RAG MusicPerformance
Wonderful entertainment/performances

[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] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Newest and All-Time Favorite J-Pop Hits (41–50)

ultra soulB’z

Ultra Soul, with its growling lead guitar in the intro, really sticks in your ears.

It’s a track released in 2001 by the legendary rock duo B’z.

After its release, it was chosen as the theme song for the World Aquatics Championships, bringing it to a huge audience.

The title call that comes at the end of the chorus is especially memorable—it makes just about anyone want to shout along.

If you’re going to sing it at a party, be sure to throw on a checkered shirt, the trademark look of the vocalist, Inaba!

PlatinumSakamoto Maaya

Sakura Card Captor Opening 3 – Platina
PlatinumSakamoto Maaya

I don’t think there’s anyone in their twenties who doesn’t know this.

It’s the opening theme of Cardcaptor Sakura.

It’s fun to watch the video and feel that wave of nostalgia, and the song sits at a really comfortable range to sing.

It’s truly a track I’d recommend to women.

Joyfulikimonogakari

A lively song by the popular artist Ikimono-gakari.

There aren’t any set dance moves, so it’s an easy track to create your own choreography for.

If you want to hype up the venue, the organizer can even sing it, or you can use it as background music for games like bingo.

Singing it takes quite a bit of stamina, so be prepared before you jump in.

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)
migratory bird[Alexandros]

This refreshing track with acoustic guitar tones is “Wataridori” by the hugely popular rock band [Alexandros].

You’ve probably heard it often in TV commercials and the like.

The vocalist’s free and soaring high-tone voice is unforgettable after just one listen.

It’s a rock tune that lifts your spirits.

LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.

The song by Morning Musume released in September 1999 became the group’s first million-seller and topped the Oricon Karaoke Chart for 17 consecutive weeks.

While centered on the theme of love, it’s brimming with positive energy, carrying hopeful and optimistic messages about a bright future.

It was also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Find the Idol!” and as a commercial song for the aesthetic salon “Eruceine.” It’s a perfect track for parties, year-end gatherings, New Year celebrations—any scene where everyone wants to get excited together.

A timeless classic of Japanese pop culture that can be enjoyed across generations.

Joyful Chianté!DIALOGUE+

DIALOGUE+ “Joyful Chant!” Music Video
Joyful Chianté!DIALOGUE+

DIALOGUE+ is a unit that draws attention with expressive power only voice actors can deliver.

"Joyful Shiante!" from their EP "PENTA+LOGUE," released in September 2025, is an energetic band-style track arranged by R・O・N.

Its positive lyrics, which encourage you to enjoy this very moment to the fullest, will lift your spirits just by listening.

The rapidly shifting melodies and the colorful contrast of the members’ vocals also boost the excitement.

Why not give it a listen when you’re about to start something new?

Banzai, I’m glad I liked you.Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~
Banzai, I’m glad I liked you.Urufuruzu

Now a veteran rock band, Ulfuls released their tenth single in 1996, and it became a massive hit—a karaoke staple that everyone sang at the time.

With its straightforward expression of love, the song is still a popular choice at weddings today.

Loved by people of all ages, it’s guaranteed to liven up any gathering, from year-end parties to New Year celebrations.

It may be the classic move, but raise your hands and shout “Banzai!” together—let the cheerful vibe of singing and dancing wrap everyone up, and enjoy a heartwarming time.