Recommended for women in their 60s! Songs that get the crowd going at karaoke

Oneway GenerationHonda Minako

Oneway Generation

Minako Honda, who made a dazzling transformation from idol singer to musical theater star.

Since her debut in 1985, she shone on the idol scene while also taking on classical music and musicals, showcasing activities that transcended genres.

She successfully held her first concert at the Nippon Budokan and, in 1988, formed the female rock band MINAKO with WILD CATS.

In her debut year, she won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist, earning high acclaim for her talent.

Chosen from 12,000 candidates to play Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, she captivated audiences with her outstanding vocal ability and expressive power.

As a songstress who combines a powerful voice with graceful poise, she is highly recommended for those seeking music of the highest quality.

Song of Circumnavigating Lake BiwaKatō Tokiko

Lake Biwa Rowing Song (A Song That Touches the Heart)

Gaining nationwide recognition through Tokiko Kato’s 1971 cover, this song is said to have originated in 1917 (Taisho 6), when words written by Oguchi Taro, a member of the Third High School (now Kyoto University) boat club, were sung to a tune that was popular among the club members at the time.

That tune, “Hitsujigusa,” was composed by Chiaki Yoshida from Niitsu City, Niigata Prefecture, and was published in the magazine Ongakukai in 1915 (Taisho 4).

Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi

Rainy Midosuji (Ouyang Feifei)

This is a classic song that portrays the poignant feelings of a woman walking along Midosuji in Osaka.

It was the single released when Taiwan-born Ouyang Fei Fei made her Japan debut in 1971, and it topped the Oricon chart for nine consecutive weeks.

Composed by The Ventures, the melody is rich with emotion, and Ouyang Fei Fei’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression.

It’s a song that evokes the rain-soaked streets of Osaka and invites listeners to empathize with a woman searching for her lover.

It’s also so familiar and singable that if you perform it at karaoke, people around you will find themselves humming along—perfect for gatherings with friends or a quick mood lift.

Deceived by a guy like HiroshiMizue Takada

Mizue Takada / Fooled by That Hiroshi (1983)

Mizue Takada is an idol singer who gained popularity in the late 1970s with her calm vocals.

Thanks to her musical style, many of her songs are easy to sing, but the one I especially recommend is “Sonna Hiroshi ni Damasarete.” It features a vibe somewhat close to surf music, yet the vocal line itself has gently contained pitch movement, making it very easy to sing.

There are quite a few long tones, but since they fade out, you should be able to sing them without needing much lung capacity.

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Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu

Roppongi Heartbreak

This is a signature classic by Ann Lewis, where overwhelming vocal power meets an urban rock sound.

Released in October 1984, it was used as the opening theme for the TV Asahi drama “Triangle Blue.” Set to a sophisticated melody, it portrays a bittersweet love for a younger man from a modern woman’s perspective.

The emotions of a woman wavering between straightforward affection and complex feelings are brilliantly conveyed through Ann Lewis’s powerful vocals.

Riding the karaoke boom of the time, the song became popular and sold a total of 296,000 copies; it remains beloved by many to this day.

It’s a perfect choice when you want to express both the ache and the passion of love—or when you want to energize a venue with a powerful vocal performance.

I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki

Only Looking at You (2019 Remastered)

As an artist born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Maki Ohguro has captivated many fans with her powerful vocals and compelling performances.

She began performing in bands in high school and made her debut in 1992.

Since then, she has colored the music scene with songs rooted in pop while embracing a wide range of genres, including rock and R&B.

Known for her strong vocals and catchy melodies, she won the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards and the Best 5 Artists at the Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1995.

After overcoming a period of hiatus, she continues to be energetically active today.

Her world, conveyed through powerful singing and lyrics that resonate deeply, is a perfect match for listeners seeking both the strength and warmth that music can offer.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

This song is packed with the charms of Mayo Okamoto as a singer-songwriter and has long been loved as a message song that delivers hope and courage.

It gently conveys the importance of believing in yourself and the bravery to take a step toward tomorrow—a timeless classic.

With calm piano tones and a warm, heartfelt vocal, it resonates deeply.

Since its 1995 release, it has moved many as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance” and was included on the album of the same name, “TOMORROW.” This work will surely give you a gentle push when you feel lost in life or are about to take a new step forward.