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 (41–50)

PlatinumMaaya Sakamoto

Sakura Card Captor Opening 3 – Platina

Platinum Maaya Sakamoto

I don’t think there’s anyone in their twenties who doesn’t know this.

It’s the opening theme of Cardcaptor Sakura.

It’s fun to watch the video and feel that wave of nostalgia, and the song sits at a really comfortable range to sing.

It’s truly a track I’d recommend to women.

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migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

Wataridori [Alexandros]

This refreshing track with acoustic guitar tones is “Wataridori” by the hugely popular rock band [Alexandros].

You’ve probably heard it often in TV commercials and the like.

The vocalist’s free and soaring high-tone voice is unforgettable after just one listen.

It’s a rock tune that lifts your spirits.

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LOVE MachineMorning Musume

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)

LOVE Machine - Morning Musume

The song by Morning Musume released in September 1999 became the group’s first million-seller and topped the Oricon Karaoke Chart for 17 consecutive weeks.

While centered on the theme of love, it’s brimming with positive energy, carrying hopeful and optimistic messages about a bright future.

It was also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Find the Idol!” and as a commercial song for the aesthetic salon “Eruceine.” It’s a perfect track for parties, year-end gatherings, New Year celebrations—any scene where everyone wants to get excited together.

A timeless classic of Japanese pop culture that can be enjoyed across generations.

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Banzai, I’m glad I liked you.Ulfuls

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

Banzai, I'm glad I like Ulfuls.

Now a veteran rock band, Ulfuls released their tenth single in 1996, and it became a massive hit—a karaoke staple that everyone sang at the time.

With its straightforward expression of love, the song is still a popular choice at weddings today.

Loved by people of all ages, it’s guaranteed to liven up any gathering, from year-end parties to New Year celebrations.

It may be the classic move, but raise your hands and shout “Banzai!” together—let the cheerful vibe of singing and dancing wrap everyone up, and enjoy a heartwarming time.

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Riding Good Waves NIGHTFxxkingRabbits

Riding a Good Wave ⭐︎ NIGHT [Full PV] Fxxking Rabbits

Riding good waves NIGHT Fxxking Rabbits

A quintessential piece of contemporary dance music.

It’s a pretty intense, high-energy track, so if you use it when the drinks are really kicking in at the after-party, you can take the crowd’s excitement to the max.

Ideally, you’d have women dance to it, but it could also be fun as a skit with the guys.

Someone who usually looks serious might change their image by daring to dance to it.

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Go for it!Ulfuls

Ulfuls – Guts da ze!!

Guts da ze Ulfuls

I’d like to dedicate this song to everyone fighting across Japan: “Guts da ze!!” by Ulfuls! There are times when work and your personal life don’t go well.

Even then, listening to this song will make you feel like giving it your all again.

Its straightforward, unadorned lyrics and the masculine vocals make it a track that really hits home!

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EdisonWednesday Campanella

Wednesday Campanella “Edison”

Edison Wednesday Campanella

A fresh take on pop music that weaves together an adorable voice and a distinctive sound.

Released in May 2022, this track blew up on TikTok and became a massive hit, reaching No.

13 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

True to Wednesday Campanella’s playful style, the lyrics are packed with fun and the catchy melody leaves a strong impression—it’s the kind of song that lifts your spirits just by listening.

The music video, which depicts the hustle and bustle of inventing in a laboratory, is also a must-see.

Perfect for party entertainment or when you’re ready to take on something new.

It’s a song that makes you feel like you’d rather invent something than spend time dancing.

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