[Karaoke] Guaranteed to get the crowd going! A collection of up-tempo Japanese songs
There are plenty of chances to go to karaoke with school friends or coworkers, right?
What often trips people up at times like that is, of course, picking songs.
A lot of people probably feel like, “If I’m going to sing, I want a crowd-pleaser, but I don’t know what to choose.”
There are all kinds of hype songs, but in this article we’ll focus on up-tempo tracks and recommend lots of great picks!
They’re all guaranteed crowd-pleasers for karaoke, so if you’re ever stuck choosing, definitely use this as a reference.
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[Karaoke] Guaranteed to Get the Crowd Going! A Collection of Upbeat Japanese Songs (31–40)
Sora-buneTOKIO
Released in 2006 as TOKIO’s 35th single, it debuted at number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a major hit.
Written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima, its powerful rock sound and characteristically Nakajima-style lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
One of the go-to karaoke songs is Ai Otsuka’s “Sakuranbo.” With its high-energy vibe right from the intro, it’s perfect for instantly amping up the crowd.
The catchy lyrics—likening a romantic relationship to cherries—are another reason it’s become a beloved classic.
Of course, singing it well matters, but this is a song you should first let loose and belt out to your heart’s content.
By the way, it’s been trending on social media in recent years, so even people who didn’t grow up with it are sure to get excited.
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
Released in 2015, this song was written as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.
It’s also popular as a karaoke pick, and even though some time has passed since its release, people still sing it a lot! The sound has a fresh, breezy feel that evokes spring and summer, and the brisk, fast-paced melody is guaranteed to liven up the room when you sing it.
The key might be a bit high for men, but that could make it easier for women to sing.
Try singing it together as a couple or with friends and get the party going!
Joyfulikimonogakari
Among Ikimono-gakari’s songs, this one is exceptionally high-energy and bright! It was also used in a Pocky commercial, so many people probably remember it.
The tempo is great and the lyrics flow nicely, making it really comfortable to sing! Plus, if everyone dances together to the chorus routine featured in the commercial and the music video, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going.
It’s one of the quintessential uptempo, hype-raising tracks.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
You can’t leave out WANIMA’s songs for this theme! It’s “Tomoni,” the track they also performed when they appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
I bet many people feel empowered to move forward when they listen to this song.
It’s often played at school sports days and other events, making it one of those popular tunes everyone knows, from kids to adults! Sing this song at karaoke—its power and the sense of light leading you toward the future are sure to get the crowd going.
Let’s all sing along and boost our spirits together!
[Karaoke] Guaranteed to Get the Crowd Going! A Collection of Upbeat J-Pop Songs (41–50)
No doubtOfisharu Higedan Dism
This song is Official HIGE DANDism’s major-label debut single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “The Confidence Man JP,” which, along with its film adaptation, became a huge hit.
With its up-tempo beat, it feels like a track everyone can sing together during the instrumental breaks and really get pumped up! The funky vibe of the melody creates a fun atmosphere that makes your body move naturally, whether you’re singing or listening.
The song’s theme is lies used to deceive people, matching the drama’s storyline.
The lyrics, written with uniquely chosen words, are another element that makes it fun to sing.
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
When it comes to upbeat songs that fire up a karaoke crowd, you just can’t leave this one out! A massive hit from the ’90s that also became the group’s first million-seller.
This is the song everyone in Japan can sing and dance to, and it dramatically accelerated the Morning Musume boom.
The best-of album released in 2013 includes an EDM arrangement of this track sung by the lineup at the time, and it continues to be loved across generations.
Above all, this is a song that gets way more exciting when sung together with a group rather than solo!