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

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN57rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a band well-known in the anison scene.

They’ve created many anime songs, but among their works, “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is arguably one of the most popular.

This track was released as the ending theme for the hit anime Blood Blockade Battlefront and enjoys outstanding popularity within the anison community.

While the vocal range is on the higher side at mid1 F# to high B, it’s not extremely wide.

With fewer breakpoints and fewer long tones in its structure, it’s a song that’s quite easy to sing for fun at karaoke.

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Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko58rank/position

Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku by Masahiko Kondo

This song, released in 1981, is one of Masahiko Kondo’s signature tracks that brought a fresh breeze to the idol pop scene of the time.

It strikes a perfect balance between flashy idol flair and restrained subtlety, captivating listeners with lyrics that weave in English phrases and a catchy rhythm.

It was also included on the album “Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku,” released in December of the same year, and was used in a commercial for House Foods’ “Kukure Curry.” The song marked his debut appearance at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s a recommended pick when you want to get hyped with people of the same generation or savor a nostalgic Showa-era mood.

LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO59rank/position

LOVE YOU ONLY – TOKIO (Full)

TOKIO’s debut single, released in September 1994.

The lyrics, which strikingly portray an earnest love tinged with hesitation, are infused with unwavering affection and passion for the other person, gripping listeners’ hearts.

It was also used as the opening theme for season 3 of the Fuji TV anime “Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai,” earning widespread support.

In December 1994, the group made an appearance at the 45th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, setting a record for the fastest invitation—just three months and ten days after their debut.

The melody and lyrics make it a pleasure to sing at reunions and gatherings with friends.

It’s a song that lets everyone have fun and get excited while reminiscing about the pure love of their younger days.

loveHoshino Gen60rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

Gen Hoshino’s hit song “Koi” is beloved not only by men but also by women.

The track served as the theme song for the wildly popular drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu), which became a social phenomenon and earned nationwide acclaim.

You still see it pop up often in karaoke histories, don’t you? While the song has a catchy melody, it also packs a punch with accents on the second and fourth beats, giving it a surprisingly solid groove.

In terms of name recognition and ease of getting into the rhythm, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.

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Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi61rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

Released in July 1997, this song was produced as the theme for the drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara,” marking Elephant Kashimashi’s first drama tie-in.

It’s a folk-rock number that sings of hope for the future while carrying the emptiness and loneliness of everyday life.

Hiroji Miyamoto’s powerful vocals beautifully convey both the poignancy felt amid the bustle of the city and the determination to keep looking forward.

As one of their signature tracks that broke into the top 10 on the Oricon weekly charts, it’s known across generations and is sure to bring warmth to year-end and New Year gatherings.

It’s recommended when you want to unify the venue with a gently emotive performance.

Deer-Colored DaysShikabu62rank/position

"Shikanokonokonokokoshitantan" OP 'Deer-Colored Days' Tried Dancing [Original Choreography]

This song, which drew a lot of attention as the opening theme for the TV anime “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan” that aired in July 2024, features a structure where the title is chanted repeatedly and a lively sound incorporating ska rhythms.

Sung by the voice actor unit Shika-bu, it went viral on TikTok and Instagram as the “Shikanoko Dance,” spreading both in Japan and abroad as many celebrities posted videos of themselves dancing.

The choreography is easy to learn, so it’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped at karaoke or dance events!

Matryoshkahachi63rank/position

Hachi MV “Matryoshka” HACHI / MATRYOSHKA

With an irresistibly addictive rock sound that grabs your heart and never lets go, this is one of Hachi’s signature songs.

Posted to Niconico in August 2010, it surpassed one million views in just about a month.

By December 2017, it had reached ten million views, becoming an emblem of the Vocaloid scene.

Hatsune Miku and GUMI give voice to a somewhat decadent, unstable emotion.

Sing it with handclaps and the whole venue is guaranteed to become one.

It’s a sure-fire hit anywhere Vocaloid fans gather!