Popular Karaoke: Artist Rankings [2026]

Love so sweetarashi29rank/position

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

Released in February 2007 as the theme song for the drama Hana Yori Dango 2 (Returns), this 18th single solidified Arashi’s popularity.

Its lyrics, centered on the universal theme of love—memories and bonds with a cherished person being etched in the heart beyond physical distance—resonate with listeners by calling up their own precious memories.

Selling about 204,000 copies in its first week and ranking 4th on Oricon’s 2007 annual singles chart, the song is a timeless classic loved across generations.

With its bright, catchy melody that’s easy to learn for karaoke, it’s the perfect hit tune to sing with close friends at year-end parties—sure to get everyone fired up.

Naughty SunORANGE RANGE30rank/position

ORANGE RANGE – Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver. Music Video)

ORANGE RANGE is a rock band from Okinawa with numerous hit songs like “Shanghai Honey” and “Hana.” Released in July 2007 as their 17th single, this track boasts a fully summer-ready sound.

Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” its provocative lyrics and up-tempo rhythm really fire you up.

The irresistibly danceable mixture rock makes it perfect BGM for workouts or for charging your energy in the morning.

It also topped the 2007 “Most Hype Karaoke Songs” ranking overall, making it ideal for blowing off steam by singing with friends.

It’s a song brimming with healthy energy—just listening to it will make you break a sweat.

idolYOASOBI31rank/position

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

A song characterized by a strong message that portrays the loneliness and human fragility behind acting perfectly, as well as the multifaceted nature of genuine affection.

Created by the musical duo YOASOBI, which continues to receive high acclaim both in Japan and abroad, this track is a pop tune whose contrast between glamour and madness leaves an impression on the ear.

The song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko” and became a hit upon its release in April 2023.

It’s also included on the album “THE BOOK 3.” If you’re at karaoke with anime fans, it’ll get everyone even more hyped! The melody has many leaps, so you might need some practice there—but gather your friends and turn it up!

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko32rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

Aiko’s biggest hit song “Kabutomushi.” It was released in 1999, but thanks in part to its catchy melody, it remains popular even among younger generations.

Since it’s a solo vocal piece, there are no harmony parts.

However, the vocal line has a relaxed tempo and clearly defined pitch movement, making it perfect for adding harmonies.

If you’d like to create your own harmonies rather than follow existing chorus lines, definitely give this song a try.

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Ryo

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SaudadePorunogurafiti33rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

One of Porno Graffitti’s signature songs, this classic captures the pain of heartbreak and a sense of nostalgia within a Latin-style melody.

“Saudade” is a Portuguese word that means “longing or nostalgia for something lost.” The overall vocal range is surprisingly narrow, from B3 to G#4.

However, the key modulates in the final chorus and the pitch rises, and the tempo is fast, so be careful not to fall behind the rhythm.

Did you know that when vocalist Okano sings, he raises his eyebrows? I definitely recommend copying this! Especially for high notes, lifting your eyebrows makes it easier to hit the pitch and produce a solid tone.

If you raise your eyebrows right when the melody changes, it helps you land the notes smoothly, so I highly recommend it!

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Kubota Mami

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Wherever you areONE OK ROCK34rank/position

Wherever you are

Wherever you are, a signature ballad by ONE OK ROCK, remains a beloved classic that still enjoys enduring popularity at karaoke and beyond.

It’s a work that fully showcases elements of Western rock ballads, featuring expressions not typically found in standard Japanese pop, which is part of its appeal.

While the song isn’t particularly known as a harmonizing piece, if you listen closely, you’ll hear solid backing vocals in the chorus and the bridge.

Given its emotional nature, adding harmonies can bring out a great deal of beauty in the vocals, so definitely give it a try.

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Ryo

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StoryAI35rank/position

AI – Story

The AI with the famously husky voice.

While there are some high notes in the song, it’s mostly sung in a natural mid-range chest voice, so “Story” should be quite easy to sing! The tricky part of this song is definitely the high notes in the bridge.

My students practiced that same spot over and over.

If you sing it with the same feel as the chorus, you’ll run out of breath and your voice won’t carry.

It’s crucial to prepare before hitting the high notes! Since the song flows straight into the bridge after the end of the second verse, it can move on before you’ve had time to prepare… Take a quick breath right before the bridge and project your voice powerfully as if aiming into the distance! For the vowel “i,” it’s easy to spread the mouth sideways and tense up, so it’s easier to produce if you create space inside your mouth while pronouncing it.

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Kubota Mami

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