[40s] Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [2026]

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu78rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

Masaharu Fukuyama is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most iconic figures, both as a singer-songwriter and as an actor.

It’s truly remarkable that he has continued to release hit songs from the 1990s through the Reiwa era.

While each generation likely has its own “Fukuyama songs,” Sakura-zaka, released in 2000, is a quintessential Heisei-era classic that achieved a record-breaking double million in sales.

Some may find ballads challenging, but the simply crafted melody line makes it easy to sing, and the relatively low key makes it approachable for those with lower voices.

If you carefully follow the scale, you can definitely aim for a high karaoke score; at the same time, the song’s charm lies in its lower register, so if you’re not confident with low melodies, this is a great piece to practice with.

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KOH-1

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This is my way of life.PUFFY79rank/position

PUFFY 'That's the Way I Live' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

PUFFY made a striking debut on the music scene in 1996.

When it comes to their signature song, it has to be that fresh, pop number written and composed by Tamio Okuda.

It was also featured in commercials and quickly became a nationwide hit.

The lyrics carry a powerful message about facing the anxieties and joys of everyday life head-on and moving forward.

Sprinkled throughout are homages to The Beatles, making it a track that music aficionados can enjoy as well.

It has been used in anime such as “KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops” and “Atashin’chi,” and is loved across generations.

When singing it at karaoke, try to channel PUFFY’s characteristically light and breezy vocal style.

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka80rank/position

I LOVE YOU – Yutaka Ozaki (Full)

It’s one of Yutaka Ozaki’s signature songs, released in 1983! I imagine many people in their 50s listened to it in real time back then.

It’s a ballad about the bittersweet love of young men and women, with a piano melody that really resonates.

Ozaki’s husky voice beautifully captures the loneliness and restlessness of youth.

After being included on the album “Seventeen’s Map,” it was released as a single in 1991 and was also used in a JR Tokai commercial.

It’s a song that everyone can get excited about at karaoke, so why not sing it together with people of all ages?

DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS81rank/position

[MV] Diamonds / Misaki Aono

Princess Princess, a trailblazing all-girl band.

“Diamonds” was their seventh single, released in 1989, and it became a million seller.

It turned into their biggest hit and is a familiar tune thanks to being featured in numerous commercials.

It’s a breezy, poppy song with a feel-good melody that makes your body move naturally.

I’d love to see women in their 40s sing it—always shining like diamonds no matter their age! Invite your friends and let’s all have a great time together.

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miyabi

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Crimson MoonShibata Jun82rank/position

Jun Shibata – Crimson Moon (MV)

Jun Shibata is a female singer-songwriter whose melancholic vocals and distinctive allure leave a strong impression.

While she may not be a household-name mainstream artist, many women in their 40s likely listened to her often in their 20s.

Among her songs, the one I particularly recommend is Guren no Tsuki (Crimson Moon).

It features a touch of falsetto, but it’s brief and kept in a low register, so even those who aren’t confident in their singing should be able to handle it without strain.

If you want it to sound even better, sing with emotion and emphasize dynamic contrast.

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Ryo

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instinctShiina Ringo83rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Instinct

Ringo Sheena’s songs, which depict instinctive human desires, impulses, and inner conflicts, are captivating for their distinctive sound grounded in alternative rock and interwoven with elements of jazz and classical music.

Candidly portraying emotions such as jealousy and narcissism, they also express an adult reality that has shed the moratorium of youth.

Released in October 1999, this work was selected as the ending theme for the Nippon TV music program “FUN” and reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Its music video—set in a hospital with innovative direction—also drew attention, winning the BEST FEMALE VIDEO award at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.

With powerful vocals and highly message-driven lyrics, it’s a recommended track for those who want to enjoy self-expression at karaoke.

WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Make a MovementH Jungle with T84rank/position

WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes Start a Movement~ (Two Million Mix)

H Jungle with t is a musical unit by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and Tetsuya Komuro.

The unit was born from the popular TV show “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP,” and their track “WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You’ve Gotta Make a Move~” became explosively popular.

Classified in the genre known as jungle, this work is arranged with a reggae flavor throughout.

Although it features some somewhat loud sections, the overall vocal range isn’t wide, making it easy to sing and perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.

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Ryo

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