Recommended karaoke crowd-pleasers: Popular artist rankings [2026]

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo64rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Released in February 2004 as Yo Hitoto’s fifth single, this song became widely talked about as the most-sung karaoke track of the Heisei era.

While it’s a ballad noted for its calm and beautiful melody, it actually has a profound background: it was written as a prayer for peace in response to the September 11 attacks.

Its universal wish—“may happiness last long for the people we cherish”—resonates with listeners of all ages.

Beloved as the theme song for NTV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater and as a JRA commercial song, it was also featured in a 2010 film starring Yui Aragaki and Toma Ikuta.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to convey a mature charm with a serene atmosphere.

Please, MuscleSakura Hibiki (CV: Fairuzu Ai) & Machio Naruzou (CV: Ishikawa Kaito)65rank/position

Please, Muscle

How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? is a muscle-training body-transformation anime that’s explosively popular right now.

The craze has even led to the release of gaming machines, roping in people who weren’t interested in muscles to begin with.

Its opening theme, “Onegai Muscle,” is just as entertaining.

With lighthearted lyrics like wanting to build muscle to be popular or slim down to be popular, simply listening is fun—and if a group of muscle-proud folks get together to sing it, the crowd-pleasing effect will be doubled.

Calling out moves like “side chest” and “hip raise” and striking poses on cue is guaranteed to get laughs!

No!!!dainamikku jien zu66rank/position

Dynamic Jienzu - Different!!! (We Are Different!!! (or Same)) Official MV

This is a song called “Chigau!!!” that features twin vocals by Hatsune Miku and Otomachi Luna.

Vocaloid producer Carlos Hakamada released it under the name Dynamic Jienzu.

It boasts a blistering, demon-level speed of delivery, with piercing high tones piling on the challenge.

By the time you can get through this song without stumbling, your diction will likely have improved too.

It’s as tough as a news announcer’s basic drills, and it’s guaranteed to bring the house down at karaoke!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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threadNakajima Miyuki67rank/position

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter whose influence has spread across Asia, with her songs covered not only by Japanese artists but also by artists from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Her 35th single Ito, released as a double A-side with Inochi no Betsumei, became a major hit after being selected as the theme song for the TV drama Seija no Koshin (March of the Saints).

Its lyrics, which evoke the essence of life itself, may gain even greater depth when sung by a woman in her 40s.

With its beautiful melody that will captivate listeners even in karaoke, it is a masterpiece that remains in the history of J-pop.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Go for it!Urufuruzu68rank/position

Ulfuls Gatsu Daze

This is a fantastic track that gives you confidence and energy.

Its disco-style rhythm, catchy guitar lines, and positive message are compelling, giving you the courage to try without fearing failure.

Released by Ulfuls in December 1995, the song’s exposure on TV and in the media at the time rapidly boosted the band’s popularity.

Included on the album “Banzai,” it led to their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1996, and that same year they also won the Golden Arrow Music Award.

It’s the perfect song for when you need courage to keep facing challenges or want to fire yourself up.

It’s also great for getting hyped together with friends and uniting your hearts as one!

Chu, diversity.ano69rank/position

[Parody Song about Debt] Chu, Diversity. [Soshina]

Set to ano’s song “Chu, Diversity,” it sings about the sorrow of losing at gambling and sinking deeper into debt.

A key point is that the lyrics incorporate some of Soshina’s real-life experiences, which makes the anguish of debt feel even more pronounced.

It’s also easy on the ears where it echoes the original’s sound—for instance, opening the chorus with “Get on make,” a play on “geromake,” mirrors the phonetics of the source.

While it preserves the original’s light, breezy feel, the lyrics are packed with suffering, creating an enjoyable contrast that makes for a fun parody.

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kappamaki

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Summer Days of 1993class70rank/position

Summer Days of 1993

A love song that beautifully blends a refreshing sense of the season with sweet feelings of romance, resonating deep in the heart.

Released by class in April 1993, this piece gently describes a man’s budding love for a longtime female friend, set against summer scenery.

From a male perspective, the nascent feelings by the water and the fresh surprises, paired with a calm melodic line, create an atmosphere that evokes nostalgic memories.

Featured on the album “Mellow Prism,” it was used as the theme song for Saison Card commercials and as the opening theme for the drama “Kimi to Itsumademo.” It’s a recommended track for those who want to renew their feelings for someone special with the arrival of a refreshing season, or simply spend time in a tranquil state of mind.