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

PretenderOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

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!

New Treasure IslandSakanaction

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

This is “Shin Takarajima” by Sakanaction, a song whose sensational synthesizer sounds lift your spirits.

The rhythmic, funky guitar tones get listeners grooving, and the catchy, exhilarating chorus makes it an addictive track.

Turning Upstorm

ARASHI – Turning Up [Official Music Video]

This is a digital single released on November 3, 2019, when Arashi celebrated the 20th anniversary of their CD debut.

It drew attention for being included in the special medley performed as the grand finale at the 70th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The relentlessly positive lyrics are emblematic of Arashi, who have remained top idols for many years.

It’s a perfect song for a New Year’s gathering where you share fresh resolutions.

Why not try the dance as well, using the music video—featuring the members and dancers grooving enthusiastically—as your guide?

LemonKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

Lemon is an iconic song that represents the end of the Heisei era.

It’s extremely well-known as one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature tracks.

Once you learn the backstory hidden in the song, it becomes hard to use it as party entertainment—but that’s that.

With its distinctive dance and catchy melody, I definitely recommend giving the dance a try.

If you use it as a performance at a party, it’s sure to get the crowd going.

Singing it softly is nice too, but since it’s a difficult song, make sure to practice thoroughly first.

MarigoldAimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyon has grown into a songstress who represents the modern era.

Among her works, “Marigold” is an iconic track.

There are few people who wouldn’t recognize it if it played at a party.

That makes it an all-around song—great for a performance skit or for karaoke.

If you can play guitar, try a solo acoustic version or form a small band.

There are many ways to enjoy this song, so go ahead and play your own original take on “Marigold.”

ultra soulB’z

B’z / ultra soul

Ultra Soul, with its growling lead guitar in the intro, really sticks in your ears.

It’s a track released in 2001 by the legendary rock duo B’z.

After its release, it was chosen as the theme song for the World Aquatics Championships, bringing it to a huge audience.

The title call that comes at the end of the chorus is especially memorable—it makes just about anyone want to shout along.

If you’re going to sing it at a party, be sure to throw on a checkered shirt, the trademark look of the vocalist, Inaba!

Water lily flowerShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Suirenka” MUSIC VIDEO

You could even say it’s a high-energy summer anthem perfect for hyping up banquets and parties.

The fact that it took first place in the 2012 “High-Calorie-Burning Karaoke Songs” ranking shows just how powerful this track is.

Its masculine vibe makes it perfect for a New Year’s party where a bunch of guys get together to talk about their resolutions.

Sing it with lots of energy, putting in that “Let’s keep the momentum going this year!” spirit.

It might even be fun to swing a towel around like you’re at a festival to really set the mood.