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

MiracleGReeeeN50rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

GReeeeN is a four-member vocal group that continues to work in their unique style, balancing careers as dentists with musical activities.

Their seventh single, released in 2008, was used as the theme song for the TBS drama ROOKIES and became a massive hit, topping the Oricon singles chart for two consecutive weeks.

The lyrics, which straightforwardly express ever-growing love for a partner and the joy of having met them, warmly embrace the listener’s heart.

Despite its upbeat tempo, the emotionally rich melody is perfect for enlivening parties.

If everyone sings the chorus together, it creates a sense of unity and greatly lifts the atmosphere.

As a well-known classic across generations, it’s an ideal pick for karaoke with a diverse group.

men and womentarou51rank/position

Male and female/Taro

Techno singer Taro’s 2006 release “Danjo.” Haven’t you all heard it at least once? It comically sets a verbal sparring match between a boy and a girl to a rhythmic beat.

Then, partway through, it turns into a kind of wordplay using only the word “danjo” (men and women).

It’s one of those highly addictive songs that sticks in your head for a while after just one listen (lol).

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utatane

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The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP52rank/position

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

SMAP’s iconic song “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” has given courage and energy to many people.

After its single release in 2003, it quickly captured hearts across Japan and became a long-running hit.

With sales exceeding three million copies, it became one of the defining hit songs of the Heisei era.

Its melody doesn’t require a wide vocal range, making it easy to sing at karaoke and loved across generations.

For women in their 40s leading busy lives, why not cherish a moment to sing this song and reconnect with your true self? It will surely lift your spirits.

LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.53rank/position

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)

At the end of the 1990s, when J-pop was shining at its brightest, this number by Morning Musume swept Japan into a frenzy.

It’s an irresistibly upbeat dance tune that makes your body move just by listening, and it’s no exaggeration to say it gave immeasurable energy to Japan at the time.

The friendly melodies crafted by Tsunku♂ and the gorgeous, funky sound produced by Dance☆Man continue to set our hearts dancing across generations.

Released in September 1999 as their seventh single, the song became a defining track for the group, setting a huge record with total sales of about 1.64 million copies.

It was even featured in an NHK drama, making it a national anthem that people of all ages can hum along to.

Belt it out at karaoke with friends from your generation, and that excitement from back then will come rushing back—perfect for creating the best memories.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number54rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

Many of you may know this song because it was the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” Speaking of back number, they have many popular love songs, and among their tracks, this one portrays an unrequited love from a male perspective.

It tells a poignant story of a man waiting for a birthday message from the woman he likes, only for it not to come, realizing his feelings won’t be returned.

How about passionately singing this beloved ballad that’s popular with people of all genders?

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Hane Keisuke

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Solar System DiscoNayutan Seijin55rank/position

Solar System Disco / 96Neko × Hashiyan × Amatsuki [Tried Singing]

NayutalieN is known for making addictive songs.

This track also creates an extreme level of catchiness.

There are lots of spots to shout responses, making it easy for everyone to sing together—that’s one of this song’s hallmarks.

When it’s in the karaoke queue, band together, rope in people who don’t know the song, and sing it all together.

It’s sure to get the crowd going, and the atmosphere will reach a fever pitch.

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gummy

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Sorry for Being Cute feat. Chu-tan (CV: Saori Hayami)HONEY WORKS56rank/position

Sorry for Being Cute feat. Chuutan (CV: Saori Hayami) / HoneyWorks

A song that captivates Gen Z by boldly embracing its own cuteness.

This character song by HoneyWorks, sung by Saori Hayami as Chizuru Nakamura, celebrates a new-age mindset that doesn’t shy away from being a little calculating—it turns it into a weapon.

Set to lively guitar and synths, it weaves a message of strength in staying true to yourself without worrying about others’ eyes.

Since its digital release in November 2022, it exploded on TikTok and became a social phenomenon, culminating in the JASRAC Silver Award in 2024.

Listening to this track makes you feel that recognizing your own charm is something wonderful, so give it a try when you want a boost of self-esteem.