Popular Karaoke: Artist Rankings [2026]

The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE78rank/position

The Future Projection II

A signature ballad by Dreams Come True that captures lovers’ hopes for the future.

Included on the album “LOVE GOES ON…” released in November 1989, this piece is an expansive piano ballad running over seven minutes, yet it carefully portrays everyday scenes like phone conversations and casual gestures during a drive.

In 1993, it was featured in a Sony Handycam commercial, and the “brake light” moment mentioned in the lyrics became such a hot topic that many couples imitated it.

Beloved as a wedding and reception staple, it’s also sure to wrap a year-end party in warmth if you sing it there.

With its relaxed tempo that makes it easy to sing and the comfort of being widely known across generations, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke.

Rolling Girlwowaka79rank/position

wowaka “Rolling Girl” feat. Hatsune Miku / wowaka – Rolling Girl (Official Video) ft. Hatsune Miku

A monumental work in the Vocaloid scene that combines high-speed rock sound with profound philosophy.

It’s one of the signature pieces by wowaka, who also fronted the band Hitorie, and it was released in February 2010.

Its exhilarating 195 BPM tempo and lyrics that depict a girl’s heartfelt cry resonated deeply with many young listeners.

The song also influenced numerous Vocaloid producers, including Kenshi Yonezu.

Go ahead and belt it out, pouring your own feelings into it!

SoupFujihara Sakura80rank/position

Soup

This is Sakura Fujiwara’s debut single, released in June 2016.

Incidentally, the lyrics, composition, and production were handled by Masaharu Fukuyama.

The vocal melody doesn’t use extremely low or high notes throughout the song, so it might be an ideal karaoke choice for women who feel hesitant about singing due to a limited vocal range.

The song maintains a relaxed, heartwarming mood from start to finish, so while keeping a slightly bouncy groove, be careful not to rush the vocals or make the pronunciation of the lyrics sound rough.

It seems there’s also a version sung by Masaharu Fukuyama, who produced the track, so it could be helpful to check that out as a reference.

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Kei Takahata

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A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly81rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

It’s a signature work by Superfly, whose soul-stirring, powerful vocals deliver love straight to the listener’s heart.

In this song, the many emotions of life—joy, sorrow, gratitude—are expressed like a colorful bouquet of flowers, carrying a warm yet strong message that, no matter how many detours we take, our feelings return to the ones we cherish.

The protagonist, awkward yet earnest in trying to convey love and thanks, will move many listeners and give them energy for tomorrow.

Released in February 2008 as the fourth single, it stirred great emotion as the theme song for the drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).

Step a little away from the everyday, sing your heart out with all your feelings, and this is sure to lift your spirits!

Bridge of Gloryyuzu82rank/position

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

A gem of a ballad by Yuzu, etched in memory alongside the moving scenes of the Athens Olympics.

Released as a single in 2004, it served as NHK’s theme song for its Athens Olympics broadcasts and wrapped all of Japan in emotion.

Its warm message—honoring the unseen struggles and tears, and the days of perseverance that overcame countless hardships—resonates deeply with anyone single-mindedly striving toward a dream.

Belt it out at karaoke, and you’ll not only lift your own spirits but also gently encourage your friends beside you.

A true anthem for life.

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi83rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

This is a classic song that likens a fleeting summer romance to fireworks.

Born from a collaboration between DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu, it was released in August 2017.

Chosen as the theme song for an animated film, it generated huge buzz, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

The lyrics beautifully depict a love that fades with the end of summer, leaving a deep impression on many listeners.

Boasting an astonishing 500 million views on YouTube, it’s also a karaoke staple.

It’s the perfect song for looking back on bittersweet memories of love or sinking into a sentimental mood before parting with someone important.

ORIONNakajima Mika84rank/position

Mika Nakashima "ORION" Music Video

Released in November 2008, it became a big hit as an insert song for the drama “Ryusei no Kizuna.” The overall vocal range of the song is fairly wide, from G#3 to D#5, with the chorus’s peak being the highest note.

Mika Nakashima is known for her whispery, breathy tone, so there’s no need to belt.

Since the top note D#5 is quite high, use head voice and send a thin, upward-focused tone.

Imagining your voice being pulled up from above your head may help.

If you lift your eyebrows in time as well, it becomes easier to hit and adds to the vibe.

Once you get used to it, focus on expressiveness to boost your score.

It also helps to gradually increase your volume with each melodic phrase!

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Kubota Mami

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