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

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai1rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

From a 2003 song, Ai Otsuka is exactly my generation.

It’s a national love-pop hit that has brightness, cuteness, and a great groove all in one.

It’s stayed popular for karaoke and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser across generations.

When you sing it, it might be especially good to use a cute voice like Ai Otsuka’s! My usual singing voice is lower and more rock-style, but when I sing Ai Otsuka’s songs people often tell me, “Sing it in a cute voice!” (lol).

Also, there’s the classic chant in the last chorus, and I’m sure many people are waiting for that phrase! Just be aware that the repeated choruses can tire you out, so try not to overdo it—aim for a lighter delivery.

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Kubota Mami

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Ojamajo Carnival!!MAHO dō2rank/position

Ojamajo Carnival!!

Ojamajo Carnival!! is an upbeat, bright, and energetic song.

It’s surprisingly popular at karaoke, and I sing it often too! When you listen, it can sound tricky, but once you actually try singing it, the range isn’t that demanding; as long as you lock into the rhythm, it’s an anime song where high scores are easy to aim for.

That said, the tempo is fast, so the lyrics will end up being a bit of a tongue-twister.

If you move your body too much to keep the beat, you might slip off, so it might help to keep a slightly forward-leaning posture! Interestingly, Masaaki Endoh, known for his tokusatsu songs, has also covered Ojamajo Carnival!! His version is pretty rock-heavy—so much so that from the intro you might be like, “Huh?” because it barely resembles the original—but men should definitely give Endoh’s version a listen!

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Kubota Mami

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Naughty SunORANGE RANGE3rank/position

ORANGE RANGE – Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver. Music Video)

ORANGE RANGE is a rock band from Okinawa with numerous hit songs like “Shanghai Honey” and “Hana.” Released in July 2007 as their 17th single, this track boasts a fully summer-ready sound.

Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” its provocative lyrics and up-tempo rhythm really fire you up.

The irresistibly danceable mixture rock makes it perfect BGM for workouts or for charging your energy in the morning.

It also topped the 2007 “Most Hype Karaoke Songs” ranking overall, making it ideal for blowing off steam by singing with friends.

It’s a song brimming with healthy energy—just listening to it will make you break a sweat.

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon4rank/position

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

A signature dance track by Sakanaction, released in September 2015 as the theme song for the film Bakuman.

The balance between its somewhat nostalgic synth tones and overwhelming catchiness is superb, isn’t it? Even when anxiety wavers you, the strong will to keep crafting with care is sure to resonate with anyone giving their all.

Its popularity is high, and its power to ignite crowds at live shows is truly one of a kind.

Paired with its surreal, unique choreography, dancing it as a group for a skit or performance will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable memory!

Charlesbarūn5rank/position

Charles / flower

Balloon, known as the Vocaloid producer alias of Keina Suda, who is active as a singer-songwriter.

His 26th work, “Charles,” which earned his first million after its release, is a Vocaloid track that has consistently ranked high in karaoke charts among younger generations.

With a quintessentially Vocaloid melody featuring tongue-twisting speed and dramatic leaps in pitch, it’s a rewarding challenge for karaoke as well.

It’s a modern, high-energy tune that’s fun to compete over with friends to see who can sing it best.

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Hoshino Takashi

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ultra soulB’z6rank/position

B’z / ultra soul【B’z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI-】

This is a hard rock number by B’z that powerfully expresses a soul’s cry to keep pushing the limits.

The lyrics, which portray facing oneself and chasing dreams, brilliantly capture the doubts and inner struggles we all encounter at life’s crossroads.

Takahiro Matsumoto’s dynamic guitar and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend perfectly, injecting a strong surge of energy into the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2001, it was chosen as the official theme song for the FINA World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka that same year.

Also included on the album “GREEN” and performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this track gives a boost to anyone striving in their work or life.

It’s the perfect cheer song to belt out with close friends when you get together.

I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase7rank/position

Nanase Aikawa / I Can’t Be a Dreaming Girl

One of Nanase Aikawa’s signature songs, which catapulted her into the ranks of star singers under the production of Tetsurō Oda.

This catchy, rock-style track—also covered by Demon Kakka of Seikima-II as well as idol group Yumemiru Adolescence—remains a karaoke favorite across generations.

If you’re in your 50s, it probably hit right around your youth, so some of you might even say, “My band covered this song.” Many were drawn to the lyrics, which skillfully speak for a girl on the verge of becoming an adult.

It’s a highly recommended song for belting out at full power and forgetting all your worries!