Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [50s] [2026]

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4821rank/position

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

This work captivates with lyrics that stir the heart and a warm, comforting melody.

Comparing life to a paper airplane, it gently sings of the importance of continuing to take on challenges.

Released in October 2015 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” it garnered support across generations, including a performance by NMB48 at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

It’s recommended for those about to take a new step forward or wishing to convey their feelings to someone special.

At karaoke, if everyone sings the chorus together, it will surely create a wonderful moment of heartfelt connection.

ambushIshikawa Hitomi22rank/position

Hitomi Ishikawa ♪ Ambush ♪ Ishikawa Hitomi

Hitomi Ishikawa, a female singer who was hugely active in the late 1970s.

Her voice exudes femininity, yet her vocals also convey a compelling strength—that was her distinctive appeal.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Machibuse (“Ambush”).

While it has a slightly wide vocal range, the high notes feature surprisingly short sustained tones, so it’s easy on the throat.

As long as you can keep your pitch steady, it’s a song that anyone can sing well.

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era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki23rank/position

era; age; time; period

I like the commercials for Suntory’s canned coffee “BOSS.” Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones plays a comical role every time, yet the story always ends with a touch of poignancy.

Miyuki Nakajima’s song “Jidai” playing as the background music fits the commercial perfectly.

With its gentle lyrics—“Sad things and happy things link together as the times go by”—I think many people can’t help but see their own lives in it.

Released in 1975, the song still reaches our ears so naturally; it truly is a classic.

For those in their 50s, it might take you back to just before your youth—a track full of nostalgia.

SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko24rank/position

Seiko Matsuda / SWEET MEMORIES

Seiko Matsuda’s hit number, “SWEET MEMORIES.” Haven’t most people sung it at karaoke at least once? This song has a relaxed tempo, making it easy to follow the pitch.

On the other hand, there’s a slightly high long note near the end of the chorus, so proper key adjustment is necessary.

If you set the key based on this long-note section, you won’t run into vocal range issues in any part of the song, so keep that in mind.

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Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko25rank/position

"Embraced by the Wintry Wind" Kyoko Koizumi (VINYL)

This ballad-style song portrays the ache of unrequited love, carried by Kyoko Koizumi’s transparent, heartfelt vocals.

The delicate lyrics capture the quiet longing of yearning for someone without even realizing it.

Released in November 1986, this was Koizumi’s 20th single.

It also drew attention as a star-studded collaboration written and composed by Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Don’t Lay a Hand on My Girl,” it was performed at the 1987 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, among other highlights—so many of you may remember it for its popularity at the time.

Please, sing it gently as you recall your younger days in love.