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 latest J‑Pop hits and all-time crowd favorites (31–40)

Do Re Mi So La Si DoHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 'Doremi Solashido'

Do Re Mi Sol La Si Do Hinatazaka46

This unforgettable track is Hinatazaka46’s “Doremisolasido.” The group originally performed as Keyakizaka46 (Hiragana Keyaki).

This song was their second single released after they began activities as Hinatazaka46.

It’s a clumsy yet sweet-and-sour love song that takes you right back to your school days!

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JoyfulIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari Joyful 2015

Joyful Ikimonogakari

A lively song by the popular artist Ikimono-gakari.

There aren’t any set dance moves, so it’s an easy track to create your own choreography for.

If you want to hype up the venue, the organizer can even sing it, or you can use it as background music for games like bingo.

Singing it takes quite a bit of stamina, so be prepared before you jump in.

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Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Golden Bomber

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

Effeminate by Golden Bomber

This is “Memeshikute,” the song that helped bring the ultimate air band, Golden Bomber, into the spotlight.

At first glance they look like a regular visual kei band, but it was shocking when it turned out that everyone except the vocalist is only pretending to play their instruments.

This song, which sings about a man’s clingy, pathetic love, is a guaranteed hit at year-end parties!

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Here we go! Phantom Thief GirlMomoiro Clover Z

[Momoclo MV] Go for it! Phantom Thief Girl / Momoiro Clover Z (MOMOIRO CLOVER / IKUZE! KAITOU SHOUJO)

Here we go! Phantom Thief Girl Momoiro Clover Z

If you dance with all your might, kicking your legs high with exuberant moves, the party is sure to heat up! This is the major debut single by Momoiro Clover Z, released in 2010.

Even just swapping the members’ names in the intro for your own will probably get the crowd laughing.

Imitating Momoiro Clover Z’s youthful, explosive choreography can be pretty tough physically.

But the harder you go all-out, the more the party will reach a fever pitch.

Be sure to practice and aim for a highly polished performance!

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It's not me unless it's meGirl of Extreme Vulgarity

Gesu no Kiwami Otome “Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no”

It's not me unless it's me — Gesu no Kiwami Otome.

With its philosophical title and addictively intricate sound, “Watachi Igai Watashi Janai no” (“No One but Me Is Me”) is a signature song by Gesu no Kiwami Otome, the hugely popular rock band led by Enon Kawatani.

Released in 2015 as their second single, it was also featured in a Coca-Cola “Name Bottle Campaign” commercial, which rapidly boosted the band’s profile.

Fusing math rock and funk into a danceable track, it’s perfect for amping up the atmosphere anywhere.

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[2025] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Newest J‑Pop Hits and All‑Time Favorites (41–50)

Wacha WachaRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – Wacha Wacha

Wacha WachaRIP SLYME

A track by RIP SLYME, who reunited as a five-piece to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their major debut.

Its breezy hip-hop sound blends perfectly with each member’s distinctive rap style.

The funky, energetic beat naturally makes listeners want to dance.

Released digitally on May 28, 2025, it’s also included on the best-of album “GREATEST FIVE,” released that July.

Brimming with bright, positive energy, this song is perfect for getting hyped with friends or lifting your mood!

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Black sheepKeyakizaka46

Keyakizaka46 'Black Sheep'

Black Sheep Keyakizaka46

This is a song called “Black Sheep” released by Keyakizaka46.

It’s a slightly serious track that sings about the struggles everyone faces.

Even if you think you’re fine, aren’t you sometimes unknowingly bottling up stress? At times like that, sing this song with friends you can be your true self around.

It’s sure to lift your spirits!

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