Popular Japanese pop karaoke. Latest rankings [2025]

CharlesBalloon50rank/position

Charles / flower

This is a signature song by balloon, who blazed through the golden age of Nico Nico Douga.

Since its release in 2016, it spread explosively—especially among younger listeners—and took the No.

1 spot on JOYSOUND’s annual karaoke rankings in 2017.

The lyrics depict a bittersweet farewell, paired with a catchy guitar riff and rhythm that make it irresistibly addictive—you won’t be able to get it out of your head after one listen.

It’s included on the album “Corridor” and has been covered by numerous artists.

Perfect for livening up a karaoke session with friends, it’s on the challenging side but a lot of fun to sing.

There’s also a self-cover version under the name Keina Suda, so using that as a reference for practice is recommended.

powder snowRemioromen51rank/position

Remioromen – Powder Snow

A masterpiece that delicately portrays the poignancy of winter.

Though you should be looking up at the same sky nearby, there’s a loneliness in hearts that don’t connect, and yet a pure desire to keep thinking of the other person tightens the chest.

Released in November 2005 and used as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” the piece reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It was also included on the album “HORIZON” and the best-of album “Remio Best,” and was performed at the 60th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2009.

With lyrics that express a love as beautiful and fleeting as falling snow, and a melody that resonates in the heart, it will gently awaken the bittersweet memories of love that surely everyone has experienced.

KusushikiMrs. GREEN APPLE52rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Kusushiki” Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s masterpiece “Kusushiki.” This song was chosen as the theme for the popular anime The Apothecary Diaries and, riding on the anime’s success, has drawn widespread attention.

In terms of melody, it’s an energetic major-key piece—something Mrs.

GREEN APPLE excels at—centered from the mid-low to high vocal ranges.

Not only does it feature falsetto and mixed voice, but it also delivers real power within those techniques.

If you use this song as a practice piece, your vocal ability will improve significantly.

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu53rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

This is a classic song that likens a fleeting summer romance to fireworks.

Born from a collaboration between DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu, it was released in August 2017.

Chosen as the theme song for an animated film, it generated huge buzz, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

The lyrics beautifully depict a love that fades with the end of summer, leaving a deep impression on many listeners.

Boasting an astonishing 500 million views on YouTube, it’s also a karaoke staple.

It’s the perfect song for looking back on bittersweet memories of love or sinking into a sentimental mood before parting with someone important.

threadMiyuki Nakajima54rank/position

thread

“Ito” is a song sung by every generation.

It was released in 1992, but it’s often used at weddings and in TV dramas, making it a ballad loved across generations.

The vocal range isn’t very wide—F3 to A#4—centered in the midrange, with the low notes being key.

If you sing it in a speaking voice, you’ll end up straining your throat, so aim to sing with a proper singing voice.

The tempo is very slow, so stay calm and take a breath at the end of each phrase.

Instead of “pushing out your voice,” focus on “using your breath” to project forward.

In fact, every consonant in the Japanese ha-row (ha, hi, fu, he, ho) uses breath in its articulation.

If you try singing everything with the “ha” sound for clarity, you might grasp the feeling of “Oh, so this is what it means to use breath!” Give it a try as a reference.

I can't stay a daydreaming girlNanae Aikawa55rank/position

Yume Miru Adolescence 'I Can't Be a Dreaming Girl'

A debut single that has come to symbolize her career.

The “not-so-upbeat, dark rock” produced by Tetsurō Oda pierces deeply into listeners’ hearts.

Its rhythmic, memorable phrases linger in the ear, and the lyrics, portraying the feelings of a strong, independent woman, resonated with many.

Released in November 1995, it became a major hit.

Covered by a variety of artists, it has continued to exert influence for years.

This classic remains fresh despite its nostalgia, and when sung at karaoke, it unites the room.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to revisit their youth.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto56rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

This is one of Yo Hitoto’s signature songs, known for its heartfelt lyrics and warm melody.

Released in February 2004, it spent over 136 weeks on the Oricon charts.

Chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Tuesday Suspense Theater,” it garnered wide support across generations.

Written with a wish for peace, the song is often performed in romantic settings and at weddings, and remains a karaoke favorite—recognized as one of the most-sung songs of the Heisei era.

For women in their 30s, if you have a chance to reunite with old friends, why not let this song spark a trip down memory lane?