Recommended Japanese pop songs for karaoke for men in their 30s

Goodbye, Regretkururi

Quruli – Goodbye Regret

Quruli is a band that has enjoyed long-lasting popularity thanks to its distinctive musicality.

Among their songs is a classic that gently accompanies the slightly wistful air of autumn.

The track portrays a delicate emotional state that quietly bids farewell to regrets about days gone by and tries to look ahead.

Its sparkling piano melody and warm sound seem to softly kindle hope within the sadness.

Released in September 2008 as a commemorative disc for the Kyoto Music Expo, it’s also likely familiar as the song used in House Foods’ “Java Curry” commercial.

Later included on the acclaimed album “Tamashii no Yukue,” this piece features a beautiful, singable melody, making it a great choice to add to your karaoke repertoire when you want an autumnal song.

Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa

Love Story Suddenly – Kazumasa Oda

The song “Love Story wa Totsuzen ni” is a famous track performed as the theme song for Tokyo Love Story, a hugely popular TV drama based on Fumi Saimon’s manga that aired from January 1991 and became a social phenomenon.

It’s a very sleek and stylish song, making it a recommended karaoke choice for people in their 30s.

Hungry SpiderMakihara Noriyuki

Hungry Spider – Noriyuki Makihara (cover)

Noriyuki Makihara’s song “Hungry Spider” features a bright Latin rhythm driven by the percussive conga beat that lifts your spirits, making it a lively, fun track guaranteed to get everyone excited at karaoke.

The song was the theme for the TV drama “Labyrinth,” which aired starting in April 1999.

Parting CitySuzuki Masayuki

Masayuki Suzuki – The City of Farewells ~ Live at Club Martini

The song “Wakare no Machi,” sung by Masayuki Suzuki, is a sophisticated, urbane track whose saxophone tone further enhances its allure.

It’s a captivating number that exudes the charm of a refined adult when sung at karaoke.

Released in September 1989 as Suzuki’s seventh single, the song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda.

Snow TrainMaekawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Maekawa “Snow Train”

“Yuki Ressha” (“Snow Train”) is a warm song that wraps your whole body in a sense of bliss—the kind you feel in winter when you sip sake, nibble on oden, and sing just tipsy enough.

With lyrics by Shigesato Itoi, music by Ryuichi Sakamoto, and vocals by Kiyoshi Maekawa, it’s a soothing mood-kayō (Japanese popular ballad) karaoke track I especially recommend for people in their thirties who feel mentally and physically worn out.

Shadows of YouthZaitsu Kazuo

The Shadow of Youth (Tulip) Song: Kazuo Zaitsu

Written and composed by Kazuo Zaizu, “Seishun no Kage” was released in June 1974 as Tulip’s sixth single.

Even after roughly forty years, it remains a timeless proposal song dedicated to a beloved woman.

It’s a classic you’ll want to sing at karaoke when you want to confess your love or propose to your girlfriend.

First loveMurashita Kōzō

Kozo Murashita “Hatsukoi” Music Video

If you still harbor a lingering regret in your heart about never telling the girl you liked back in your school days how you felt—wishing you had confessed back then—then, should you get the chance to go to karaoke at something like a class reunion after-party, I highly recommend singing Kozo Murashita’s “Hatsukoi” in front of her as a subtle message song to let her know you liked her.