Karaoke songs that hype up a wedding after-party

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.

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.

Crazy about youEXILE

EXILE / Ki・mi・ni・mu・chu

At the after-party, alcohol is almost guaranteed to be involved.

In times like that, this song is highly recommended.

Isn’t music essential for enjoying beer? It’s a perfect match for drinks and was even used as a beer commercial song.

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.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A Little Love Song

There must be plenty of people who’ve already decided, “If I go to karaoke, I’m definitely singing this.” It’s a signature song by MONGOL800, a rock band from Okinawa.

Included on their 2001 album MESSAGE, it wasn’t even released as a single, yet it became the first indie track in history to sell over 2.8 million copies.

Its appeal lies in the driving rock sound and straightforward lyrics that honestly express feelings for someone special.

In 2019, a film inspired by the song was released, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With a relatively low key and a simple melody, it’s an easy pick even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

If everyone belts out the chorus together, it’s sure to make any drinking party even more lively!

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.

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!