Popular Japanese karaoke songs. Latest rankings [2026]

SaudadePorunogurafiti36rank/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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Meltryo37rank/position

Hatsune Miku "Melt"

A gem of a love song that colored the dawn of the Vocaloid scene.

Posted to Nico Nico Douga by ryo in December 2007, it had reached 11.7 million views by December 2017.

You’ll be moved by the lyrics, which straightforwardly depict a girl’s feelings of love when faced with the person she likes.

The piano-driven, fast-paced sound conveys a fluttering, racing heart.

Hatsune Miku’s vocals are also captivating—mechanical yet somehow human.

The track is included on the first album “supercell” and helped lay the foundations of Vocaloid culture.

It’s the perfect song for reminiscing about your youth or getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

CHE.R.RYYUI38rank/position

YUI　『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』

This is YUI’s eighth major-label single, written with a modern take on the heart-fluttering thrill of unrequited love.

Released in March 2007, it became widely known as the CM song for au by KDDI’s “LISMO!” The lyrics vividly capture youth communication of the time—emoji in mobile emails, the timing of replies—and overflow with pure feelings for someone so strong there’s no room for mind games.

The message about the bittersweet start of love will bring back the thrills of youth just by listening.

With light acoustic guitar and YUI’s clear, transparent vocals evoking the freshness of spring, this pop number is sure to be a hit at girls’ nights and karaoke.

Sand Planethachi39rank/position

Hachi – Sand Planet feat. Hatsune Miku, HACHI – DUNE ft. Miku Hatsune

Kenshi Yonezu, now a leading figure in Japan’s music scene, once worked as a Vocaloid producer.

Under the name Hachi, he released this track in 2017 to commemorate Hatsune Miku’s 10th anniversary.

It portrays a figure walking on through a desolate, desert-like world, blending electro and rock with Hatsune Miku’s vocals soaring over the sound.

The song hit one million views in just six days after release, setting a new speed record in Vocaloid history.

If you were a fan of his Hachi era, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke!

Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB40rank/position

JAL Okinawa Campaign Summer Rikyu 1990 Theme Song: "Kome Kome Club - Roman Hikou"

Romantic Flight is a piece with an exceptionally smooth and pleasant melody.

It’s renowned as a classic by Kome Kome Club, but many younger people may know it from Kukki of the comedy duo Wild Bomb.

The song’s vocal range spans from low G# to mid2 G, which is somewhat narrow compared to modern songs.

However, as the lowest note indicates, the lower register is fairly important here.

If you have a high voice and don’t raise the key across the board, you might go off pitch in the low range and lose points.

Make sure to assess your own vocal range carefully before singing.

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Ryo

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A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko41rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

As you know, it’s an ultra-popular song that even people who aren’t into anime recognize.

It’s up-tempo and incredibly catchy, with a striking, multi-layered theme that feels like a prayer for those heading toward a harsh destiny.

Sung by Yoko Takahashi, it was released as a single in October 1995.

Created as the opening theme for the hit TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, it became a massive success, boosted by the anime’s popularity.

The song consistently ranks near the top in karaoke charts.

Since then, it has been covered by many artists and truly stands as an anime song Japan can be proud of.

Since everyone knows it and can sing it, it’s a must-pick when you want to hype up a karaoke session or event with friends!

Night Sky Patrol of TomorrowOrangestar42rank/position

Orangestar – Asunoyozora Shoukaihan (feat. IA) Official Video

Posted in 2014, this Vocaloid song was the first track using the voice synthesizer IA to be inducted into the “Legendary” category on Nico Nico Douga.

As one of Orangestar’s signature songs, it captivates with its driving rock sound and shimmering, shifting synthesizers.

The lyrics, which intertwine anxiety about whether tomorrow will come with the determination to keep moving forward, have resonated with many listeners.

It’s included on the album “Mikansei Eight Beats,” and a later band-arranged version was also released.

If you sing it at karaoke, aim for a natural, unforced vocal delivery to bring out the song’s atmosphere.

With numerous covers by singers, it’s a track that can liven up karaoke even with people who aren’t very familiar with Vocaloid.