[Karaoke] Guaranteed to get the crowd going! A collection of up-tempo Japanese songs

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

This song, which was used as the theme for the film Akegarasu starring Masaki Suda, is one of [Alexandros]’s signature tracks.

Although it was released in 2015, it still enjoys tremendous popularity among their songs and often ranks high on karaoke charts.

True to its title, “Wataridori” (“Migratory Bird”) carries a grand, soaring atmosphere as if it could fly anywhere, while the band’s trademark breezy, catchy melody feels great to listen to.

It’s not extremely fast in tempo, but the drum rhythm is light and lively, making it easy to keep a good pace and sing all the way through.

Utakata LullabyAdo

[Ado] Fleeting Bubble Lullaby (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

It’s one of the insert songs from the movie ONE PIECE FILM RED and the only rap track! When I first heard “Utakata Lullaby,” I was shocked, like, “Can a human even sing this?” But thinking about it now, since the song was provided by FAKE TYPE.

, it all makes sense—“So that’s why it’s so rap-heavy!” The songs from the ONE PIECE FILM RED series are insanely popular, and I’ve taught them many times in lessons! Especially this “Utakata Lullaby”—we looked over the lyrics again and again and discussed with students which parts are actually sung and which aren’t.

There are tons of ultra-fast rap sections, and if you listen closely, there are places where there are lyrics but they’re not actually sung.

Once you notice that, you can lock into the rhythm, making it easier and more fun to sing! If you tried before and gave up, give it another shot!

chantAdo

"Spell" by Ado

It’s the official theme song of Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween event—the one that became famous for the zombie dance! It’s an extremely challenging song packed with high-pitched shouts, low, spoken parts, and rap-like sections.

I learned it together with my students during lessons, too! Of course, once you can sing it well, it’s incredibly fun and satisfying! Some of the lyrics use difficult words, so I recommend listening to the original and memorizing them carefully one by one.

The tempo is very fast and you have to keep singing one line after another, but if you push too hard, you can wreck your throat, and if you hold back too much, it loses impact.

If you use your breath well and project your falsetto strongly, you can sing with a cool, powerful tone! Also, since it’s a dance track, once you feel more comfortable, try moving your body or swaying as you sing—you’ll lock into the rhythm, your voice will come out more easily, and it’ll be easier to add accents!

Butter-flyKoji Wada

Digimon Adventure Final Episode Ver. Butter-Fly

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Koji Wada’s “Butter-Fly” a flagship upbeat, hype-inducing anisong.

Used as the opening theme for Digimon Adventure, it’s beloved by many anime fans.

Its catchy, up-tempo groove, familiar melody, and lyrics that evoke hope are its key charms.

For those who grew up with Digimon, if even one person starts singing it, there’s no doubt everyone present will get fired up together! It has a refreshing quality that makes the quick tempo feel pleasant, and it’s also appealing because it’s easy for anyone to sing.

Teenager ForeverKing Gnu

King Gnu – Teenager Forever

This song really leaves an impression with the MV footage of vocalist Satori Iguchi running in a tank top and shorts.

Among their tracks, it stands out as particularly up-tempo and lighthearted! Of course, the reason it feels so catchy isn’t just the fast tempo—it’s also thanks to the driving sense of speed in the melody and the drum beats packed with intricate rhythms.

When you sing this at karaoke, make sure you don’t get left behind by the tempo—stay locked in with the backing beat as you sing!

cherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo (Short Ver.)

One of the go-to karaoke songs is Ai Otsuka’s “Sakuranbo.” With its high-energy vibe right from the intro, it’s perfect for instantly amping up the crowd.

The catchy lyrics—likening a romantic relationship to cherries—are another reason it’s become a beloved classic.

Of course, singing it well matters, but this is a song you should first let loose and belt out to your heart’s content.

By the way, it’s been trending on social media in recent years, so even people who didn’t grow up with it are sure to get excited.

InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Inferno

This is a song released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in 2019, also known as the opening theme for the anime Fire Force.

It’s a cool yet refreshing track that can be sung as a message song for people striving toward something.

Although it has the intensity typical of a rock number, you don’t have to belt too much when singing it, making it approachable even for those who aren’t comfortable with intense songs.

However, the key is a bit high, so for men, it’s recommended for those with a naturally higher chest voice or who can sing it in falsetto.