[Karaoke] Guaranteed to get the crowd going! A collection of up-tempo Japanese songs
There are plenty of chances to go to karaoke with school friends or coworkers, right?
What often trips people up at times like that is, of course, picking songs.
A lot of people probably feel like, “If I’m going to sing, I want a crowd-pleaser, but I don’t know what to choose.”
There are all kinds of hype songs, but in this article we’ll focus on up-tempo tracks and recommend lots of great picks!
They’re all guaranteed crowd-pleasers for karaoke, so if you’re ever stuck choosing, definitely use this as a reference.
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- [I want to sing out loud] Songs that feel great to belt and are fun for karaoke
- [For Men] This song is perfect for hyping up the crowd at karaoke!
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- Cool songs that will go over well at karaoke
- [For Women] Easy-to-Sing and Crowd-Pleasing Karaoke Songs
- Recommended for high school students! Fun, crowd-pleasing songs for karaoke
- Perfect for karaoke song choices too! Hype tracks recommended for Gen Z.
[Karaoke] Guaranteed to Get the Crowd Going! A Collection of Upbeat Japanese Songs (11–20)
Sorry for Being Cute (feat. Capi)HONEY WORKS
HoneyWorks’ collaboration with utaite singer Kapi, “Kawaikute Gomen (feat.
Kapi),” is a super cute, karaoke-energizing track.
It’s included on the 2022 album Kokuhaku Jikkō Iinkai – FLYING SONGS – Koishiteru.
The song portrays a girl who thinks she’s cute, apologizing a bit cheekily while brimming with confidence and living joyfully as herself.
The lyrics might throw you off for a moment, but you may find yourself admiring the grit it takes to stay true to oneself in any situation.
Sing it with high energy to boost your confidence!
idolYOASOBI
An up-tempo track that portrays both the glamour of idols and the struggles behind the scenes.
Released in June 2023 as an anime opening theme, it became a major hit on charts both in Japan and abroad.
YOASOBI’s songs are based on novels, known for their literary depth.
This piece sharply depicts an idol’s inner world over a driving 166 BPM rhythm.
Its gothic rock flavor and choir-like choruses are striking, evoking the atmosphere of live houses in Akihabara.
A perfect choice for anyone looking to light up a karaoke session.
Good luck!Bubble Parties
It has a somewhat anime-like vibe, with a refreshing, easy-to-listen phrase that sticks in your head! The tempo is relatively fast, so it might be best to start by memorizing the melody.
When it’s time to sing, as long as you ride the groove properly, you’ll be set! The melody is quite straightforward, so you should get used to the song quickly.
There’s call-and-response in the A section, so if you look at the lyrics from the beginning, you should be able to learn it without getting confused.
Also, for the high notes in the chorus, rather than belting, sing lightly to match the song’s feel—aim to relax while keeping the rhythm with your body.
Since it’s an idol-style song, lifting your facial muscles into a smile will help you relax on its own.
After that, try singing without forcing it, imagining your voice lightly placed forward, around the area in front of your eyebrows!
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster's Flower Song)Vaundy
This song is characterized by a sense of speed in its melody and an energetic sound.
Released in May 2020, it drew attention the moment it became available for streaming and went on to be a massive hit, surpassing 700 million plays.
The lyrics capture anxieties and inner conflicts about growing up, along with reflections on the past and future.
With themes of parting from friends and childhood, it evokes the bittersweetness of youth.
It was also featured in a Maruha Nichiro WILDish frozen food commercial, which helped boost its recognition.
Ranking among the most popular karaoke tracks, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—why not try singing it with friends or coworkers?
Racing into the NightYOAOBI
YOASOBI, the duo known for turning novels into music, has a signature hit called “Yoru ni Kakeru,” a must-have hype song for any karaoke session! The original story is Mayo Hoshino’s novel Temptation of Thanatos.
The song is guaranteed to build excitement right from the intro, and it ramps up even more after the key change, so make sure to come in right on time! The key can feel high even for women, but with adjustment, men can sing it too.
Keep the post–key change height in mind when you set the key, and don’t be afraid—give it a try!
OtonokeCreepy Nuts
This track is packed with everything that makes Creepy Nuts so compelling.
It features a distinctive worldview that fuses music with the supernatural, and it was released in October 2024 as the opening theme for the anime Dandadan.
Over a driving, high-velocity beat, R-Shitei delivers a powerful rap performance.
The song portrays music as something that shakes our emotions, like a specter dwelling in the human heart.
The jacket design also drew attention with mysterious artwork that embodies the concept of an “audio apparition.” It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking to amp up the energy at karaoke.
[Karaoke] Guaranteed to Get the Crowd Going! A Collection of Upbeat Japanese Songs (21–30)
Yes, with pleasure.Kent on this side
This song blends a catchy pop melody with a profound message.
The lyrics, penned by Kent-san from Kokch no Kento based on his own experiences, depict the struggles faced by young people living today.
Conveying the importance of asking for help over a brisk, upbeat rhythm, the track sparked a strong response, especially on social media.
Released in May 2024, it stands out for its buzzworthy TikTok dance scenes and Morse code motif.
It’s also a perfect pick for anyone looking to liven up a karaoke session.
Within its bright, cheerful tone, you’ll surely find moments that resonate.