Lovely karaoke song

[Ringo Sheena] A roundup of karaoke songs that are easy to sing even for beginners

Vocal coachKubota Mami
After working as a voice trainer at a studio for seven years, I went independent in 2025. To date, I’ve taught more than 300 students. Honestly, I started teaching out of simple curiosity (lol). When I was job hunting, I stumbled across a listing for a “vocal instructor,” thought, “What is this?!” and applied on impulse. That’s how I became a teacher with zero prior knowledge—so I went through more training than anyone and studied a lot on my own. When I started teaching what I’d learned to my students, their responses were really positive, and that’s when I felt a real sense of purpose. As a teacher, I absolutely love those moments when I’m growing together with my students. As for my musical activities, I’ve been playing bass in a wind ensemble since high school and still do. I’ve also performed live in a band as a singing bassist, and sometimes I’m invited to sing as a vocalist only. Through vocal training, I want to keep using my voice and stay healthy and beautiful for years to come!
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Ringo Sheena is a singer-songwriter with a one-of-a-kind personality and an original sensibility, who transformed Japan’s J-pop scene through her exceptional self-production skills.

Countless artists have been influenced by her, and even in the 2020s her presence remains overwhelming.

Many of her massive hits are also popular karaoke choices, but plenty of people struggle with her distinctive word choices, phrasing, and melodic lines.

In this article, we’ve picked out relatively easy-to-sing songs and compiled them across different eras.

We also share tips for singing them at karaoke, so take this opportunity to check it out!

[Shiina Ringo] A Roundup of Karaoke Songs Easy for Beginners to Sing (1–10)

A faint layer of ice over a warm heartShiina Ringo

A Double Suicide

A faint layer of ice over a warm heartShiina Ringo

This classic single by Megumi Hayashibara was released in February 2016, produced and newly written by Ringo Sheena.

It served as the opening theme for the anime “Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju,” a track rich in Japanese flair, sensuality, and drama.

In 2017, Sheena also included her self-cover on the album “Reverse Import: Aeronautical Bureau.” When singing it, avoid belting; let some breath escape as you sing to instantly create the mood.

It can also work well if you avoid crisp enunciation and deliver it in a slightly murmured tone.

Try not to strain your throat—sing with a gently elevated energy so your pitch doesn’t drop and your voice comes out easily.

Since it uses a lot of breath, stay relaxed with diaphragmatic breathing and sing it through to the end.

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carnationShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – Carnation

carnationShiina Ringo

This is a song written specifically as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Carnation.” It’s a grand ballad featuring an orchestra of about 40 players, imbued with prayers for the strength of women, motherhood, and all living things.

You’ll likely find it far easier to sing than Ringo Sheena’s rock-oriented songs.

However, if the chorus doesn’t swell enough, the atmosphere can fall flat, so it’s recommended for those who want to sing out with full voice.

Throughout, make sure to lift your eyebrows and facial muscles firmly and maintain a resonant placement!

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an open secretShiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo – Public Secret

an open secretShiina Ringo

This is the theme song for the Friday Night Drama “Jikou Keisatsu Hajimemashita,” which began streaming on September 30, 2019.

The track itself features a driving ensemble, crafted to match the show’s surreal comedy-mystery vibe.

The music video too, but the song exudes a mature allure, and the rhythm and groove are crucial.

If you want to imitate Ringo-san, try singing with the corners of your mouth slightly raised and a subtly superior air.

That should give you just the right feel.

Don’t overdo it, but keeping the corners of your mouth up generally helps maintain a resonant placement, which should let you produce a stable voice.

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[Ringo Sheena] A roundup of karaoke songs that are easy to sing even for beginners (11–20)

Sid and DaydreamsShiina Ringo

Sid To Hakuchuumu -Sid & Daydreams-

Sid and DaydreamsShiina Ringo

A swingy arrangement that served as the B-side to Ringo Sheena’s third single “Mayonaka wa Junketsu” and was also included on the 10th-anniversary edition “Watashi to Hoden.” It’s a jazz-tinged rock number featuring accordion.

Since the vibe shifts between the chorus and the other sections, it’s easy to speed up when singing, so be careful.

Rather than moving forward as you sing, I think a side-to-side sway will help you keep the rhythm.

It’s also recommended for those who want to enjoy strong dynamic contrasts! Especially the ad-libs around the very end as it fades out—you can sing them freely and still sound cool!

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trend; fashion; vogue; popular; epidemic (context-dependent)Shiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo – Trend

trend; fashion; vogue; popular; epidemic (context-dependent)Shiina Ringo

The music unit Maboroshi features Mummy-D on rap and Tomoyasu Takeuchi on guitar, delivering an urban hip-hop sound with a sophisticated, adult vibe.

Rather than singing it solo, it’s best enjoyed singing along with someone and getting into the groove together.

As the song progresses, there are some higher notes, but you don’t need to force them to sound cool.

The groove is everything, so keep it steady from start to finish.

Try to feel it with your whole body while really listening to the drums and handclaps.

And if you’ve got some room to spare, definitely give the English part at the end a try!

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Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo

Marunouchi Sadistic

Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo

It’s a song notable for lyrics that depict a young woman’s complex emotions and fragments of urban life.

Set in Marunouchi, one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts, it deftly portrays the realities of work facing today’s youth and the emptiness of city living.

Phrases that symbolize a deep passion for music and a momentary escape from daily tedium are woven throughout, showcasing Ringo Sheena’s keen eye for social observation.

Included on her debut album Innocence Moratorium, released in February 1999, the track has been repeatedly covered by many artists and is acclaimed as a timeless classic.

With its rhythmic, catchy melody, it’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session.

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The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo

This is a song that captures listeners’ hearts with its distinctive lyrics and melody.

The lyrics, which weave feelings for a loved one from a philosophical perspective, evoke a worldview that is quintessentially Sheena Ringo.

Released in May 1998 as an 8 cm single and later issued as a 12 cm single, it was also included on her debut album, Muzai Moratorium, making it a key track that marked the start of her musical career.

When singing it at karaoke, you need to pay attention to its unique rhythm and inflection, but that makes it all the more rewarding to practice.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to think deeply about love and life.

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