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 Party! A Roundup of the Newest J-Pop Hits and All-Time Favorites (21–30)

idolYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

Idol YOASOBI

YOASOBI’s song was released in June 2023 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko.” It features lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview and a melody brimming with drive.

The piece powerfully sings of the pursuit of strength while portraying the conflicts and inner vulnerabilities of an idol.

Its fast tempo of 166 BPM and choral parts reminiscent of a church choir are striking, making it a surefire way to liven up any party.

It’s a recommended track not only for anime fans but also for anyone seeking energetic music.

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One Night CarnivalKishidan

Kishidan – One Night Carnival

One Night Carnival by Kishidan

It’s an incredibly famous song for getting the crowd pumped.

The biggest key is how cool you can deliver that very first line.

The sharp, snappy choreography is part of the appeal too, so make sure to practice.

It’s a song that can hype everyone up just by singing it straight, which is why there are so many ways to arrange it.

It’s also a fun track to plan a performance for.

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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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Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Que Sera Sera” Official Music Video

Que Sera Sera Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s powerful, emotionally resonant work is filled with messages that reach out to everyone facing hardship.

The positive theme symbolized by the word “Que Sera Sera” conveys the strength to keep moving forward no matter how tough the situation.

The song is also known as the theme for the drama “Even If It’s Only for Sunday Night,” which further expanded Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s appeal.

It’s a perfect track for background music at banquets and parties, where many people can relate and get energized.

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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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Cannot stop the queue!CUTIE STREET

[MV] CUTIE STREET "Can't Stop at the Queue!"

Can't stop at the queue! CUTIE STREET

A high-energy pop tune packed with CUTIE STREET’s raw emotions, charging ahead at full throttle! It’s the title track of their single “We Can’t Stop the Cue! / Earth Make-Up Plan,” releasing in July 2025.

You can feel their unstoppable momentum—eyes fixed forward, never hitting the brakes—coming straight through the speakers.

The sparkly, poppy music video, reminiscent of Heisei-era gals, has also become a hot topic.

When you’re feeling down or need courage to take on a challenge, this song will push you forward with a bold message: “There’s no time to stand still!”

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Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Yoko Oginome

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.] (Short Ver.)

Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) Yoko Oginome

It’s “Dancing Hero,” released by Yoko Oginome in 1985.

It became a hot topic when the elite Tomioka High School Dance Club performed a routine to this song.

It might be a bridge between the generation that lived through the Bubble Era and those who didn’t.

It’s a recommended track for anyone looking to get on good terms with their boss.

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