I enjoy singing along with various jpop CDs and anime opening/closing songs and am attempting to find karaoke versions for some of these, with mixed success. I'm also on the lookout for new songs to try. I've got the Karaoke version of the Kinki Kids singles and am considering looking to see if SMAP have released a Karaoke version of their singles (Although I feel a lot of their songs are a bit too similar). However maybe there are some better suggestions out there. Which songs are popularly sung by men in Japan? (not counting Elvis)
Actually some of my favourite songs have come from Anime and are sung by females. e.g. Poi Poi Peace, which is Tomo-chans character song from the Azumanga Dioh vocal collection. I'm also currently keen on 'Reflection' by Megumi Hayashibara, which is the Slayers Great ending theme, both of which aren't too feminine and I could probably get away with. Anyone know of any good anime male songs. Generally I prefer more dynamic songs with lots of lines, because they're more fun to translate.
Karaoke versions often appear on CD singles, which tend to have a short shelf life. I might be able to get some of these second hand (and practice my japanese emailing skills) I've spotted some as dodgy downloads, but would prefer to get the CDs if possible.
Alan
NB. As well as the Kinki Kids Karaoke CD, I've got:
Karaoke Candypot 90's & Karaoke Candypot 2000
Uta Uua (The Doreme children's TV series song album)
There's also karaoke versions of the anime opening/closing songs on the Mahoromatic Soundtrack albums, but these aren't suitable to be sung by a man. Similarly there's karaoke versions of the opening/closing songs on the Punipuni poemi soundtrack, which aren't suitable to be sung by anyone, but there's a great radio play on that disc. Why are all the anime karaoke versions I've got unsuitable? Don't answer that.
Edit: I've just ordered a secondhand CD single for Reflection from animejungle. Well hopefully. I've had mixed experiences using my credit card for foreign internet orders. Also cdjapan appears to have the azumanga cd singles (assuming they actually can get them); so I might be getting the tomo-chan one. Maybe also the chiyo-chan one, if it has the tsukurimashou song.