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 RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering audio, lighting, and video technologies, and I acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined my current music production company and have consistently built experience on the production side ever since, working on a wide range of tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle content for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as the insights and knowledge I’ve gained from engaging with my kids every day. I hope my work 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 Party! A Roundup of the Newest J-Pop Hits and All-Time Favorites (21–30)

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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Horse and deerKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

Horse and deer Kenshi Yonezu

2019 was the year of rugby, wasn’t it? Kenshi Yonezu’s “Uma to Shika” was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “No Side Game,” which is based on rugby.

It’s a robust and powerful track that embodies the spirit of athletes.

While listening to this song, talk passionately about what happened this year and your goals for next year!

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Joyful Chianté!DIALOGUE＋

DIALOGUE+ “Joyful Chant!” Music Video

Joyful Sianté! DIALOGUE＋

DIALOGUE+ is a unit that draws attention with expressive power only voice actors can deliver.

"Joyful Shiante!" from their EP "PENTA+LOGUE," released in September 2025, is an energetic band-style track arranged by R・O・N.

Its positive lyrics, which encourage you to enjoy this very moment to the fullest, will lift your spirits just by listening.

The rapidly shifting melodies and the colorful contrast of the members’ vocals also boost the excitement.

Why not give it a listen when you’re about to start something new?

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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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PretenderOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

Pretender Official Hige Dandism

Cover videos by popular YouTube creators are also creating a buzz! This is the second single from Official HIGE DANDism, “Pretender,” which set an astonishing record with 500 million total streams and over 1 million full-track downloads.

Many people probably remember hearing the melody in theaters or commercials as the theme for the film “The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Romance.” The rhymed lyrics and striking turns of phrase are pure brilliance! Since the song has wide melodic intervals and is hard to sing, practice repeatedly—like at karaoke—before the real performance!

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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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Mutual loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

Mutual love aiko

It’s a song that portrays the intertwining emotions of lovers and a deep bond felt without exchanging words.

Featuring Aiko’s distinctively expressive vocals and delicate melody, it blends elements of J-pop and anime music.

Released as a single in May 2024, it was also used as the ending theme for the anime film Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram.

It’s a great pick to close out a party, especially to share with people who are experiencing the sweet, bittersweet feelings of love or steadfast devotion.

This track creates a warm atmosphere that helps everyone feel connected at heart.

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