[Women] Popular Japanese Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika36rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

This is one of Yorushika’s signature songs, released in 2018.

It’s a bittersweet pop track themed around summer, youth, love, and parting.

The overall vocal range is relatively narrow at D4–D#5, so it’s highly recommended for singers who find higher notes easier than lower ones.

In the verses (A and B sections), it’s more spoken than sung, and the spacing between phrases is a key point.

The solid band arrangement makes it easy to lock into the groove, so you’ll likely feel your energy rise in the chorus.

Listen closely to the drums and be careful not to rush the tempo.

In the last chorus, the key changes and the pitch goes even higher, so try to sing with extra drive and momentum.

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Kubota Mami

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A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi37rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Midsummer Night’s Dream

When it comes to Yuming’s signature songs, this is the one! The lyrics vividly portray a passionate romance on a hot summer night.

Amid shimmering fireworks and sudden downpours, it captures sweet, heartrending moments with striking clarity.

Released in July 1993, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (“I Can’t Tell Anyone”).

The single topped the Oricon weekly chart and became her first million-seller.

It has been covered by many artists, a testament to its widespread appeal.

Highly recommended if you want to liven up a karaoke session—enjoy its exotic, passionate atmosphere while reminiscing about a love from the past.

To all my ex-girlfriendsKoresawa38rank/position

Koresawa - To All My Ex-Girlfriends [Lyric Video]

Koresawa, who enjoys overwhelming popularity especially among younger generations, is a singer-songwriter from Osaka known for basically not showing her face and appearing as “Reko-chan,” a bear girl, in MVs.

Her songs—sung with outstanding melodic sense and lyrics that skillfully, and at times candidly, express women’s true feelings—are also hugely popular at karaoke.

The track we’re introducing this time, the impressively titled “To All My Ex-Girlfriends,” is a digital single released in 2024 and a hit distinguished by its MV set in a karaoke box.

Its country-flavored, upbeat sound, lyrics that keep slightly hard-to-say emotions bright, and catchy melody all showcase her impeccable taste.

While the overall pitch sits a bit on the higher side, the melodic line is easy to sing, and those with lower voices can handle it just fine by adjusting the key.

Be mindful of the bouncy rhythm, and make sure to bring out the contrast between smoothly connected sections and crisply articulated parts!

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KOH-1

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Don’t give upZARD39rank/position

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

ZARD is an indispensable presence in the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, and for many women in their 40s today, their songs undoubtedly evoke the soundtracks of youth.

The late Izumi Sakai’s clear vocals and heartfelt lyrics never lose their luster, and they’re still hugely popular at karaoke.

“Makenaide” is one of ZARD’s most famous songs, a true classic with nationwide acclaim.

While the pitch is slightly on the higher side, it’s generally average overall, and the melody is straightforward without large leaps in range, making it a good candidate for high karaoke scores.

Aim to articulate each word of the lyrics clearly, and sing the chorus with crisp, powerful delivery!

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KOH-1

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It’s nothing.Kamishiraishi Mone40rank/position

Nandemonaiya (movie ver.)

Nandemonaiya by RADWIMPS is the ending theme of the blockbuster 2016 animated film Your Name.

Mone Kamishiraishi’s cover version captivates with her gentle, mellow vocals.

The bittersweet, tender lyrics, packed with the film’s worldview, pair perfectly with a soft, embracing female voice.

If you sing it at karaoke with someone who’s seen the movie, you might be able to get even closer afterward by chatting about the film!

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yuri

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365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4841rank/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.

ROSEHANA42rank/position

HANA / ROSE -Music Video-

Like a flower that blooms beautifully despite its thorns, this song embodies a determination to live powerfully in any environment.

By accepting past wounds without hiding them and moving forward on one’s own feet, its message of independence and the protagonist’s strong will set listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Released in April 2025, this work is the debut single of HANA, a group formed from the audition program “No No Girls,” led by Chanmina and SKY-HI.

At the end of the same year, they won the Best New Artist Award at the 67th Japan Record Awards.

The commanding rap and rich choral layers create vocal work that will send your energy soaring the moment you grab the mic at karaoke! If everyone belts out the chorus together, it’s guaranteed to take the excitement to the next level.