[40s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2026]

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke11rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfing Johnny (Full ver.)

Naminori Johnny by Keisuke Kuwata, released under his solo name on July 4, 2001.

It’s a summer tune where the lively rhythm perfectly matches Kuwata’s signature style.

The song was featured in the “No Reason” cola campaign commercial in which he appeared, as well as in a UNIQLO “LifeWear” commercial, and it became a massive hit as his first solo single to sell over a million copies.

It’s said that Kuwata had been holding onto the title since his college days.

In the music video, there’s even a scene of Kuwata himself surfing without a stunt double, so be sure to check that out! The lyrics resonate strongly with men, making it a nostalgic classic you’ll definitely want to sing at karaoke.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem

As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z12rank/position

B'z / As Love Is, As Selfish As I Am, I Won't Hurt Anyone But You

“Ai no mama ni wagamama ni boku wa kimi dake o kizutsukenai” is a song released in 1993 by the rock duo B’z.

Sing it at karaoke and the length of the title alone will be a great conversation starter—instant crowd-pleaser! The track sold over two million copies and achieved an extraordinary run on the Oricon charts, ranking No.

1 for four consecutive weeks.

As a result, it’s beloved across generations as one of B’z’s signature songs.

It was also used as the theme song for the 1993 remake of the TV drama Journey to the West (Saiyuki).

If you’re from the same generation, it might help you bond with others who watched the show too!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo13rank/position

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

Shiina Ringo’s signature song “Koufukuron” (“The Theory of Happiness”).

Unlike her current style, this was a hit from the period when she was singing fairly mainstream pop.

It’s an upbeat track, but the melodies in the A and B sections are deliberately dropped by a semitone to create a sense of unease.

As a result, even though it’s bright pop, it somehow comes across with a bit of a punk edge.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

A gentle feelingChara14rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children15rank/position

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band famed for melodies that pair lyrics in distinctive ways and for songs whose words span themes from the intimate to the global.

Their sixth single, “Tomorrow never knows,” used as the theme song for the TV drama All About Youth (Wakamono no Subete), is known as a major hit that sold over two million copies.

Its message, which traces the journey of life, may resonate differently with listeners in their 40s than it did when they were younger.

As a song everyone knows, it’s also a great, slightly wistful pick for karaoke.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem