Songs that get the crowd going at karaoke. Showa-era classics that people of all generations can enjoy.

School HeavenFingā 5

Gakuen Tengoku

When it comes to school songs, this is the one many people think of first! Its lyrics depicting the scene of wanting to sit next to a popular classmate, along with the lively sound, are its charms.

Just the shouted call in the intro is enough to get everyone hyped.

Released in March 1974 as Finger Five’s fourth single, the song remains enduringly popular.

Kyoko Koizumi’s cover was even used as the theme song for the drama “Aishiatteru Kai!”, and it continues to be loved today.

When you go to karaoke with friends or coworkers, you can have them keep the rhythm with hand claps or chorus parts, too.

YOUNG MANSaijō Hideki

Hideki Saijo – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

This is the 28th single by singer Hideki Saijo, who, alongside Hiromi Go and Goro Noguchi, captivated fans as part of the “New Big Three” of the pop music world.

It was released in February 1979.

It’s a bold cover that transforms the original hit by Village People—then topping the charts—into an anthem cheering on young people.

It was a massive hit, spending five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon charts, so there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know it! The choreography spelling out the four letters of the alphabet with the whole body is something just about everyone tried at least once back then, isn’t it? Featured in Y!mobile commercials, the song is recognized across generations.

Pick it at karaoke and you’re sure to get the crowd going.

Everyone, bring back the vibes of that time—sing and dance along!

240 Million Eyes -Exotic Japan-Gō Hiromi

Hiromi Go “240 Million Eyes - Exotic Japan -” from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Hiromi Go Concert Tour 2024 Initial G”

Though remarkably original for its time, this signature song by Hiromi Go was crafted squarely within the framework of Showa-era hits.

It features a dazzling, visually evocative melody and a grand-scale theme that amplifies the heat of the entire Japanese archipelago and the stirrings of romance.

Released in February 1984 as his 50th single, it was chosen as the campaign song for the final tourism campaign by Japanese National Railways.

With plenty of easy call-and-response moments, it’s a karaoke staple.

Even those lacking confidence in their singing have nothing to fear—once you find a key that suits you, it’s not hard to master.

It’s a song everyone can sing together across generations and really get the crowd going!

DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina

(14) [Official] Akina Nakamori / DESIRE -Passion- (~Yume~ ’91 Akina Nakamori Special Live at Makuhari Messe, July 28 & 29, 1991)

Akina Nakamori, the legendary idol who defined an era.

With her overwhelmingly expressive performances wrapped in an adult aura, she remains a singer with enduring, devoted popularity.

Among her songs, the one I recommend is this 14th single, released in February 1986.

Its impactful lyrics and catchy melody are outstanding.

Since the melody sits in a lower register for a female singer, it does call for somewhat advanced dynamics, but it should still be relatively easy to sing even for those who aren’t very confident at karaoke.

Loved across generations, it’s sure to get the crowd going at post-party karaoke and similar occasions.

Get WildTM NETWORK

TM NETWORK | Get Wild（from How Do You Crash It？）

This work combines a sense of speed like racing through the city at night with a powerful message about facing hardships while sharing pain and dreams.

The story-like lyrics penned by Mitsuko Komuro make it no exaggeration to call it a national song with outstanding recognition across generations.

Released as a single in April 1987, it became TM NETWORK’s first song to break into the Top Ten and stands as one of their signature tracks.

It’s also included on the classic album “Gift for Fanks.” Created with the intention of serving as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter, it excels in delivering a refreshing vibe that links seamlessly with the series.

It’s easy to sing at karaoke and extremely popular, so if you want to liven up a party, definitely consider adding it to your setlist next time.

Ah, heartlessAn Ruisu

ANN LEWIS w/PINX “Ah, Heartless” A.A.OH! ’91 LIVE at Nakano Sunplaza

Despite its archaic-sounding title steeped in a blend of Japanese and Western sensibilities, this smash hit by Ann Lewis dazzles with a glittering, hard-hitting rock sound.

With an instantly memorable melody and an explosive chorus that commands attention, the song portrays a powerful female figure that feels emblematic of its era.

Released in April 1986 and later included on the classic album “Yujo,” it continued to win support over the years, even serving as the theme song for the 2006 drama “Fushin no Toki: Woman Wars.” It’s perfect not only for getting the crowd going at karaoke, but also for boosting your own energy.

From the very first notes of the intro, it lights up the room—so be sure to add it to your repertoire.

Seventeen-Year-Old’s MapOzaki Yutaka

[Official] Yutaka Ozaki “Seventeen’s Map” (LIVE CORE IN TOKYO DOME 1988/9/12) [2nd Single] YUTAKA OZAKI / SEVENTEEN’S MAP

While enjoying charismatic popularity for music that directly expressed youthful conflict and rebellion, singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki passed away at the young age of 26.

This work, in which he passionately sings about themes such as the repressed daily lives of teenage boys and the absence of a place to belong, carries a razor-sharp atmosphere that seems to speak for the loneliness and impatience of youth.

It is the title track of his debut album released in December 1983, and it was re-released as his second single in March 1984.

The B-side features “OH MY LITTLE GIRL.” Although it had no major tie-in, it has been quoted by many TV programs.

It is an immortal classic that we hope people will belt out at karaoke across generations, recalling both the suffocation and the power of their adolescence.