[Men] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2026]

Tokyoyashiki takajin71rank/position

Tokyo

Released in March 1993, this mood-kayō song fuses tearful enka with sophisticated urban pop.

Through Kansai-dialect lyrics, it movingly portrays a romance and breakup with a man she met in Tokyo, along with her complex feelings toward the city.

Takajin Yashiki was an artist who was active mainly in the Kansai region, also serving as a host of the popular program “Sei! Young.” This piece became a hit as requests on cable radio surged, ultimately selling a total of 600,000 copies.

In live performances, he would sometimes change the place name in the chorus to match the concert location, valuing a sense of unity with the audience.

When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to sing at an easy, relaxed pace while thinking of your hometown and the special people you’ve met.

YOUNG MANSaijō Hideki72rank/position

Hideki Saijo – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

Here is a single released by Hideki Saijo in 1979.

It’s a cover of Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” a disco hit in the United States, with Japanese lyrics written by his then-manager, Ryuji Amagai.

If everyone sings along while forming the letters “Y,” “M,” “C,” and “A” with their bodies—said to stand for “Young Man Can do Anything”—it’s sure to get the crowd going.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS73rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

A signature work by RADWIMPS, who have established their own sound through inventive lyrics and experimental arrangements.

Produced in July 2016 as an insert song for the animated film “Your Name,” it centers on a fateful encounter that transcends time and space, with lyrics about deep bonds and love that truly resonate.

Its fast-paced, up-tempo rhythm and energetic guitar sound carry the power to blow away a gloomy mood.

This refreshing, exhilarating rock tune is perfect when you need a change of pace or want to relieve stress.

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento74rank/position

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Hai Yorokonde was released as a digital-only single.

It’s a soul-stirring anthem that stands with people struggling in life, and because it’s rhythm-focused, it’s the kind of song you can sing along to by feel even if you can’t nail the pitch! Since Kento Kochinoke often performed it on TV, many of you might already know this track.

It’s just under three minutes long, and it feels like all its coolness is packed tightly into that short span.

The tempo is fast, so memorizing the lyrics might be a bit tough, but what matters most is to “keep time with the rhythm” and “ride the groove.” For the rapid-fire sections, you can get through them by enunciating the vowels clearly.

It also helps not to open your mouth too wide.

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Kubota Mami

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mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism75rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Mixed Nuts [Official Video]

This song, which portrays a false family woven by people with secrets and the genuine bonds born within it, was released digitally in April 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime SPY×FAMILY.

The opening, where a noisy guitar intertwines with a jazzy bass, instantly draws listeners into the world of the track.

Because the melody line features dramatic pitch shifts, some prior practice is essential to nail it at karaoke—but that makes the sense of accomplishment all the greater when you do.

The thrilling development created by the exhilarating sound and intricate melody is sure to crank up everyone’s excitement at karaoke.

It’s a rock tune recommended not only for anime fans but also for anyone eager to take on a high-level challenge.

cherrysupittsu76rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

It’s a masterpiece whose clear, beautiful melody resonates deep in the heart.

It weaves together memories of a faint romance and the resolve to move forward after overcoming them.

Released in April 1996 as one of Spitz’s signature songs, it topped the Oricon charts and became a million-seller.

It’s also very popular for karaoke and is sure to liven up drinking parties and school reunions.

It’s the perfect song for men in their 40s who feel nostalgic about their youth.

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko77rank/position

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

A classic that became one of the most famous anime songs of the 1990s—and arguably a national hit that transcends the anime-song category—A Cruel Angel’s Thesis boasts widespread recognition.

As everyone knows, it’s the theme song for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and was released in 1995 as Yoko Takahashi’s 11th single.

It’s an iconic piece for the Evangelion series and, as mentioned above, has a popularity that goes beyond being a mere anime song, leading many artists to cover it.

Many of us still vividly remember Takahashi’s powerful performance of A Cruel Angel’s Thesis as part of a special segment in the 72nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Precisely because it’s such a celebrated song, it’s sure to hype up any party with a wide range of age groups.

That said, it’s a challenging track for men to sing in the original key.

You could drop it an octave, but if you push through and sing it in the original key all the way, you can expect the crowd to get even more fired up!

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KOH-1

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