Exciting Japanese karaoke hits: Latest rankings [2025]

GO!!!FLOW64rank/position

FLOW “GO!!!” Music Video (TV Anime “NARUTO” Opening Theme)

FLOW is a five-member rock band that gained popularity in the 2000s.

Their bright and exhilarating musical style is striking, and GO!!! showcases the appeal of FLOW particularly well.

The song was used as the fourth opening theme for the popular anime NARUTO and became a hit.

Although it’s uptempo, the vocal range is relatively narrow—mid1 G# to mid2 G#—so it’s easy to sing.

It’s a big crowd-pleaser among Naruto fans, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

HOWEVERGLAY65rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

GLAY is a four-member rock band that dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s as a leading visual kei act, establishing numerous milestones.

Their 12th single, HOWEVER, used as the theme song for the TV drama Ryakudatsuai: Abunai Onna, became GLAY’s first million-selling hit.

Because the melody features increasingly higher tones toward the latter half, you’ll need to pace yourself when singing it at karaoke.

For those in their 30s, just listening to it will likely bring back memories of their youth; it’s one of GLAY’s signature songs.

FANTASTIC BABYBIGBANG66rank/position

BIGBANG – FANTASTIC BABY -Ver. Final- M/V (Japanese Short Ver.)

This track is characterized by electronic beats and catchy phrases.

It’s included on BIGBANG’s mini-album “ALIVE,” released in February 2012.

The lyrics vividly portray young people reveling in freedom and rebellion, leaving listeners wrapped in a sense of liberation.

After its release, the music video became a major topic of conversation, surpassing 300 million views on YouTube.

With its energetic sound and performance, it’s a surefire hit for karaoke and party scenes.

It’s perfect for when you want to have fun with friends and crew.

School HeavenFinger Five67rank/position

Gakuen Tengoku

This song brings back the excitement of our school days.

Known as one of Finger 5’s signature tracks, it was released in March 1974.

It depicts the competition for the seat next to the class beauty, set to a breezy melody.

Its bright tone really gets you in the groove.

Since people across generations know it, adding it to your playlist is a safe bet.

If everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to become a fun memory.

crimsonX JAPAN68rank/position

Crimson – KURENAI (Single Long Version)

Among the songs created by X JAPAN, Japan’s world-renowned rock band, this track released in 1989 is a masterpiece that expresses the deep sorrow of love and parting.

Characterized by fierce energy and passionate performance, YOSHIKI’s dramatic piano parts and HIDE’s striking guitar solo shake the listener to the core.

Issued as a re-cut single from the album BLUE BLOOD, it has become an indispensable number in their live shows.

As a work that symbolizes X JAPAN’s musical identity, it has had a significant influence on later songs as well.

When singing it at karaoke, we recommend immersing yourself in its passionate worldview and pouring your emotions into it.

It’s a perfect song for releasing work and everyday stress.

I don’t want to get out of my futon.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai69rank/position

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai 'I Don’t Want to Get Out of the Futon'

It passionately sings about the feeling of not being able to get out of bed.

It’s a song by the three-piece rock band Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai, included on the single “Fuyuban,” released in January 2018.

As the title suggests, the lyrics uniquely capture the desire to stay under the covers.

The powerful, hard sound blends perfectly with the gloom of a winter morning.

The explosive chorus really amps you up! Its collaboration with the popular character Koepen-chan also became a hot topic.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who doesn’t want to get out of bed on a winter morning.

DESIREAkina Nakamori70rank/position

DESIRE -jounetsu-

This is one of Akina Nakamori’s signature songs, themed around burning love and singing of fiery passion.

First aired in February 1986 as a TV commercial song, it was later released as a single and became a huge hit.

With this song, Nakamori won the Japan Record Award for the second consecutive year, establishing her status as a singer at the young age of 20.

Showcasing dramatic expressiveness and powerful vocals, this track is perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you want to experience a classic from the Showa era.

Be sure to check out the modern twist on traditional Japanese attire and the unique choreography, said to be inspired by a baseball pitching motion.