Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers: Top Male Rankings [2026]

Winter LightningArisu57rank/position

Alice – Winter Lightning

It was Alice’s 11th single overall, released in 1977.

For Alice, it became their first hit to break into the Top 10 on the charts.

I imagine many men in their 50s first discovered Alice through popular shows of the time like TBS’s “The Best Ten.” I myself learned about Alice through this song, instantly became a big fan, and I vividly remember pretending a broom was a guitar during school cleaning time, singing and playing with friends.

I’m sure many of you had similar experiences, right? I hope it brings back memories of your nostalgic boyhood and that you all sing along and have fun together.

Musically, it’s an upbeat, really enjoyable track, so if you pick this song at karaoke, it’s sure to liven up the room!

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Kei Takahata

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karmaBUMP OF CHICKEN58rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN 'Karma'

BUMP OF CHICKEN is a four-piece rock band that has influenced many musicians, and their evolution shows no sign of stopping.

Their 11th single “Karma,” released as a double A-side with “supernova,” was produced as the theme song for the video game Tales of the Abyss.

Its driving ensemble, featuring edgy guitar sounds, is sure to get people hyped even at karaoke.

Since the overall key is low, it’s easy to choose even for those who aren’t confident singers, making it a rock tune recommended for listeners in their 30s.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro59rank/position

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

If you’re in your 40s, chances are you listened to or sang this song quite a lot.

Every Christmas season it plays on TV and radio, and it’s become something of a winter tradition.

Since its release in December 1983, it has been a long-selling hit that keeps boosting its sales every holiday season.

Tatsuro Yamashita’s warm vocals and the gentle, laid-back melody really resonate with the heart.

It became even more famous after 1988, when it was used in JR Tokai’s commercials.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, putting real feeling into it will make for an even more memorable performance.

Boy in the back alleyHamada Shogo60rank/position

Backstreet Boy (ON THE ROAD “FILMS”)

Shogo Hamada’s debut single, released in April 1976.

Since its release as his debut that year, several remade versions have been produced.

The song depicts the period when Hamada was living in Yokohama, from age 16 to 22—his ronin (gap year) days through his time at Kanagawa University—and it was written the day before his 23rd birthday, which is why the last line ends with “22.” I was also born in 1967, and I remember strongly relating to the worldview expressed in the lyrics when I first heard the song as a teenager.

When you sing it at karaoke, try to recall those sensitive, formative years.

Rather than aiming to “sing it well,” it’s better to deliver it with straightforward emotional expression.

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Kei Takahata

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I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā61rank/position

Sambomaster / We’ve Gotta Do the Impossible MUSIC VIDEO

A song packed with a powerful message that gives you the courage to face forward, its energetic rock sound stirs the soul.

The passionate vocals and punk rock–tinged arrangement express the importance of believing in your potential and taking on new challenges.

A fan favorite at live shows, it sparks a frenzy as the band and audience become one.

Released in February 2010, the track drew attention as the theme for Nissan’s Serena commercial and was later chosen as an image song for the drama Cheer☆Dan.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to when standing at a crossroads in life or before making a big decision.

Brimming with the encouraging, anthemic appeal that could be called Sambomaster’s true essence.

Tokyoyashiki takajin62rank/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.

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko63rank/position

In memory of Kiyohiko Ozaki — “Until the Day We Meet Again” (Mata Au Hi Made) HD

Kiyohiko Ozaki, who is a quarter British and Japanese.

Many people have been captivated by his voice, which feels unlike that of a typical Japanese singer.

“Mata Au Hi Made” is one of his signature songs and has been covered by many artists.

It’s a fairly challenging song, but if you can sing it through, it will definitely get the crowd going.

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Ryo

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