Popular Japanese karaoke songs. Latest rankings [2026]

Butter-FlyWada Kōji92rank/position

Butterfly Full Version-Digimon Adventure Opening

One of the defining anime songs of the Heisei era, this popular track frequently ranks near the top in all-time anime song lists! It’s characterized by its uptempo, powerful melody and vocals, and plenty of people sing it at karaoke.

The chorus in particular stays in the high register, so your stamina and vocal power will be tested.

If you let your guard down even for a moment, your pitch can drop into your throat.

This is a part where you really want to belt comfortably in chest voice, so take in a big breath through your mouth and project your voice far and confidently.

Just that alone should help your voice carry much better.

Keeping your energy up while singing is important too!

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Kubota Mami

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HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number93rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

An emotionally moving medium-tempo ballad that portrays the complex feelings of unrequited love—from the faint expectations on the eve of a birthday to the ache of emotions that never reach their destination.

In contrast to the happiness of a birthday, the loneliness and the sorrow of being unable to express one’s feelings straightforwardly resonate with a delicate melodic line.

Released in February 2019, the song was featured as the theme for the TBS drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love,” and was also included on the album “MAGIC.” With vocals that gently embrace the bittersweet emotions of love that everyone has experienced, it’s a song well-suited for karaoke, where it can be performed in a calm, composed manner.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI94rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude” ONE PIECE Lyric MV

A song by SEKAI NO OWARI that powerfully pushes the backs of those about to dive into an unknown world.

Its message—that by not looking away from your own weaknesses but accepting them and even turning them into allies, you can soar higher than anyone—turns the anxieties of a new beginning into solid hope.

Released as a digital single in September 2023, the track was written as the theme song for the beloved anime One Piece.

It was later included on the album Nautilus, released in March 2024.

It’s the perfect number for a farewell party when you want to passionately cheer on someone single-mindedly charging toward lofty goals—like a colleague leaving to chase a dream or a student retiring from a club to step onto the next stage.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake95rank/position

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

A popular song that always ranks high on karaoke charts, “Ikuoku Kounen.” It’s a renowned classic by Omoinotake.

This piece spans a very wide vocal range from mid1D to hiF#.

However, the highest note, hiF#, appears only once throughout the song, while the main high-note challenge is hiC#, which appears 13 times in total.

Although the range is wide, there’s a fairly generous downward margin, and with its strong city-pop elements, the vocal line flows smoothly and is relatively easy to sing.

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Ryo

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Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā96rank/position

Golden Bomber “Memeshikute” Music Video

This is the signature work of Golden Bomber, who kicked up a storm with their unique “air band” style.

While self-deprecatingly portraying pitiful feelings like lingering attachment and jealousy in a man’s heart, its charm lies in an upbeat, irresistibly danceable, bright sound.

The single was released in October 2009.

Later, together with Nemutakute, which was used in a commercial in 2011, it was re-released for a limited time, which helped it gain widespread recognition.

In December 2012, they made their first appearance on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen, stirring up huge excitement! The chorus is perfect for getting everyone to jump and sing together, making it ideal for breaking the ice with people you’re meeting for the first time at events like welcome parties.

Add in the catchy choreography and enjoy a time that will have everyone smiling.

No doubtOfisharu Higedan Dism97rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – No Doubt [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism’s classic “No Doubt,” with its slightly tango-tinged melody, leaves a strong impression.

While it’s often thought to be difficult because falsetto pops up here and there from the A section, the voltage gradually drops from the A section to the B section and into the hook-like chorus.

As long as you can handle the falsetto that appears at key moments and the wide dynamic vocal lines, it’s actually easier to sing than you might think.

Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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Gather ‘round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan98rank/position

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Gather Around! Party People” Music Video [Major Version]

A song by the three-piece rock band Yabai T-shirts Yasan, known by the abbreviation YabaT.

Featured on the album “We love Tank-top,” it’s a party tune that incorporates EDM elements.

With a lively rhythm and catchy melody, it’s the kind of track that really pumps you up.

Released in November 2016, it has become a staple frequently performed at live shows and festivals.

It’s an upper tune you can enjoy without overthinking—perfect for belting out in karaoke with your fist in the air.

If men of the yutori generation pick it for karaoke with friends, it’ll definitely get the crowd going.