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Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Men in Their 50s [2026]

Once you’re in your fifties, some lyrics start to feel deeper, while there are also more songs that just don’t resonate anymore.

You might find it harder to come across new favorites, but we’ve put together a ranking of recommended Japanese artists and popular songs especially for men in their fifties.

Be sure to check it out!

Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Men in Their 50s [2026] (11–20)

Sly womanSha ran Q15rank/position

Sharan Q “Sly Woman” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Sly womanSha ran Q

This was Sharam Q’s seventh single, released in May 1995.

It came out during what could be called the peak of J-pop, and became a huge hit, selling over 1.4 million copies, so chances are most people have at least heard the chorus melody.

Back then, one of the key conditions for a hit song was that it be easy to sing at karaoke, and this track fits that mold—making it one of the best choices for people who aren’t confident singers.

If you have trouble with the high notes in the chorus where it flips into falsetto, try adjusting the key on the machine to match your range.

Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu16rank/position

The Checkers “Heartbroken Over Julia” (LIVE)
Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu

A classic hit by The Checkers that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.

Its sweet, wistful melody and piercing lyrics beautifully capture the complex emotions that follow a breakup.

Released in November 1984, it became one of The Checkers’ signature songs and made a major impact on the music scene, including reaching No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year.

It’s a perfect choice for karaoke, with lyrics that naturally inspire empathy and instantly enliven the atmosphere.

An ideal song for those who want to deliver a heartfelt performance wrapped in nostalgia.

A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu17rank/position

Among Chiharu Matsuyama’s many folk songs, the rock number “Nagai Yoru” is an exception—and it became his biggest-selling hit.

Because it differed so much from his previous image, there was reportedly a lot of opposition to its release, but it came out thanks to Matsuyama’s strong insistence.

The lyrics, which evoke a “strong man who leads a woman,” perfectly match the masculine image of Chiharu Matsuyama.

The contrast between the powerful guitar sound and his soft, translucent vocals is absolutely electrifying!

FanfareTamaki Kōji18rank/position

Koji Tamaki “Fanfare” MUSIC VIDEO (Theme song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘The Royal Family’)
FanfareTamaki Kōji

An encouraging song written by Koji Tamaki, who was born and raised in Hokkaido, for a drama set in the world of horse racing.

The melody has a driving sense of speed, as if a horse is galloping, and it’s a song that lets you sing freely! The overall vocal range is C3 to B4, and the structure gradually builds in emotion and excitement.

For the A and B sections, put your voice firmly into the mic as if you’re speaking, and for the chorus, imagine singing in a wide-open space and let your voice out fully—this will help your voice come out comfortably and make it easier to stay on pitch.

For karaoke scoring, watch the pitch bar and check each note as you sing!

MasqueradeShonentai19rank/position

When people in their 50s think of a Johnny’s idol group, many would instantly name Shonentai.

Dominating the scene in the 1980s, the three members now each thrive in TV dramas, films, and stage productions.

Their signature song, of course, is their debut track Kamen Butokai (Masked Ball), which topped the Oricon charts.

Composed by the Shōwa-era master Kyōhei Tsutsumi, its lyrics were written by Tetsuya Chiaki—an assignment realized at the request of Kazukiyo Nishikiori, a big fan of Eikichi Yazawa, for whom Chiaki penned many songs.

Frequently covered by their Johnny’s juniors, the song has reached younger generations and can rightly be called a classic of Shōwa-era pop.

It’s a staple hit at karaoke gatherings of people in their 50s, and performing it in front of younger colleagues might just get the crowd going!

TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya20rank/position

Fumiya Fujii’s solo debut song, after his big success with The Checkers.

It was the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Asunaro Hakusho.” Being a ’90s ballad, the melody is simple and the range isn’t too wide, so it should be relatively easy to sing.

Chest voice is important, but the key point is the switch to falsetto in the chorus.

Falsetto becomes difficult without enough breath, so adjust your airflow.

Aim for a thin, upward-directed stream and try to release the falsetto as if it’s coming from above your head.

Even with a generally gentle delivery, you should be able to keep the pitch on target!

Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Songs for Men in Their 50s [2026] (Rankings 21–30)

MonicaYoshikawa Koji21rank/position

Known as one of Koji Kikkawa’s signature songs, this track is a classic that epitomizes the 1980s.

Its lyrics, which capture the bittersweet end of summer and the feelings toward a lost love, truly resonate.

Released on February 1, 1984, the song reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, ranking 22nd on the year-end chart.

It was Kikkawa’s debut release and an important piece that marked the start of his music career.

It’s also a karaoke staple, with a fun call-and-response in the chorus.

Highly recommended for get-togethers with coworkers or class reunions, where everyone can enjoy the nostalgia and get pumped up together.