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

prideImai Miki43rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

This song by Miki Imai, released in 1996, was used as the theme song for the drama “Doc.” It was written by Tomoyasu Hotei before he married Imai, and imagining that context, the lyrics feel quite suggestive.

Imai was hugely popular not only among men in their 50s but also among women, admired as a natural and cool actress.

Even with the passage of time, both the lyrics and the melody remain unfading—one of those timeless classics.

If a man sings it, it’s sure to boost his likability.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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SaraiKayama Yūzō & Tanimura Shinji44rank/position

Yuzo Kayama, Shinji Tanimura – Sarai

Because it’s a song familiar from “24-Hour Television,” it’s known across a wide range of generations.

The biggest draw of this piece is, without a doubt, its rich, husky vocal line.

Although the arrangement is grand, the vocal range is very narrow—mid1 A to mid2 F—so it’s highly recommended for men with lower voices.

You’ll be able to sing it smoothly while making the most of your low tones.

Be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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Make it a slow boogie (I want you)Minami Yoshitaka45rank/position

Make it a slow boogie (I want you)

Yoshitaka Minami is known for his music that blends a refined, urban sensibility with elements of pop.

This work is his tenth single, released in January 1981, and it became a major hit, reaching No.

6 on the Oricon charts and selling 285,000 copies.

It was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name, based on a short story by Yoshio Kataoka.

The lyrics, written by Takashi Matsumoto, compare life to a game and express a man’s longing for true love and comfort.

Combined with Minami’s polished vocals, the song beautifully captures the bittersweet feelings of adult romance.

For karaoke, it’s best sung with a calm, composed tone.

Performed softly at reunions or parties—any gathering of adults—it’s sure to create a great atmosphere.

In the night sky after the rainImawano Kiyoshirō46rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano - In the Night Sky After the Rain

Speaking of Kiyoshiro Imawano, his musical style is striking for evoking nostalgic scenes within a punky vibe.

Among his works, “Ameagari no Yozora ni” especially showcases his musical character.

While the highest notes aren’t very high, the pitch mid2F# appears frequently, so when adjusting the key, it’s best to center your tuning around that note.

The lyrics are a bit risqué, but it’s a song that tends to get the crowd going at karaoke, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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homeKiyama Yusaku47rank/position

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

A moving ballad filled with warm father-to-child love and hopes for growth has been delivered by Yusaku Kiyama.

His gentle, calm voice conveys deep affection for family, and despite its straightforward storytelling, it leaves a lasting resonance in the listener’s heart.

Released in February 2008, the song was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and it also led to his appearance at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

For karaoke, it’s recommended when you want to reflect on family memories or express gratitude to someone special.

It’s a tender, warmth-filled song—like softly returning someone’s hand squeeze under a bright sky.

Sad Feelings (JUST A MAN IN LOVE)Kuwata Keisuke48rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

A song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a heartbroken man was released in 1987 as Mr.

Kuwata’s solo debut.

Included on the album “Keisuke Kuwata,” it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart, sold 650,000 copies, and won the Excellent Album Award at the 30th Japan Record Awards.

Although it’s an upbeat pop tune, the lyrics delicately express the sorrow of a breakup, leaving a strong impression.

Seasonal imagery—like the end of summer and the night breeze—further highlights the loneliness of parting.

For men in their 50s, it’s a song that overlaps with memories of their youth, and singing it at karaoke is sure to resonate with people of the same generation.

Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi49rank/position

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

A heartwarming, approachable song that makes the most of rhythms found in folk songs and enka.

This masterpiece fully showcases Kiyoshi Hikawa’s charm, beautifully expressing the bittersweetness of love, masculine strength, and longing for one’s hometown.

With his natural vocal talent and refreshing appeal, Hikawa presents a uniquely modern take on the traditional enka worldview.

It was released by Nippon Columbia in February 2002.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards and is known as one of Hikawa’s signature tracks.

With its relaxed tempo and narrow melodic range, it’s a piece you can sing with a calm mindset.

During the chorus, it’s also nice to have listeners add call-and-response interjections!