Popular Japanese karaoke songs. Latest rankings [2026]

cloudy skyDOES50rank/position

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)

As the opening theme for the fifth season of the TV Tokyo anime Gintama, a lot of people probably think of Don’ten when they hear Gintama! DOES is a band whose lower registers resonate more than the high ones.

It’s a rock track popular with men for karaoke, where stable low notes and a raw expressive style are key to high scores! The song itself is short at about three minutes.

Even first-time listeners can pick up Don’ten easily, and it’s highly recommended for rock fans! The trick to low notes is to use your breath well and release your voice slowly straight ahead.

If you push your voice out, the low notes resonate more and you can hear your own singing better.

That, of course, makes it easier to stay on pitch.

It’s important to get your voice solidly into the mic when you sing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK51rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN52rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

I think there are many men in their 30s who like anime songs.

For such anime song fans in their 30s, UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is probably one of the most popular bands.

Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is “Sugar Song and Bitter Step.” Its appeal lies in the seamless succession of high-pitched phrases that feel light yet deliver an exceptional sense of liberation.

If you watched Blood Blockade Battlefront as it aired, be sure to try singing it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi53rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

The bittersweet feeling at summer’s end and the beauty of lights blooming in the night sky seep into the heart along with the piano’s flowing tones.

The way the emotion bursts open at the chorus after the quiet night air is exactly like the lights that color the night sky.

This work is a single released in August 2017 by the duo DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu.

Chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”, it became a major talking point.

A self-cover was later included on the album “BOOTLEG.” The interplay of male and female vocals is exquisite, giving you the sense of sharing the same view.

It’s a perfect pop tune to sing at karaoke with close friends while reminiscing about wonderful summer memories!

SoupFujihara Sakura54rank/position

Soup

This is Sakura Fujiwara’s debut single, released in June 2016.

Incidentally, the lyrics, composition, and production were handled by Masaharu Fukuyama.

The vocal melody doesn’t use extremely low or high notes throughout the song, so it might be an ideal karaoke choice for women who feel hesitant about singing due to a limited vocal range.

The song maintains a relaxed, heartwarming mood from start to finish, so while keeping a slightly bouncy groove, be careful not to rush the vocals or make the pronunciation of the lyrics sound rough.

It seems there’s also a version sung by Masaharu Fukuyama, who produced the track, so it could be helpful to check that out as a reference.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo55rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

It’s a renowned ballad whose prayer for universal love and peace truly strikes a chord.

Written by Yo Hitoto in response to a tragic event in the United States and with wishes for her friend’s happiness, the lyrics gently and warmly resonate with listeners.

Released in February 2004 as her fifth single, the song was also used as the theme for Nippon TV’s “Tuesday Suspense Theater” and as a movie theme.

It became a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 125 consecutive weeks, and is known for being covered by many artists.

With its relaxed tempo and comfortable vocal range, it’s perfect for singing your heart out at karaoke.

On a calm spring day, why not sing it while thinking of someone special?

powder snowRemioromen56rank/position

Remioromen – Powder Snow

Released on November 16, 2005, this single became a huge hit as an insert song for the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It’s a classic ballad written and composed by vocalist Ryota Fujimaki that portrays winter scenery and the bittersweet distance between a man and a woman.

Many people, regardless of gender, love to take on this song.

I actually sing it with the key raised, and the sustained notes in the chorus feel amazing to sing—highly recommended.

Rather than holding a long tone at the ends of phrases, this song’s image is to sustain from the start of the chorus while shifting the pitch.

Don’t forget to take a breath before the chorus, and enjoy singing!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem