Karaoke songs that hype up a wedding after-party

Loverssumika

sumika / Lovers【Music Video】

Sumika’s signature track, bursting with a poppy, refreshing melody, is a blissful number that makes your body start moving all on its own just by listening.

While it’s a love song that expresses feelings for a partner, the lyrics have an appealing, open-hearted warmth.

The chorus features a light, easy-to-clap-along rhythm, making it perfect for getting everyone hyped together.

Released in March 2016 as a double A-side single, the song has been embraced by a wide audience, serving as a theme for Kansai TV’s music program and the popular “Mune-kyun Sukatto” segment on Fuji TV’s “Sukkiri TV Sukatto Japan.” It even took the top spot for “songs you want played at your wedding” in the first half of 2019.

At karaoke parties, adding claps in the chorus or some call-and-response instantly livens up the room.

Its bright vibe also pairs well with drinks—just be careful not to overdo it!

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

Released in August 2014 as Motohiro Hata’s 17th single, this song was chosen as the theme for Toho’s 3D CG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” It’s a gem of a ballad that rides on warm acoustic sounds to depict the importance of those who stay by our side and what we can do for them.

In 2015, it topped the JOYSOUND annual karaoke rankings overall and held the number-one spot for 15 consecutive weeks, continuing to be loved by a wide range of generations.

With its gentle tempo and simple melody line, it’s easy to sing; if everyone sings it together to wrap up a drinking party, it will calm the atmosphere with a soothing vibe.

Choosing it as a cooldown after the excitement can create a memorable moment.

loveHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

A signature song by Gen Hoshino that captivates many with its friendly melody and emotionally resonant lyrics.

Released in October 2016, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu) and became a social phenomenon.

Thanks to the synergy with the drama in which Hoshino himself appeared, the “Koi Dance” spread like wildfire.

It went viral on social media and sparked a wave of people dancing to it.

If you sing this song at a wedding after-party, the venue will be wrapped in an even warmer atmosphere.

While the melody poppily expresses the feeling of being in love and is instantly catchy to listeners, the emotions woven into the lyrics run deep.

GO!!!FLOW

FLOW “GO!!!” Music Video (TV Anime “NARUTO” Opening Theme)

FLOW’s signature song, which took the world by storm as an opening theme for the anime NARUTO, is also a guaranteed hit at drinking parties.

Released in April 2004, the track caused a major stir at the time, entering the Oricon Top 10 for three consecutive weeks.

Its energetic message to dream-chasers and its irresistibly uptempo sound are the big draw.

The shout-and-response in the chorus is perfect for call-and-response—raise your voices together and you’ll feel instant unity! If you keep the original groove but tweak the chorus into a parody, it makes for a great party sing-along.

It’s widely known across generations, so it’s highly recommended for gatherings with a diverse crowd.

ButterflyKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “Butterfly” (Official Music Video)

Known as a staple wedding song, this track was released by Kaela Kimura in 2009.

It’s included on her debut album “HOCUS POCUS,” with lyrics written by Kimura herself.

The straightforward confession of love and lyrics brimming with hope for a happy future are particularly memorable, and it was also used as the background music when couples were formed in the TBS variety show “Motemote Ninety-Nine,” during the “Omiai Daisakusen!” segment.

It’s a perfect song not only for weddings but also for expressing your feelings to someone special.

Kimura’s clear, transparent vocals and the moving melody are sure to make happy moments feel even more special.

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

GReeeeN is a four-member vocal group that continues to work in their unique style, balancing careers as dentists with musical activities.

Their seventh single, released in 2008, was used as the theme song for the TBS drama ROOKIES and became a massive hit, topping the Oricon singles chart for two consecutive weeks.

The lyrics, which straightforwardly express ever-growing love for a partner and the joy of having met them, warmly embrace the listener’s heart.

Despite its upbeat tempo, the emotionally rich melody is perfect for enlivening parties.

If everyone sings the chorus together, it creates a sense of unity and greatly lifts the atmosphere.

As a well-known classic across generations, it’s an ideal pick for karaoke with a diverse group.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

Released in June 2013, back number’s eighth single is a popular song that portrays a bittersweet unrequited love for someone out of reach.

The protagonist is nothing more than a “friend of a friend” to the person they like, and feels frustrated by that distance.

Its charm lies in how realistically it captures the all-too-familiar psychology of unrequited love—imagining what the other person’s ideal partner might be like and sinking into gloom.

In 2019, it was featured in a Kirin Tanrei Green Label commercial, where vocalist Iyori Shimizu performed an acoustic rendition.

A fun way to enjoy this song at a drinking party is to swap the chorus line “aitai” (I want to see you) with “nomitai” (I want to drink)! Turning it into a playful parody over the wistful melody is sure to get laughs from the contrast.

Sing it after some lively love talk or when there’s a friend nursing a crush, and it’ll warm up the mood even more!