Lovely karaoke song

A medley of crowd-pleasing classics. Iconic Japanese songs and recommended popular tracks.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

Doesn’t your heart feel warm with memories when you listen to a medley of nostalgic J-pop hits? Timeless masterpieces that continue to be loved are filled with special moments etched into our memories.

In this article, we’ve gathered popular Japanese songs that anyone will find themselves humming along to.

From theme songs of TV anime and dramas, to unforgettable tracks once heard on the radio, and timeless classics that still shine today, we present a collection of gems cherished across generations.

A medley of exciting classic hits. Masterpieces of Japanese music and recommended popular songs (91–100)

I'm glad I met you.Kyoko Koizumi

Kyoko Koizumi – I'm Glad I Met You (Official Video)

I'm glad I met you, Kyoko Koizumi

Sung by Kyoko Koizumi, this is a famous song by Kyoko Koizumi—known as Kyon-Kyon—that was used as the theme song for the drama “Papa to Nacchan,” which starred Kyoko Koizumi, Masakazu Tamura, and Downtown’s Masatoshi Hamada.

It’s a nostalgic ’90s tune with a gently soothing melody.

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Playback Part 2Momoe Yamaguchi

Playback Part 2 (May 1, 1978) / Momoe Yamaguchi

Playback Part 2 Momoe Yamaguchi

One of Momoe Yamaguchi’s best-known signature songs.

It’s a track loved across generations, still used in commercials today.

With distinctive lyrics like “Don’t make a fool of me—it’s your fault” and “Boy, just what have you been taught?” Yamaguchi delivers a cool, composed performance.

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A medley of crowd-pleasing classics. Iconic Japanese songs and recommended popular tracks (101–110)

Festival Ninjaninja

Ninja – Festival Ninja [Good Audio]

Festival Ninja Ninja

This is the biggest hit single by Ninja, a sing-and-dance kayōkyoku group born from Johnny’s.

They debuted with the catchphrase “The world is waiting for Ninja,” and with this one song they rewrote records at the Japan Record Awards and on Kōhaku.

It’s a nostalgic oldie that everyone was singing back then.

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My lover is Santa ClausYumi Matsutoya

My Baby Santa Claus / Koibito Ga Santa Claus (2022 Ｍix)

Lover Is Santa Claus by Yumi Matsutoya

A classic Japanese Christmas song.

Surprisingly, despite its great fame, it was never released as a single.

It was featured in the film “Take Me Out to the Ski Slope” (Watashi o Ski ni Tsuretette).

Many artists have covered it, making it a famous song that not only fans but practically everyone has heard.

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Rizo RavaBakufū Slump

Bakufu Slump Rizo-Lover Resort Lovers

Rizzo Rubber Explosion Slump

Starting right from the chorus with “It’s all a lie~,” Rizo-Lover (short for Resort Lovers) captures a fleeting summer romance at a resort set to a poppy, summery sound, then portrays the heartbreak of returning to reality with striking realism.

Though they might be mistaken for a comic band, they’re actually a group with very high musicality.

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DAY BREAKOtokogumi

DAYBREAK Otokogumi 1988

DAY BREAK Otokogumi

Even among the biggest hit singles by the big band Otokogumi, which was born from Johnny’s, “DAY BREAK” really stood out.

It had a great groove and easy-to-remember lyrics, so everyone was humming it back then.

The solo part by vocalist Narita is especially memorable in this song.

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By the time of the Christmas carolsJunichi Inagaki

Junichi Inagaki – When It's Christmas Carol Time (Official Music Video)

By the Time of Christmas Carol by Junichi Inagaki

This is a classic hit by Junichi Inagaki that was used as the theme song for the drama “Homework,” which starred Masaharu Fukuyama, Toshiaki Karasawa, and others.

It’s one of those songs you want to listen to every Christmas season.

In recent years, it has become a nostalgic favorite that’s even been covered overseas.

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