Popular Japanese karaoke songs. Latest rankings [2026]

User ManualNishino Kana81rank/position

Kana Nishino “Torisetsu” MV Full

Kana Nishino’s “Torisetsu” is a unique love song that likens me, the person, to an instruction manual.

I felt it’s a song that seems like it existed before, yet didn’t! Aside from the chorus, it’s more spoken than sung, so even those who are tone-deaf can enjoy it without worrying much about the melody line.

However, because there are a lot of words, where you breathe and where you break the phrases is important.

It might be good to sing as if you’re actually talking to someone! If you sing with no expression, your vocal placement drops into your throat and becomes straining, so try raising your eyebrows and bringing your vocal placement up to eyebrow level.

Aim to sing as lightly as possible.

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Kubota Mami

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Don’t go.Souta82rank/position

Uta-nee Yuki “Don’t Go” (remaster)

This is one of Sota’s signature songs, depicting a heartrending moment of parting.

The protagonist’s plea—“Please don’t go”—sinks into the heart alongside the sound of the piano.

Released in October 2013, the track is included on the album “Shonen Shoujo no Kotoba.” It’s a song that stays close to those who carry the fear of losing someone important or the weight of loneliness.

If you’ve had such experiences, you might find yourself in tears while singing it.

Sing it with all your heart.

together; along with; bothWANIMA83rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It’s WANIMA’s second single and was used in Nivea Kao’s “8×4 Body Fresh” commercial.

The chorus really sticks in your head—even for me.

The overall vocal range is G#3 to D#5, which is on the higher side, and the tempo is an ultra-fast BPM 254, but if you lock into the band’s rhythm and sing along, your energy will definitely rise and it should actually make it easier to project your voice! If you let your guard down even for a moment, your pitch will drop into your throat and it’ll get harder to sing, so you need to keep your facial muscles lifted at all times.

For the rapid-fire section in the latter half, first run through the melody line and pronounce it lightly to get it under your belt!

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Kubota Mami

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SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu84rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

A bittersweet yet warm classic ballad that I can’t help but want to listen to when spring arrives.

The lyrics, which wish happiness for a former lover, are deeply moving.

It’s said that Masaharu Fukuyama wrote it based on his own real-life experience, and it’s also famous for being set on an actual slope in Ōta Ward, Tokyo.

Released as a single in 2000, it drew attention as the theme song for the popular segment “Mirai Nikki V” on the variety show “U-nan no Hontoko!” It became a massive hit with over two million copies sold, truly one of the defining songs of the Heisei era.

The tempo is relaxed, so if you sing it carefully, savoring each word, it will surely resonate with the hearts of those around you.

DESIRENakamori Akina85rank/position

DESIRE -jounetsu-

This is one of Akina Nakamori’s signature songs, themed around burning love and singing of fiery passion.

First aired in February 1986 as a TV commercial song, it was later released as a single and became a huge hit.

With this song, Nakamori won the Japan Record Award for the second consecutive year, establishing her status as a singer at the young age of 20.

Showcasing dramatic expressiveness and powerful vocals, this track is perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you want to experience a classic from the Showa era.

Be sure to check out the modern twist on traditional Japanese attire and the unique choreography, said to be inspired by a baseball pitching motion.