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[2026] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Latest and All-Time Favorite J-Pop Hits

Music is essential for livening up year-end parties, New Year’s gatherings, welcome and farewell parties, and other banquets.

If you’re the organizer or in charge of entertainment, you’ll want to pick songs that get everyone excited.

Still, it can be hard to know which tracks will really hype up the crowd.

For those in that situation, this article introduces recommended Japanese songs perfect as BGM to energize any banquet.

Focusing on the latest trend-aware hits while also picking timeless favorites, it offers a lineup that people of all generations can enjoy, making it suitable for a wide variety of events.

Be sure to check it out!

[2026] Get the Party Going! Latest J-Pop Hits and All-Time Favorites (21–30)

Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver.)ORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE – Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver. Music Video)
Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver.)ORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE is a rock band based in Okinawa known for numerous hits like Shanghai Honey and Hana.

This self-remake reimagines their 17th single, originally released in July 2007, through a Reiwa-era lens, updating the sound while preserving the summer exhilaration and pop sensibility.

The original became a massive hit as the opening theme for the TV drama Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~Ikemen Paradise~, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and becoming a staple summer anthem.

With call-and-response vocals by the three singers and a catchy melody, it’s guaranteed to get everyone fired up when sung together at karaoke.

It’s a perfect uptempo track for moments when you want a sense of unity across the whole venue, like at school festivals or wedding after-parties.

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi

2019 was the year of rugby, wasn’t it? Kenshi Yonezu’s “Uma to Shika” was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “No Side Game,” which is based on rugby.

It’s a robust and powerful track that embodies the spirit of athletes.

While listening to this song, talk passionately about what happened this year and your goals for next year!

rock starAdo

Singer Ado, who rocketed from an internet vocalist to stardom and continues to shine internationally with achievements like a successful world tour, has released this track on her first best-of album, “Ado no Best Album,” commemorating the 5th anniversary of her major-label debut in April 2025.

The song was chosen as the new corporate advertising CM song for Marubeni Corporation.

Blending lyrics that deliver a message of support to those who keep chasing their dreams with an emotional rock sound, it becomes a powerful anthem.

The protagonist, who pushes forward despite loneliness and anxiety, will encourage anyone who continues to take on challenges.

It’s a high-energy number, perfect for moments when you want to feel a sense of unity across the entire venue.

Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET

[MV] CUTIE STREET "Isn't it enough to be just cute?"
Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET

In recent years, more and more idol groups have been gaining attention through viral hits on social media, and CUTIE STREET is a prime example.

Their debut single, released in September 2024, carries a message that embraces “cuteness” as a form of personal identity and strength.

With a unique perspective that even great beauties throughout history went all-in for love, the lyrics are empowering and boost self-esteem.

The song also made a strong showing on the charts, taking No.

1 on Billboard JAPAN’s TikTok Weekly Top 20.

Its fast-paced dance beat and catchy melody have an addictive quality that sticks in your head after just one listen.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to brighten up an entire venue, like school festivals or wedding after-parties.

Learn the choreography and dance together, and you’ll create a real sense of unity.

Try going kyururin (make a cute, twirly pose/gesture)kyururin tte shite mite

Try going kyururin—“Try doing kyururin”—the performers themselves tried dancing it
Try going kyururin (make a cute, twirly pose/gesture)kyururin tte shite mite

This track captivates with an addictive melody that sticks in your head from the very first listen.

Performed by the female idol group Kyururin tte Shitemite, it was included as the first track on their November 2023 EP, Dreamin’ Closet.

It features cute vocals, rapid-fire spoken lines, and an easy-to-remember chorus.

Designed with call-and-response in mind, it really shines live.

The group’s dance video on YouTube has drawn attention and helped the song gain popularity.

The catchy choreography is easy to imitate, making it perfect for skits and party performances.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to energize a venue with a high-spirited tune.

UMA WITH A MISSIONyonseikyu

Su-xing-cyu “UMA WITH A MISSION” Official MUSIC VIDEO
UMA WITH A MISSIONyonseikyu

Born from the delightfully outlandish idea of everyone cheering on a newborn foal as it struggles to stand, this is a track by Su-Xing-Cyu (Yonseikyu).

Released in February 2023, it was included on the 2024 album “Otokedokei” (Sound Clock).

Its lively tempo naturally brings a smile to your face.

Perform it at a party and, despite the goofy premise, it somehow ends up really moving—guaranteed to set that kind of mood! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to raise their voices together and get the crowd going.

BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki’s 40th single, released in June 2006, is a track brimming with summer’s sense of freedom and positive energy.

Through motifs like a sky after the rain and wings, it sings about the courage to take a new step forward, with an upbeat sound where shimmering synths and guitars race delightfully.

It was heavily aired as the theme for Zespri’s Gold Kiwi commercial and debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

The single also made headlines for pushing her total single sales past 20 million copies—the first time ever for a Japanese solo artist.

The chorus melody is easy to remember, and the repeated keywords make it perfect for call-and-response in karaoke.

Shouting “Kanpai!” at the end of the chorus or singing in unison comes naturally, making it ideal for a party-style arrangement.

It’s the perfect drinking song to bring the energy up at the end of a summer wrap-up or after-party!