Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers: Women’s Ranking [2025]

Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Yoko Oginome22rank/position

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.] (Short Ver.)

This is a song that was a massive hit in the ’80s.

The Eurobeat vibe felt fresh at the time, and everyone sang and danced to it.

She was affectionately called “Oginome-chan” and was popular as an idol, but the success of this song brought out a different kind of charm.

Wouldn’t you say her image change from idol was a huge success? But the story of this hit didn’t end there! In 2017, the dance club of Mikata High School used it in a contest medley, sparking a revival hit that captured public attention.

The mature allure of “Dancing Hero” was wonderful, wasn’t it?

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto23rank/position

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

This song is packed with the charms of Mayo Okamoto as a singer-songwriter and has long been loved as a message song that delivers hope and courage.

It gently conveys the importance of believing in yourself and the bravery to take a step toward tomorrow—a timeless classic.

With calm piano tones and a warm, heartfelt vocal, it resonates deeply.

Since its 1995 release, it has moved many as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance” and was included on the album of the same name, “TOMORROW.” This work will surely give you a gentle push when you feel lost in life or are about to take a new step forward.

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG24rank/position

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

Everything was glitzy in the ’80s and ’90s.

On TV, so-called “trendy dramas” were at their peak.

Among them, the Monday 9 p.

m.

slot—“Getsuku”—was special and produced numerous classics.

This song, “Kiss Me Right Away,” was the theme for the drama “You’re the One I Love Most in the World,” and together with the show’s popularity, it became a mega-hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts and becoming one of LINDBERG’s signature tracks.

The lyrics, which feel like they bare a woman’s true feelings, are refreshing, and vocalist Ms.

Watase’s Kansai dialect sounded delightfully playful.

If you want to hype up the mood, this is a go-to track you’ll think, “Start with this one!”

Cutie HoneyKumi Koda25rank/position

Kumi Koda - “Cutie Honey” ~ 20th Year Special Full Ver. ~

If you want a song to get everyone hyped, I recommend Cutie Honey.

It’s known across generations, so it’s a blast to sing at karaoke! Since many people are already familiar with the tune, you can probably breeze through it even if you’re not confident in your pitch.

The chorus does go a bit higher, so try to keep relaxed and avoid forcing your voice.

That said, this is a song where vibe matters more than vocal technique—if you move your body and use hand gestures to the rhythm, the tension naturally eases and it becomes much easier to sing! In fact, for people who aren’t used to karaoke, gestures are surprisingly important.

Standing stiff will almost always make you sing from your throat, so I highly recommend moving your body to the beat.

You’ll have a great time—don’t be shy, give it a try!

threadMiyuki Nakajima26rank/position

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter whose influence has spread across Asia, with her songs covered not only by Japanese artists but also by artists from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Her 35th single Ito, released as a double A-side with Inochi no Betsumei, became a major hit after being selected as the theme song for the TV drama Seija no Koshin (March of the Saints).

Its lyrics, which evoke the essence of life itself, may gain even greater depth when sung by a woman in her 40s.

With its beautiful melody that will captivate listeners even in karaoke, it is a masterpiece that remains in the history of J-pop.

Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE(GReeeeN)27rank/position

MISIA – Shape of Love feat. HIDE (GReeeeN) (Official Music Video)

Released in 2018, MISIA’s “Ai no Katachi” is a collaboration song with HIDE from GReeeeN.

The track was used as the theme song for the TBS TV drama “Stepmom and Daughter’s Blues.” It was also featured in a commercial for SUBARU’s Levorg, which speaks to how outstanding the song is.

Beyond the song itself, MISIA enjoys immense popularity among women of the same generation.

Many people in their 40s likely sing MISIA at karaoke, don’t they? With its slow tempo and easy-to-remember melody, it’s a song you’ll definitely want to try singing.

Let’s all sing along to the exhilarating build-up in the latter half!

planetariumAi Otsuka28rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A signature song by Ai Otsuka that delicately expresses a bittersweet love with a clear, translucent voice.

Comparing the pain of heartbreak to a starry sky, this moving piece overlays memories of a finished romance with the glow of a planetarium.

Included on the album “LOVE COOK” and released in September 2005, it’s also remembered as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi.” Beginning with a gentle piano melody, Ai Otsuka’s clear vocals resonate as if soaking into the listener’s heart.

While cherishing memories, it’s a song that inspires you to look ahead and keep moving forward.

Why not sing this memory-filled song for someone special, with all your heart?