Karaoke That Gets the Crowd Going: Latest Rankings [2026]

Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko78rank/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.

loveHoshino Gen79rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

TouchIwasaki Yoshimi80rank/position

Touch

Touch features a catchy, refreshing melody.

It served as the first opening theme for the Fuji TV anime Touch and is also famous as a Koshien stadium cheer song.

It remains beloved today as a classic from the Showa era.

The song’s overall vocal range spans A3 to B5: while the first verse is sung quietly, the range climbs quite high toward the chorus.

When singing, be careful not to strain.

Using gestures or moving your body to the rhythm helps you stay relaxed, so you can produce sound even when singing lightly.

Especially in the higher parts, swinging your arms boldly can give you momentum and make it easier to project your voice.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Chiki Chiki Bang BangQUEENDOM81rank/position

TV anime “Ya Boy Kongming!” OP theme “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” [Tried Dancing] with 3D Virtual Eiko

This work, a Japanese cover of a party song from Hungary, became a major sensation in May 2022 as the opening theme for the anime Ya Boy Kongming! The arrangement features Japanese lyrics that play off the original’s mondegreen-like elements, with an added rap section.

Its rhythmic beat and repeatedly catchy phrases create an addictive loop that sticks in your head.

With its fast tempo and danceable groove, it’s perfect for dance events and dance-cover videos.

It’s also a great, upbeat, feel-good number for livening up karaoke sessions!

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number82rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

Released in June 2013, back number’s eighth single is a popular song that portrays a bittersweet unrequited love for someone out of reach.

The protagonist is nothing more than a “friend of a friend” to the person they like, and feels frustrated by that distance.

Its charm lies in how realistically it captures the all-too-familiar psychology of unrequited love—imagining what the other person’s ideal partner might be like and sinking into gloom.

In 2019, it was featured in a Kirin Tanrei Green Label commercial, where vocalist Iyori Shimizu performed an acoustic rendition.

A fun way to enjoy this song at a drinking party is to swap the chorus line “aitai” (I want to see you) with “nomitai” (I want to drink)! Turning it into a playful parody over the wistful melody is sure to get laughs from the contrast.

Sing it after some lively love talk or when there’s a friend nursing a crush, and it’ll warm up the mood even more!

The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo83rank/position

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

Released in May 1998 as Ringo Sheena’s debut single, this song was chosen as the ending theme for the variety show “Ai no Hinadan.” It combines a lightness that evokes the breath of youth with a striking edge tinged with a hint of poison, carrying the message that happiness is actually right in front of us.

An alternate arrangement appears on the album Muzai Moratorium as “Koufukuron (Etsuraku-hen),” and the track was also used in a commercial for Suntory Cocktail Bar.

Capturing a unique worldview that expresses cuteness and darkness at the same time, this work is highly recommended for anyone who wants to savor Sheena’s signature style.

I don’t want to get out of my futon.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai84rank/position

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai 'I Don’t Want to Get Out of the Futon'

Have you seen the McDonald’s commercial featuring the hugely popular actress Sari Ito, who’s in high demand for dramas and films? She looks super cute waddling along all puffy and bundled up.

The song playing in that CM is Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai’s “I Don’t Want to Get Out of the Futon.” It’s a track that just repeats “It’s so cold I don’t want to get out of my futon!!,” and it’s guaranteed to be fun whether you’re singing it or listening to it.

With a heavy, headbanging sound reminiscent of heavy metal plus comical lyrics, make sure to lean into that contrast when you sing!