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

Bridge of Gloryyuzu15rank/position

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

A gem of a ballad by Yuzu, etched in memory alongside the moving scenes of the Athens Olympics.

Released as a single in 2004, it served as NHK’s theme song for its Athens Olympics broadcasts and wrapped all of Japan in emotion.

Its warm message—honoring the unseen struggles and tears, and the days of perseverance that overcame countless hardships—resonates deeply with anyone single-mindedly striving toward a dream.

Belt it out at karaoke, and you’ll not only lift your own spirits but also gently encourage your friends beside you.

A true anthem for life.

MUSIC VIDEOOkazaki Taiiku16rank/position

Okazaki Taiiku 'MUSIC VIDEO' Music Video

When it comes to Okazaki Taiiku’s songs, they’re full of a charm that makes listeners smile without even realizing it.

This track features lyrics that poke fun at common tropes in music videos, paired with a catchy melody.

Included on his major-label debut album “BASIN TECHNO,” released in May 2016, its promo video—shot on a shoestring budget of just 60,000 yen—became a hot topic and even won the New Face Award at the Japan Media Arts Festival in March 2017.

It’s perfect for livening up an after-party and has cross-generational appeal.

Link arms and dance together, and it’s sure to be the highlight of the party.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN17rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Despite having nearly 30 years of activity, the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN is still at the forefront.

They have many famous songs, but among them, the most well-known is probably Tentai Kansoku.

The song’s vocal range spans from low G# to mid2 G#, with the lower register being quite deep.

Since a mid2 F appears in the final chorus, if you adjust the key so that you can sing that part solidly, it shouldn’t feel particularly difficult.

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Ryo

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Hamtaro Tottoko SongHamuchanzu18rank/position

[Anime] 'Hamtaro Tottoko Uta' (Sung by: Ham-Chans) [Official] Hamtaro opening theme song, Part 1

Did you know that the opening song of the anime Hamtaro, a character hugely popular with children, has been attracting attention at music events frequented by adults? It all started at an outdoor festival in 2017.

When the song was played at a DJ event focused on anime and video game music, a few people began running around in a circle, which became a hot topic and has since been adopted at various events.

Nowadays it’s a staple at meat festivals, with mysterious call-and-response chants—absent from the original lyrics—added for extra excitement! Known as the “Hamtaro Call,” it’s even gained popularity overseas.

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yuri

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Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai19rank/position

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai “Japanese Rice Is the Best in the World”

A work that powerfully expresses Japanese food culture and its love for rice.

Released in May 2015 as a signature song by Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai.

With a bold sound and humor-filled lyrics, it praises the greatness of Japanese rice while introducing rice bowls, set meals, and various rice brands.

It also helped bring more fans to farmers.

There’s even a phrase reminiscent of Kome Kome CLUB’s songs, reportedly used with official permission.

Sing it at karaoke, and your overwhelming love of rice might just leave everyone around you in awe!

water lily blossomShonan no Kaze20rank/position

Shonan no Kaze “Suirenka” MUSIC VIDEO

Men born in the late ’80s to early ’90s might feel a strong sense of nostalgia—this was the go-to song whenever you wanted to hype things up at karaoke, right? “Suirenka” has plenty of moments to get everyone going, like the chorus parts and the towel-spinning! If you’ve got both the main vocalist and the rapper covered, you can enjoy the song with a nice balance.

HAN-KUN, the main vocalist, sings in a relatively high key, so if you’re comfortable with high notes, definitely give it a try.

If you’re not used to high notes but still want to sing it, start by focusing on resonating in your head.

Practicing falsetto and airy tones uses a lot of breath.

It also helps to sing all the lyrics as “hi,” which makes head resonance easier.

Master those high notes and give it a shot!

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Kubota Mami

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RPGSEKAI NO OWARI21rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

With its fantastical atmosphere and marching rhythm, this song gives a gentle push to new adults stepping into a new world.

Released in May 2013, SEKAI NO OWARI’s single “RPG” is a cheer anthem themed around friendship and adventure.

Written by Fukase and Saori, the lyrics portray the strength to face forward and overcome hardship, drawn from their own experiences.

The song also became beloved as the theme for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!”.

Even if you feel lost on the adventure called life, listening to this track will give you the courage to believe you’ll be okay.