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

EverythingMISIA50rank/position

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

MISIA is a female singer with a five-octave range and overwhelming expressive power that vividly evokes scenes, earning her support both in Japan and abroad.

Her 7th single “Everything,” used as the theme song for the TV drama “Yamato Nadeshiko,” became a massive hit and the best-selling single by a female artist in the 2000s.

While it’s relatively easy to sing compared to other MISIA songs, techniques like the falsetto in the chorus can easily cause pitch errors, so be careful when singing it at karaoke.

It’s a classic winter song that we hope will be sung not only by those in their 40s—the generation who grew up with it—but also by younger listeners.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Kiss me right nowLINDBERG51rank/position

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

LINDBERG is a rock band that was hugely successful in the 1990s.

Known for their energetic, upbeat pop-rock sound, the group has produced many classic songs.

Among them, “Ima Sugu Kiss Me” stands out as a particularly memorable piece.

While the song leans toward pop rock and maintains tremendous energy throughout, it surprisingly doesn’t feature sustained long notes in the mid-to-high or higher registers.

The overall vocal range isn’t especially wide, so even women with lower voices should be able to sing it comfortably in an appropriate key.

A gentle feelingChara52rank/position

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Chara, a female singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her distinctive musicality.

Many women in their 40s might have been fans of hers, right? Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yasashii Kimochi.

It’s a track that balances both a gothic feel and cuteness.

The vocal range is on the higher side at mid2 A# to hi D#, but the overall span is relatively narrow.

Using breath-based techniques such as hiccups can instantly elevate the quality, so try singing while referencing her breathing style.

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Ryo

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At all times.Makihara Noriyuki53rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

A signature work by Noriyuki Makihara that delivers a universal message about living true to yourself, carried by a powerful yet gentle melody.

It’s a classic imbued with a strong resolve to value your true self, even while grappling with doubts and anxieties in life.

Also included on the album “Who Will You Share a Happy Yawn With?”, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies within six months of its June 1991 release.

It was chosen as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1992.

The melody is marked by an acoustic guitar and a calm tempo, making it easy to sing.

It’s a song that resonates at life’s crossroads or when you feel you might lose yourself, and it’s cherished by many.

threadNakajima Miyuki54rank/position

thread

Since her debut in 1975, Miyuki Nakajima has produced numerous hit songs as a genius singer-songwriter, all the while maintaining a mysterious, solitary presence that continues to shine even in the Reiwa era.

Among her many masterpieces, Ito is one of her most famous songs, first appearing on the 1992 album EAST ASIA.

From the 2010s onward, it was used as background music on television programs, boosting its household recognition, and in 2020 a film inspired by the song was released—testament to its immeasurable influence.

Of course, it’s challenging to capture the expressive nuance that someone like Nakajima brings, but the melody line is easy to sing, so in terms of karaoke difficulty it’s relatively low—making it a great choice for those aiming for a high score.

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KOH-1

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Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato55rank/position

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

Known as a bittersweet love song, this piece is one of Chisato Moritaka’s signature tracks.

Set against the backdrop of the Watarase River at dusk, it delicately portrays the protagonist’s feelings as she reflects on a past romance.

Released in January 1993, the song was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “Ii Tabi Yume Kibun,” resonating deeply with many listeners.

It is also known as the first song in which Moritaka performed an instrument, showcasing the breadth of her musical talent.

When singing it at karaoke, delivering it with rich emotion will surely elevate the atmosphere of the venue.

HANABIMr.Children56rank/position

Mr.Children「HANABI」from TOUR 2017 Thanksgiving 25

Mr.

Children’s “HANABI,” known for being chosen as the theme song of the smash-hit TV drama Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.

Men in their 40s may have no end of daily worries, but listening to this song might give you courage.

Mr.

Children are a karaoke staple among staples, so you can hype things up with people of any generation! Try savoring and singing the memorable lines in the chorus.

It’s a song that really gets everyone excited when sung together.

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miyabi

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