Popular Karaoke: Artist Rankings [2026]

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4871rank/position

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

This work captivates with lyrics that stir the heart and a warm, comforting melody.

Comparing life to a paper airplane, it gently sings of the importance of continuing to take on challenges.

Released in October 2015 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” it garnered support across generations, including a performance by NMB48 at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

It’s recommended for those about to take a new step forward or wishing to convey their feelings to someone special.

At karaoke, if everyone sings the chorus together, it will surely create a wonderful moment of heartfelt connection.

Venomkairiki bea72rank/position

[Official] Venom / Kairiki Bear feat. flower

From the intro on, this song is packed with charm, and I could listen to it forever.

It’s a work by the popular Vocaloid producer Kairiki Bear, released in 2018.

The four-on-the-floor rhythm is catchy and fun! Plus, maybe because you’ll want to chase those razor-sharp guitar phrases, it never gets old.

It’s the kind of track that makes you think, I have to put this on repeat.

And the lyrics have such a great sound to them that you’ll really want to sing along! How about going to karaoke with someone who knows this song and singing it together?

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Araki Jakkan

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instinctShiina Ringo73rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Instinct

Ringo Sheena’s songs, which depict instinctive human desires, impulses, and inner conflicts, are captivating for their distinctive sound grounded in alternative rock and interwoven with elements of jazz and classical music.

Candidly portraying emotions such as jealousy and narcissism, they also express an adult reality that has shed the moratorium of youth.

Released in October 1999, this work was selected as the ending theme for the Nippon TV music program “FUN” and reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Its music video—set in a hospital with innovative direction—also drew attention, winning the BEST FEMALE VIDEO award at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.

With powerful vocals and highly message-driven lyrics, it’s a recommended track for those who want to enjoy self-expression at karaoke.

HOWEVERGLAY74rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

Speaking of GLAY’s songs, they span from energetic numbers to moving ballads, and many are easy to sing at karaoke—so it can be tough to choose.

If you want to share a touching moment across generations at a work karaoke with your boss, their signature ballad released in August 1997 is a great pick.

This majestic, stirring track conveys unwavering devotion to a loved one and a strong determination for the two to overcome any hardship together.

TERU’s emotive vocals further elevate the tender yet warm message.

It topped the Oricon charts, sold over a million copies, and was later used as the ending theme for a TBS drama, so many people are sure to recognize it.

As a timeless love song cherished across generations, it’s sure to create a warm atmosphere.

MiracleGReeeeN75rank/position

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.

balladKetsumeishi76rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

Ketsumeishi is known for having lots of bright songs with plenty of hip-hop and rap elements, but they actually have ballads too! With gentle melodies over piano and string-backed arrangements… this side of Ketsumeishi is really satisfying to listen to, and it looks cool to sing as well! The song runs close to seven minutes, so it’s on the longer side, but it’s highly recommended when you want something mellow.

Of course, there’s rap in it too, but the tempo is relaxed, so it’s easy to learn and easy to groove to.

It seems best to sing while moving your body in a big, open way.

The chorus is a real highlight, so if you sing each phrase carefully, you can really put your feelings into it.

There are spots where it slips lightly into falsetto, which adds a surge of poignancy.

The latter half of the chorus is a sweet spot for singing, so don’t hesitate—project your voice with confidence!

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Kubota Mami

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You are mine.Snow Man77rank/position

Snow Man “You Are Mine” Music Video YouTube Ver.

This refreshing, classic pop tune was released as one of the double A-side tracks on Snow Man’s 11th single in July 2024.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru,” starring group member Shota Watanabe, the track was created around the theme of summer memories.

It’s a sweet-and-sour love song that warmly captures the spark of a romance that begins in a fleeting moment and the feelings for someone special.

With a breezy melody that builds with rising emotions and lyrics depicting bright, forward-looking feelings of love, it has a universal appeal that anyone can relate to.

While Snow Man often has songs that seem challenging to sing at karaoke, this one—though it features some falsetto high notes—has a straightforward melodic progression and is very easy to sing, so definitely give it a try.