Akina Nakamori’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]

Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina1rank/position

[Official] Akina Nakamori / “Tears Aren’t Just for Show” (Live in ’87: A HUNDRED days at Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Kaikan, 1987-10-17) AKINA NAKAMORI

A signature hit from Akina Nakamori that represents the 1990s! Released in November 1984, this song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and ranked sixth on the year-end singles chart for 1985, becoming a massive hit with over 620,000 copies sold.

Singing about the transience of human relationships, loneliness, and the strength to be honest with one’s own feelings, this piece symbolizes Nakamori’s turning point from idol to artist.

With lyrics that resonate across generations and a beautiful melody, it’s perfect for singing at karaoke with your boss or clients.

DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina2rank/position

DESIRE -jounetsu-

The “DESIRE style,” combining traditional Japanese attire, a short bob, and distinctive choreography, became a social phenomenon.

It’s a song where you can really feel Akina’s bold side.

Singing with a slightly lower, cool tone should match the atmosphere very well.

The range doesn’t venture much into high notes, and the A-melody is quite low for many female singers.

If you imagine pushing out a mass of breath in front of you and release your voice slowly, your body will resonate and it becomes easier to produce the sound.

For the chorus, open up your voice with a stylish, confident flair! It always gets the crowd going, so it’s highly recommended.

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Kubota Mami

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DESIRENakamori Akina3rank/position

Akina Nakamori - DESIRE

It’s Akina Nakamori’s 14th single, released in February 1986.

Showa-era J-pop often features straightforward melodies, and this song is no exception.

It’s also a track that’s relatively easy to score high on in karaoke.

However, there are many low-pitched parts, so be sure to project properly so your voice doesn’t get buried.

If you can produce a slightly gritty, weighty low tone like Akina Nakamori’s, that would be perfect!

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Kei Takahata

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Slow motionNakamori Akina4rank/position

[Official] Akina Nakamori 'Slow Motion (from “Hajimemashite”)' [1st Single (Released May 1, 1982)] Akina Nakamori / Slow Motion

A sweet yet wistful classic that captures the moment of a fateful encounter.

This is Akina Nakamori’s debut single, released in May 1982.

Etsuko Kisugi’s lyrics and Takao Kisugi’s melody are perfectly in harmony, beautifully portraying the fluttering heart of a young girl captivated by someone she meets on the beach.

The transparent vocals and the arrangement that makes time feel as if it flows slowly leave a strong impression.

Also included on the album “Prologue (Jomaku),” this masterpiece later led to a revival hit.

Highly recommended for those seeking a heartwarming love song or wanting to recall the feeling of falling in love for the first time.

Girl ANakamori Akina5rank/position

Shoujo A (2012 Remastered)

Akina Nakamori’s second single, which brought a fresh breeze to the idol scene of the 1980s.

Portraying the inner world of a defiant girl, this song played a crucial role in establishing her rebellious image.

Released in July 1982, it became Nakamori’s first hit and a turning point in her career.

The lyrics, themed around adolescent conflict and self-discovery, resonated with many young listeners and are vividly conveyed through Nakamori’s distinctive vocal timbre and expressive delivery.

This track evokes the complex emotions of youth along with a sense of nostalgia, and it’s a great choice when you want to get everyone energized at karaoke.