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

I want to hug you.Mr.Children85rank/position

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” Mr.Children [(an imitation) blood orange] Tour

Mr.Children, also known as Misuchiru, is a nationally beloved band that has produced many hit ballads since the 1990s.

For people in their 40s, they’re an artist everyone knows when gathering for karaoke.

In particular, “Dakishimetai” is a song that many may feel a special connection to.

It’s a relaxed ballad in a key that’s easy for the average male singer, so take your time and sing it with feeling.

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zunx2P

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instinctShiina Ringo86rank/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 T87rank/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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innocent worldMr.Children88rank/position

Mr.Children 「innocent world」 MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.

Children’s iconic song “innocent world,” which reigned at the center of 1990s J-pop, continues to be loved across generations for its moving message.

It’s a karaoke staple that still evokes fresh emotion every time you hear it.

With its exhilarating sound and comfortable vocals, singing it at karaoke is sure to brighten the atmosphere around you.

It’s a tune that not only appeals to a specific audience but is easy for a wide range of listeners to hum along to, leading many to reevaluate it as a memorable classic.

While some parts are not easy to sing, that challenge makes it all the more rewarding—so we hope you’ll give it a try at least once.

Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo89rank/position

Marunouchi Sadistic

It’s a stylish, quirky sound with jazz and blues elements, isn’t it? In fact, one of my students who had a limited range and couldn’t hit very high notes practiced this song many times in vocal training.

The overall range isn’t wide and it’s sung mainly in the mid register, but there are a few higher spots in the chorus.

As long as you catch the rhythm and nail the timing there, you’ll be able to sing them smoothly! Since the song is all about rhythm, it’s important to mark the beats clearly—even a bit exaggerated.

If you move with the groove while singing, it helps you relax and keeps you from pushing your voice, so I really want you to lean into the cool vibe.

Also, you’ll probably notice this once you’re in the groove, but be sure to cut off the notes cleanly where needed and give space its due as you sing.

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Kubota Mami

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Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu90rank/position

[Full Lyrics Included] Midsummer Fruit – Southern All Stars (monogataru cover)

Since their debut, the five-piece rock band Southern All Stars has continued to be supported by a wide range of listeners as one of the bands that perfectly suit the summer seaside.

Chosen as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane, directed by the band’s vocalist Keisuke Kuwata, this track evokes the passing scenes of summer with a sentimental atmosphere that really tugs at the heart.

The melody isn’t particularly difficult, but if you pay attention to Kuwata’s signature slightly laid-back vocal phrasing, you’ll get closer to the original vibe.

It’s a karaoke song we hope will be sung not only by those in their 40s—who grew up with it—but also by younger generations.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Point of No ReturnCHEMISTRY meets S.O.S.91rank/position

CHEMISTRY “My Gift to You” Official Video

Another must-sing song is “Point of No Return” by CHEMISTRY, a male duo that represents the Heisei era.

The song’s selling point is, without a doubt, its harmonies.

If possible, I recommend splitting Dochin’s and Kawabata’s parts and singing it as a duo.

Since it starts right from the chorus, it’s best to lift the energy from the very beginning.

For the part that feels like “a guy who’s lost and heartbroken,” please sing gently.

Speaking of CHEMISTRY, it brings back memories of TV Tokyo’s popular show ASAYAN.

I bet many of you watched it.

Ami Suzuki, Morning Musume, Chizuru Ikewaki, Daisuke Asakura, and others all came from that show.

It’s a highly recommended song that’s full of memories in every way.