Popular Japanese pop karaoke. Latest rankings [2025]

366 daysHY29rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

HY’s classic song “366 Days.” This track is beloved across a wide range of ages, from younger listeners up to people in their 40s.

It’s a karaoke staple, so many of you have probably sung it at least once.

Its vocal range spans from mid1 E to hi G#, which is very wide, making it a bit challenging to sing without adjusting the key.

However, apart from the extremely high falsetto ad-libs in the final chorus, if you can handle the light falsetto in the B section, you can try arranging the ad-lib part in your own way.

Doing so will significantly narrow the required range, which is recommended.

Donut holeBee30rank/position

Hachi – Donut Hole 2024, HACHI – DONUT HOLE 2024

The “hole in the donut” symbolizes a precious something that’s been lost.

Hachi’s “Donut Hole” poignantly portrays the sense of absence and emptiness left behind by that loss.

Released in 2013, the song’s guitar-rock style is one of its charms, and its rhythmic, singable melody line is another distinctive feature.

It has a great sense of speed, so it feels amazing when you make it through in one go.

Be sure to sing it with all your emotions!

New Treasure IslandSakanaction31rank/position

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

A signature dance track by Sakanaction, released in September 2015 as the theme song for the film Bakuman.

The balance between its somewhat nostalgic synth tones and overwhelming catchiness is superb, isn’t it? Even when anxiety wavers you, the strong will to keep crafting with care is sure to resonate with anyone giving their all.

Its popularity is high, and its power to ignite crowds at live shows is truly one of a kind.

Paired with its surreal, unique choreography, dancing it as a group for a skit or performance will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable memory!

Promise of SunflowersMotohiro Hata32rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

A gem of a ballad by Motohiro Hata that sings of deep bonds with loved ones and the universal message that hearts remain connected even when apart.

Released in August 2014 as his 17th single, it moved many as the theme song for the 3DCG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” It debuted at No.

10 on the Oricon weekly chart and stayed on the charts for an astonishing 64 weeks in total! As a beloved national hit, it continues to be cherished to this day.

If you sing this song— which straightforwardly conveys gratitude to those by your side—gently and with feeling at karaoke, you’re sure to earn instant respect.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko33rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

The joys and heartaches of love, and even the foreboding of parting, are vividly portrayed through seasonal scenes from spring to winter.

Aiko’s gentle yet powerful vocals beautifully capture the delicate emotions of someone in love.

Released in November 1999, it was selected as the ending theme for TBS’s “CDTV” and Fuji TV’s “Jobireba!?” Its karaoke-friendly vocal range and relatable lyrics are part of its appeal.

Recommended for times when you want to get hyped with friends or for those who’ve experienced heartbreak.

Meltryo34rank/position

Hatsune Miku "Melt"

A gem of a love song that colored the dawn of the Vocaloid scene.

Posted to Nico Nico Douga by ryo in December 2007, it had reached 11.

7 million views by December 2017.

You’ll be moved by the lyrics, which straightforwardly depict a girl’s feelings of love when faced with the person she likes.

The piano-driven, fast-paced sound conveys a fluttering, racing heart.

Hatsune Miku’s vocals are also captivating—mechanical yet somehow human.

The track is included on the first album “supercell” and helped lay the foundations of Vocaloid culture.

It’s the perfect song for reminiscing about your youth or getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

CHE.R.RYYUI35rank/position

YUI　『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』

This song, which could be considered one of YUI’s signature tracks, refreshingly portrays the spark of romance that begins with a cellphone’s vibration.

The lyrics vividly and honestly express the budding feelings that grow through exchanging emails and the pure, irresistible urge to reply.

Paired with a light, acoustic guitar-driven sound, it creates an atmosphere that evokes the arrival of spring.

Released in March 2007, the track is included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE,” and was also featured in commercials for KDDI and Okinawa Cellular’s “LISMO!” service.

In addition, it was used as the ending theme for the anime “ReLIFE: Final Arc.” It’s a recommended listen for anyone who wants to recall the sweet beginnings of love or savor the feeling of spring.