who spent their youth on Nico Nico Douga is sure to know.
Composed by Kurousa-P and released on Nico Nico Douga in September 2011, it stands as a milestone of Japanese-style rock.
Its Taisho-romance-inspired worldview blends perfectly with a driving, exhilarating melody.
The lyrics capture the chaotic atmosphere of modern Japan as Western culture flows in, weaving in satire of society behind the glittering surface.
It was featured in a Toyota Aqua commercial and drew attention when Sachiko Kobayashi performed it on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
In karaoke rankings, it became the first Vocaloid song to place third overall in 2012, and it remains a beloved standard to this day.
It’s the perfect track for getting hyped with friends at karaoke or for sharing memories of those days.
CharlesBalloon
This is a signature song by balloon, who blazed through the golden age of Nico Nico Douga.
Since its release in 2016, it spread explosively—especially among younger listeners—and took the No.
1 spot on JOYSOUND’s annual karaoke rankings in 2017.
The lyrics depict a bittersweet farewell, paired with a catchy guitar riff and rhythm that make it irresistibly addictive—you won’t be able to get it out of your head after one listen.
It’s included on the album “Corridor” and has been covered by numerous artists.
Perfect for livening up a karaoke session with friends, it’s on the challenging side but a lot of fun to sing.
There’s also a self-cover version under the name Keina Suda, so using that as a reference for practice is recommended.
Night Sky Patrol of TomorrowOrangestar
Posted in 2014, this Vocaloid song was the first track using the voice synthesizer IA to be inducted into the “Legendary” category on Nico Nico Douga.
As one of Orangestar’s signature songs, it captivates with its driving rock sound and shimmering, shifting synthesizers.
The lyrics, which intertwine anxiety about whether tomorrow will come with the determination to keep moving forward, have resonated with many listeners.
It’s included on the album “Mikansei Eight Beats,” and a later band-arranged version was also released.
If you sing it at karaoke, aim for a natural, unforced vocal delivery to bring out the song’s atmosphere.
With numerous covers by singers, it’s a track that can liven up karaoke even with people who aren’t very familiar with Vocaloid.
The Howling of the Lost OneNeru
The suffocation of the classroom, the anxiety of not seeing any answers, the loneliness of being understood by no one.
There may be no other song that captures the pains of adolescence this vividly.
Released by Neru in 2013, the track later surpassed 10 million views.
Its edgy guitar sound and Kagamine Rin’s emotional vocals intertwine perfectly, giving voice to a cry from the heart.
Included on the major-label album “Seikaisefuku,” the song is still sung by many to this day.
Belt it out at karaoke, and the haze you carried back then will blow away.
Recommended for those who want to revisit their school days and for anyone still fighting their own battles now.
Sand PlanetBee
Kenshi Yonezu, now a leading figure in Japan’s music scene, once worked as a Vocaloid producer.
Under the name Hachi, he released this track in 2017 to commemorate Hatsune Miku’s 10th anniversary.
It portrays a figure walking on through a desolate, desert-like world, blending electro and rock with Hatsune Miku’s vocals soaring over the sound.
The song hit one million views in just six days after release, setting a new speed record in Vocaloid history.
If you were a fan of his Hachi era, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke!
HibanaDECO*27
This track was included on the 10th anniversary compilation album “Re:Start,” released in August 2017.
True to DECO*27’s style, the electric rock sound is vividly interwoven with bright synthesizer tones, and Miku’s vocals—mechanical yet emotional—leave a strong impression.
The lyrics portray a world of complex feelings: the uncertainty of love, emotional turbulence, and self-doubt, giving the song a remarkable depth.
It’s also featured in the rhythm game Taiko no Tatsujin, so be sure to give it a spin when you want to hype things up at karaoke!
Meltryo
A gem of a love song that colored the dawn of the Vocaloid scene.
Posted to Nico Nico Douga by ryo in December 2007, it had reached 11.7 million views by December 2017.
You’ll be moved by the lyrics, which straightforwardly depict a girl’s feelings of love when faced with the person she likes.
The piano-driven, fast-paced sound conveys a fluttering, racing heart.
Hatsune Miku’s vocals are also captivating—mechanical yet somehow human.
The track is included on the first album “supercell” and helped lay the foundations of Vocaloid culture.
It’s the perfect song for reminiscing about your youth or getting hyped with friends at karaoke.