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!

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

Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Kiss Me Here.

Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo

This song is striking for Ringo Sheena’s translucent vocals and its sultry melody.

The lyrics, which express aching love through skillful metaphors, pierce deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released in January 1999 as the title track of a single, it was also used as the ending theme for Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV’s “Downtown DX.” If you sing it at karaoke, the key is to pour your emotions into it just as the lyrics suggest.

If you can convey the complex feelings of a woman in love, you’re sure to captivate those around you.

It’s perfect both as everyday background music and for times when you’re carrying the pain of love—be sure to give it a listen.

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A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Long and Short Festival

A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo

This song, which portrays both the frenzy and the fleeting nature of summer festivals, was released as a digital download in July 2015 and then as a CD single in August of the same year.

Also used as Coca-Cola’s summer campaign song, it features lyrics packed with Shiina Ringo’s signature wordplay and distinctive worldview.

With “a woman in her prime” as its theme, it depicts the protagonist’s complex emotions, leaving a strong impression of someone who tries to liven up those around her while carrying loneliness.

Its rhythmic, pleasantly catchy melody has made it a karaoke staple.

It’s a perfect track for making summer memories—why not give it a sing?

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GibbsShiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo – Gibbs

GibbsShiina Ringo

Released in January 2000 as Shiina Ringo’s first ballad single, this song was actually written at age 17 for her then-partner.

Since she had performed it at concerts and events since her debut, fans had been eagerly awaiting its release.

It debuted at No.

3 on the Oricon chart and became a major hit, selling over 400,000 copies in its first week.

Its distinctive word choices and delicate emotional expression are captivating, making it a popular karaoke pick as well.

With lyrics that explore the complexities of love and the fragility of human relationships, it resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to listen to it with someone special.

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CappuccinoShiina Ringo

Cappuccino

CappuccinoShiina Ringo

Here’s the song that Ringo Sheena—known for her distinctive turns of phrase and sharp insight—wrote for Rie Tomosaka.

It was released in 1999, and later Sheena herself recorded a self-cover.

Using a cappuccino—blending sweetness and bitterness—as its motif, it portrays the complex emotions of romance.

The lyrics, which deftly capture a young woman’s growth and budding feelings of love, seem to resonate with many listeners.

With a simple melody and a catchy rhythm, it’s also a popular choice for karaoke.

It’s a perfect track for those troubled by love or those who want to savor a more mature romance.

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Partners on the road to freedomShiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Companion on the Road to Freedom

Partners on the road to freedomShiina Ringo

Among the songs by Ringo Sheena, an artist who revolutionized the music scene, this track—released in May 2012 as a digital-only single—is known for its exhilarating, fast-paced rock sound.

Written as the theme song for the TBS drama “ATARU,” its lyrics strikingly portray a fierce pursuit of freedom and the inner struggles along the way.

Paired with its energetic arrangement, it stirs the listener’s heart.

Combined with Sheena’s distinctive vocal prowess, it’s a rewarding challenge for karaoke as well.

It’s the perfect song for times when you want to reclaim your true self or take a bold new step forward.

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I am a cat’s eye.Shiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo – I Am a Cat’s Eye

I am a cat's eye.Shiina Ringo

Released in May 2024, “I Am a Cat’s Eye” is a track that shines with her characteristic literary flair and cynical social critique.

It features a distinctive worldview and a catchy melody line, making it an easy song to tackle at karaoke.

The participation of skilled musicians, including Rino Tokitsu from Loretta Sekohan, also drew attention.

Issued to commemorate Ms.

Shiina’s 25th debut anniversary, the work sharply depicts the contradictions of modern society and the psychology of its people.

The lyrics urge the importance of living by your own sensibilities without worrying about public opinion, likely resonating with many listeners.

When singing it—especially the first verse—it’s best to memorize the lyrics well beforehand for confidence.

The key is not to overexert yourself when you sing.

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[Ringo Sheena] A roundup of karaoke songs that are easy for beginners to sing (21–30)

Life is full of dreams.Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Life Is Full of Dreams

Life is full of dreams.Shiina Ringo

This is a self-cover track included on the 2017 album “Gyakuyunyuu ~Koukuukyoku~,” originally written as the song for the 2016 Kanpo Life Insurance commercial featuring Mitsuki Takahata.

It’s a classic brimming with a sunny charm that affirms one’s own life, and it’s also been chosen as the theme song for the film “Kobikicho no Adauchi,” slated for release in 2026.

Among Ringo’s songs, it’s relatively free of quirks, with a melody line you can easily anticipate, making it easy to hum along to even on first listen.

In particular, you’ll want to nail the long sustained note at the end.

Be sure to decide exactly where you’ll breathe in advance.

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