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

budKobukuro57rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Kobukuro’s “Tsubomi” is also quite a masterpiece, so it’s a song I’d love for you to sing whether solo or as a duo.

Since Kobukuro are a duo, the vocal range is fairly wide at A#2–A#4, and Kuroda’s part is quite low, so if you’re singing with two people, taking Kuroda’s part might be a good idea! By the way, when I sang this song I had a male partner; I left all the main melody to him and stuck to the harmony! The harmonies in this song are beautiful, so if you have a partner, definitely try tackling the harmonies too! Overall, try singing it with a calm vibe so it doesn’t become too forceful.

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Kubota Mami

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Love will winKAN58rank/position

Aiwa Katsu

This was KAN’s 8th single, released in September 1990.

It was originally used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV,” but after being featured as an insert song on Fuji TV’s “Yamachan’s Yamada Katsutenai TV,” it gained popularity and became a record-breaking long seller.

If you’re in your 40s, you probably experienced this hit in real time.

The melody is very familiar and easy to remember, so I imagine many people recall it vividly along with their memories from that time.

The tune is approachable, with no particularly difficult high or low notes, and the rhythmic pattern is simple, making it a great choice for those who aren’t confident singers to pick for karaoke.

There aren’t any especially tricky parts—so just sing it with energy and get the crowd going!

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Kei Takahata

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appearsHamasaki Ayumi59rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki / appears

If you came of age in the late 1990s to early 2000s, there’s a good chance you looked up to Ayumi Hamasaki as a role model.

In Japan’s music scene, she ranks first among female solo artists in total CD sales, and with her charismatic presence—including her fashion—she sparked the “Ayu” boom.

Many of her songs feature soaring high tones one after another, which might make some people feel hesitant about singing them.

For those people, we recommend “appears,” released in 1999.

Compared to her other tracks, its melody has fewer wide interval jumps, so even those with lower voices will find it easier to sing at karaoke if they adjust the key.

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KOH-1

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That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando60rank/position

That's Important (30th Anniversary)

DaijiMAN Brothers Band, a group that gained popularity for their catchy musicality.

They’re known as a so-called one-hit wonder, but the fact that they left behind even a single classic like “Sore ga Daiji” is remarkable.

The song is a straightforward cheer anthem, and its melody matches the lyrics perfectly—simple and direct, without relying on intricate techniques.

That’s why even women in their 40s who may find it harder to project their voices should be able to sing it without any trouble.

It’s also a song of its generation, so it should really liven up the room at karaoke!

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Ryo

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KanadeSukima Suichi61rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

Sukima Switch’s classic “Kanade” gets as high as A#4 toward the latter half, so it may seem difficult, but the first half stays in the low–mid range (D3–A#4), making it a great choice for lower-voiced women as well.

It’s a song almost everyone knows, so it’s definitely one to add to your repertoire! If you’re not used to the chorus range yet, it’s fine to lower the key a bit.

It’s absolutely better to sing in a key that’s comfortable for you than to force the original key, so try finding the key that suits your voice.

The key point is to sing gently.

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Kubota Mami

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astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN62rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

This is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s third single, released in March 2001.

It was used as an insert song in the drama “Tentaikansoku” (Stargazing).

While there are many key points to master if you really delve into the singing, the melody itself is crafted to be easy and fun to hum along to.

So even people who don’t sing often can casually pick it at karaoke and enjoy it.

For men in their 40s, I bet quite a few of you covered this song in a band back when you were in your teens or twenties.

Go back to those younger days and enjoy belting it out to your heart’s content.

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Kei Takahata

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I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki63rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

A signature song by Noriyuki Makihara, distinguished by its heartwarming melody that embraces both the ache of heartbreak and a brave front.

It gently portrays memories of a former lover and the nostalgia of everyday life, while the protagonist’s resolve to move forward resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in May 1992, it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “After the Children Are Asleep.” Included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” it became a major hit, ranking 7th on Oricon’s year-end chart.

This piece is a companion for those standing at life’s crossroads.

When you gather with friends for karaoke, its universally relatable lyrics and melody are sure to warm the heart.