[2026] Crowd-Pleaser Songs for the After-Party: Trending Hits and All-Time Classics

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Hai Yorokonde, which was also performed at the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and went mega-viral in 2024, is the smash hit that propelled multi-creator Kocchi no Kento to nationwide fame.

While calling it a “gag” might not be quite right since the song is based on the artist’s own experiences with bipolar disorder, its playful touches—like the dance in the MV that blew up on social media and lyrics modeled after Morse code—keep it from feeling heavy and instead make it an upbeat, feel-good track.

That sense of balance is wonderful, isn’t it? It’s great to sing solo or with friends—be sure to fire it up at karaoke!

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Tonight is a Hearty PartyJuice=Juice

Juice=Juice “Hearty Party Tonight” Promotion Edit

This work, a cover of Mariya Takeuchi’s classic song, is brimming with fun and warmth.

It portrays how people forget their everyday worries and gain energy for tomorrow through parties with friends.

It’s included on a single set for release in February 2025 and has also been chosen as a TV program theme.

When it was first performed at the Nippon Budokan in November 2024, the Christmas party–themed production reportedly brought the house down.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to enjoy time with friends or when you need a boost of energy.

Rising SunEXILE

EXILE / Rising Sun -short version-

It’s a charity song released by EXILE as a support song for the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The song embodies the idea that if you keep moving forward without giving up, you will surely see the light.

If you’re good at dancing, try doing a perfect copy of the choreography and showcase a high-quality performance—it’s a song that will move people.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

This song, which became a huge hit, was released as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, a member of SMAP.

It’s a song that everyone, young and old, knows, and the choreography is just simple hand movements, so it’s not difficult.

It’s a fun song to sing together in a big chorus.

Banzai ~I’m glad I love you~Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

Released as Ulfuls’ 10th single, this song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” It isn’t particularly difficult to perform, so try covering it with your band to get the crowd fired up.

Being human is nicegagaga DX

Gagaga DX “It’s Great to Be Human”

This is a cover song used in the commercial for Nissan’s Serena, originally the ending theme of the TV show Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi (Japan’s Folktales).

Despite its cute lyrics, when you go all-in with a super rock style, the contrast is amusing and makes it a fun piece for a playful performance.

Dancing HeroOginome Yōko

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.]

Since the original version was released in 1985, this signature song by Yoko Oginome garnered renewed attention 32 years later.

In 2017, it was chosen as the track for Osaka Prefectural Tomioka High School’s dance club’s “Bubble Dance,” gaining cross-generational popularity.

The song is known as a Japanese-language cover of “Eat You Up” by British singer Angie Gold.

Blending disco-pop rhythms with Oginome’s powerful vocals, its striking lyrics portray a “Cinderella Boy” dancing the night away in the city.

It’s a perfect pick to liven up after-parties and events, with an appeal that transcends generations.