[20s] Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [2026]

NAOHY26rank/position

HY – NAO (Official Music Video)

A soothing song included on the album “Confidence.” The title “NAO” refers to a real person who is a friend of HY’s Nakasone.

It’s said the song was written based on her romantic experiences.

With that background, every lyric resonates with realism, starting from the feeling that “no matter how much I fall in love, this will only ever be unrequited.” If you sing it at karaoke, try keeping the A melody restrained and controlled.

It’s a wonderful song that requires practice, so if you’re confident in your singing, give it a try!

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai27rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

A pop song overflowing with the joy and happiness of love.

It portrays the everyday life of a couple in their second year of dating and sings about the importance of smiles and bonds.

Like the fruit that inspired its title, the song compellingly conveys the pair’s intimacy.

Released in December 2003, it was chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

It also achieved numerous accolades, including winning the Best New Artist Award at the 46th Japan Record Awards in 2004.

With its bright, catchy melody and relatable lyrics, it’s perfect for people in their twenties who want to get the crowd going at karaoke.

Combined with Ai Otsuka’s clear, translucent vocals, it’s a track that leaves you feeling pleasantly uplifted.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika28rank/position

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

For those who struggle to decide what to sing at karaoke, I recommend “Hana ni Bourei” (“Ghost in a Flower”).

It was released in 2020 by Yorushika, a rock band immensely popular especially among Gen Z.

Many listeners will relate to its poetic lyrics that capture a page of “youth.” The technical guitar riffs etched into the wistful band sound are striking, and suis’s clear vocals soothingly narrate a bittersweet summer story.

When singing it, the key is to relax and deliver it as if you’re speaking to someone.

Since the song unfolds within a steady vocal range, karaoke beginners should definitely give it a try.

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mutō

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Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS29rank/position

RADWIMPS – Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do? [Official Music Video]

In the past, RADWIMPS may not have been very familiar to people who didn’t regularly listen to Japanese rock.

However, ever since “Zenzenzense,” the theme song of the film Your Name, they’ve been embraced by a wide range of listeners and are especially beloved by the younger generation as a staple J-pop artist! Among their songs, this track is as well-known as “Zenzenzense.” What’s more, it’s an incredibly beautiful and dramatic piece, so it’s sure to leave a great impression.

The tempo is relaxed, making it easy to sing, but because the rhythm pattern repeats, be sure to thoroughly listen to the original song before you perform it!

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Hane Keisuke

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366 daysHY30rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

HY’s song, which delicately sings about the pain of heartbreak, is included on their 2008 album “HeartY.” Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Akai Ito” (Red Thread), the track is distinguished by lyrics that portray the bittersweet feelings of a woman after a breakup.

The unwavering love embedded in the words and the wish to be loved again resonate deeply.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to strike a chord with anyone who’s experienced heartbreak.

How about giving it a try at karaoke with friends or colleagues while reminiscing about old memories?