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

idolYOASOBI29rank/position

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

This song brilliantly captures the glamorous world of idols, right down to its hidden underside.

Released by YOASOBI in April 2023, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko” and achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Japanese-language track to top Billboard’s Global chart.

The lyrics delve deeply into the multifaceted nature of idols, portraying the true feelings behind their perfect smiles and the fine line between lies and love.

Set to a sound that fuses pop, hip-hop, and rock, the rapid-fire words tumble out like playful wordplay.

The dance blew up on TikTok, and you can see kids and adults alike singing along with enthusiasm.

Try it as a parent-child challenge, and it’s sure to be a hit.

frecklesJUDY AND MARY30rank/position

Freckles – JUDY AND MARY (Full)

Known as one of JUDY AND MARY’s signature songs, this track was released in February 1996.

It was also used as the theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.

YUKI’s clear, soaring vocals and the catchy melody make a strong impression.

While depicting the complex feelings after a heartbreak, the lyrics still convey a positive outlook, which is part of their appeal.

It’s sure to be a hit at year-end and New Year parties’ karaoke! With a tempo that’s easy for all age groups to enjoy, it should be an easy pick for company gatherings as well.

Let’s all sing it out with energy and brighten the start of the new year!

I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo31rank/position

I'm going to Tokyo.

Enka singer Ichi Ikuzō, known for his wide-ranging musicality from comic songs to songs in a female voice and heart-wrenching ballads.

Unusual for an enka singer, he also has the side of a singer-songwriter, and his original songs, for which he writes both lyrics and music, are full of creativity and have remained beloved across generations.

Speaking of Ikuzō Yoshii’s masterpieces, it has to be “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda,” doesn’t it? While it has elements typical of enka, it features many spoken-style parts, so the overall difficulty is on the lower side.

As a comic song, it really gets the crowd going, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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HOWEVERGLAY32rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

GLAY is a four-member rock band that dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s as a leading visual kei act, establishing numerous milestones.

Their 12th single, HOWEVER, used as the theme song for the TV drama Ryakudatsuai: Abunai Onna, became GLAY’s first million-selling hit.

Because the melody features increasingly higher tones toward the latter half, you’ll need to pace yourself when singing it at karaoke.

For those in their 30s, just listening to it will likely bring back memories of their youth; it’s one of GLAY’s signature songs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+33rank/position

nobodyknows+ “Kokoro Odoru” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is a song that lets you fully feel the wonderful power of music.

The heartfelt emotions put in by nobodyknows+ are expressed through a powerful beat and a melody line that resonates deeply.

The lyrics, carried by an up-tempo rhythm, vividly depict how people’s hearts dance through music and how bonds with friends grow stronger.

Released in May 2004, the song was chosen as the ending theme for the anime SD Gundam Force.

It is included on the album Do You Know? and was also performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December of the same year.

It’s the perfect track when you want to steer your feelings in a positive direction or make time with your close friends shine even brighter.

The magical power of music will surely wrap your heart in gentle warmth.

PoppippoRamāzu P34rank/position

Poppippo (V3 Edition) - Hatsune Miku by LamazeP

If you used to listen to it, just seeing the title will make that phrase start playing in your head.

It’s a signature track by Lamaze-P, who has been actively creating from the early days of the Vocaloid scene to the present, released in 2008.

The content is simple—“Hatsune Miku recommends vegetable juice”—but its catchiness is off the charts, and it took Nico Nico Douga by storm at the time.

It’s also included on the album EXIT TUNES PRESENTS THE COMPLETE BEST OF Lamaze-P feat.

Hatsune Miku.

It’s perfect for when you want a boost of energy.

flying getAKB4835rank/position

[MV full] Flying Get (Dancing Version) / AKB48 [Official]

Set to a passionate sound that fuses Latin and rock, this song portrays the push-and-pull of romance.

The lyrics, which express proactiveness and strategy in love, also leave a strong impression.

Released in August 2011, the track drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e.” It also won the Grand Prize at the 53rd Japan Record Awards, marking AKB48’s first such honor.

If you sing it at karaoke, try expressing that fiery romantic feeling with your whole body.

It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to be more proactive in love.