Wonderful entertainment/performances

[2025] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Newest J‑Pop Hits and All-Time Crowd Favorites

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

Music is essential for livening up year-end parties, New Year’s gatherings, welcome and farewell parties, and other banquets.

If you’re the organizer or in charge of entertainment, you’ll want to pick songs that get everyone excited.

Still, it can be hard to know which tracks will really hype up the crowd.

For those in that situation, this article introduces recommended Japanese songs perfect as BGM to energize any banquet.

Focusing on the latest trend-aware hits while also picking timeless favorites, it offers a lineup that people of all generations can enjoy, making it suitable for a wide variety of events.

Be sure to check it out!

[2025] Liven Up Your Banquet! Latest J-Pop Hits and All-Time Favorites (11–20)

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

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

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

HoneyWorks is a creator unit known for providing songs to various artists and for collaborations.

The track “I’m Sorry, I’m Cute feat.

Chu-tan (CV: Saori Hayami),” which features Chizuru Nakamura—a character from their song series project Confession Executive Committee: Love Series—was released as a digital-only single on November 21, 2022.

Given the huge response it received on TikTok, many people have probably heard it at least once.

With its cute lyrics and melody, it’s a poppy BGM that brightens the mood at any party.

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Beat de TouhiHamaiku

Hamaiku – Escape with the Beat [MV]

Going to Hamai to escape with the beat

Here’s the perfect track to liven up any party.

With its catchy phrases and poppy sound, it’s an irresistibly addictive number you won’t forget after a single listen.

The songwriting and composition are by meiyo, known for “Nani Yattemo Umaku Ikana i,” which was even nominated for TikTok’s Buzzword Awards.

The song channels the urge to escape everyday troubles into a brisk beat and a positive message.

Released digitally in November 2022, it drew buzz on social media, leading to the full-size music video being released on YouTube in April 2023.

It’s a track anyone can enjoy at year-end and New Year parties, welcome and farewell gatherings, and more—so why not add it to your playlist?

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Get-go!EXILE

EXILE / Get-go! (Music Video)

Get-go!EXILE

Released in September 2025, this work is the 52nd single and the first in about four years and five months.

The lyrics were written by ATSUSHI himself, expressing the joy of reuniting with his companions and gratitude to the fans.

It fuses EXILE’s signature R&B flavor with an exhilarating pop sound, creating a groove that feels both nostalgic and new.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to make a fresh start or feel the bond with your cherished friends.

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My cutest partFRUITS ZIPPER

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER - My Cutest Part

My cutest part FRUITS ZIPPER

The song by the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER, which debuted in 2022, became a huge hit on TikTok, achieving an astonishing total of over 200 million video views.

With its catchy, pop melody and lyrics that positively embrace one’s own charm, it quickly stood out.

Released as a digital single in April 2022 and later on CD, the track has gained increasing media exposure, including winning the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist and appearing on Music Station.

At parties, this bright and upbeat song is guaranteed to get everyone dancing and instantly liven up the atmosphere!

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Oni BanquetSora Tomonari

Sora Tomonari – “Demons’ Banquet” [Lyric Video]

Oni no Utage Tomonari Sora

This is a song that really helps energize a party.

Its addictive tempo and Sorato Tomonari’s distinctive worldview create a unique atmosphere that draws listeners in.

Released in January 2024, the track quickly gained traction, going viral on TikTok and surpassing 2.

5 million plays.

The lyrics celebrate the value of living honestly according to one’s desires, free from social norms—an appeal that shines even brighter in a party setting.

Showcasing Tomonari’s talent, this song is sure to be a hit at year-end gatherings, New Year parties, welcome and farewell events, and all kinds of celebratory occasions.

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Baby youYuka

Yuka “Baby you” Music Video

Baby, You Yuka

Yuka is a singer-songwriter who studied piano and vocal music from a young age and performed at live music venues while working full-time before her debut.

Her major-label first single, “Baby you,” became a huge hit both in Japan and abroad, surpassing 2 billion plays on social media.

Its cute vocals riding a breezy shuffle beat make it a perfect fit for lively party atmospheres.

With an irresistibly sing-along, catchy melody, this pop tune brightens the mood wherever it’s played.

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[2025] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Newest J-Pop Hits and All-Time Favorites (21–30)

First Love KillerNo Murasaki

Noashi (noa) – First Love Killer [Official Music Video]

First Love Killer Noa

In May 2024, rising next-generation singer-songwriter Noshi unveiled a new track.

With its bold melody and youthful vocals, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for any party.

The lyrics, depicting the fragility and inner conflict of first love, touch on universal themes everyone can relate to.

The song, which gained popularity on TikTok, has also been making waves across social media.

It was released in tandem with the fan club presale for Noshi’s second solo headlining show.

A live performance is scheduled for November 9 at Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo.

Its nostalgic atmosphere appeals not only to younger listeners but also to a more mature audience.

Be sure to check it out when you want to energize a karaoke session or as a great icebreaker at new social gatherings!

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