Recommended for women: Start your karaoke session with these! A roundup of popular Japanese songs

The ultimate fave!Suzuki Airi

Airi Suzuki “The Strongest Oshi!” (Music Video)

A passionate song celebrating love for one’s “oshi” (beloved idol or favorite).

Airi Suzuki’s clear, transparent vocals resonate as if speaking for the fans.

Released in October 2023, the track drew attention as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “My Oshi Became My Boss.” Included on the album “28/29,” the song expresses deep affection and respect for one’s oshi.

Sing it at karaoke to fully convey your feelings for your favorite.

It’s perfect for pumping up a get-together with friends or expressing your feelings to someone special through song.

Make you happyNiziU

NiziU 『Make you happy』 M/V

A NiziU track known for its lively dance and bright lyrics.

Released simultaneously in Japan and Korea in June 2020, it became a huge hit, surpassing 100 million streams.

While the lyrics, filled with the wish “I want you to smile,” seem to express the feelings of a girl in love, they’re actually a message to their fans as well.

The jump-rope dance in the chorus went viral on TikTok, too.

If you sing and dance together with friends, the circle of smiles is sure to spread.

boyfriendaiko

aiko - “Boyfriend” music video

It’s a very bright, girly song that gives a cute impression.

It’s also a great pick for karaoke when there are boys around.

The pitch isn’t too high, so it’s easy to stay on key, making it perfect as a warm-up for your first song.

Definitely try singing it as your opener!

I wanted to see you.AKB48

I wanted to see you.

AKB48’s landmark major-label debut single.

Its powerful message, expressing straightforward feelings for someone you love, really resonates.

Released in October 2006, the song was also used as the opening theme for TBS’s “Rank Kingdom,” bringing it to many listeners.

If you sing it as the first song at karaoke, it’s sure to lift the mood in the room.

It’s also perfect for those moments when you want to boldly share your feelings with your crush without being shy.

With its refreshing vocals and uplifting melody, it’s an ideal track to kick off a fun karaoke session.

If I’m wrapped in kindnessArai Yumi

Wrapped in Gentleness – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya)

Since “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta nara” doesn’t have drastic pitch changes, it’s a perfect song to start off a karaoke session.

Its gentle melody and not-too-fast tempo make it very easy to sing! It’s also a well-known classic that many people recognize, so I highly recommend it.

Happinessarashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

A signature song by Arashi packed with a heart-thumping rhythm and an uplifting message.

It sings of the strength to overcome adversity and hope for the future.

Released in September 2007 as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” it was also used in a JAL commercial.

Its bright, positive lyrics are sure to gently nudge listeners forward.

A perfect feel-good song for hyping up a karaoke session with friends or boosting your mood.

High-pitched Vocal Range TestKimura wai P feat. Hatsune Miku

[Hatsune Miku] High-Note Addict Vocal Range Test [Original PV]

The song by Kimura Y-P feat.

Hatsune Miku is a unique work themed around challenging the high register.

With the fun concept of testing singers’ vocal ranges, it captivated many listeners.

Released in August 2013, it sparked major buzz on Niconico and YouTube! It’s also available in karaoke, and it’s guaranteed to liven up gatherings where friends compete over who has the widest range.

If you’re confident in your high notes, give it a try.

It’s a difficult song, but the sense of accomplishment when you make it through is exceptional!