Exciting Japanese karaoke hits: Latest rankings [2025]

God of RomanceKohmi Hirose85rank/position

Kohmi Hirose – God of Romance (Official Video)

Kohmi Hirose is a singer-songwriter who has garnered attention on YouTube for her high level of musical sophistication and eccentric personality.

Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” used as the commercial song for the ski goods retailer Alpen, became a massive hit that led to her nickname “Queen of Winter.” The lyrics’ storyline reflects the era in which it was released and will likely feel nostalgic to those of that generation.

It’s also a great pick for karaoke, but since it’s quite a high-pitched song, be sure to sing it in a key that suits your voice.

aonori (green laver seaweed)Brief & Trunks86rank/position

Brief & Trunks - Aonori

Brief & Trunks have gained popularity for their wide musical range, from serious songs to comedic ones.

The serious songs are handled by guitarist-vocalist Takayuki Ito, while the comedic songs are handled by vocalist Makoto Hosone.

Among their comedic tracks, one of the most famous is “Aonori” (Green Laver).

The lyrics depict the considerate feelings of a man toward a woman who, though beautiful, has flecks of aonori on her front teeth.

It’s a surreal piece, so singing it at karaoke is sure to get some laughs!

Kinta's Great AdventureTsuboi Norio87rank/position

Kinta's Great Adventure

Let’s channel Norio Tsuboi and have them rolling with laughter with this song.

Since it was popular with a slightly older generation, sing it with full confidence in front of people who don’t know it.

That alone is sure to get the crowd going.

If you’re in front of girls who dislike dirty jokes, I recommend reading the room before you sing.

Matchmaking party songRiemann mic88rank/position

[MV] Salaryman Mike “Gōkon Song”

A unique hip-hop track themed around the daily life of a salaryman is guaranteed to liven up any drinking party.

Released by Rieman Mic in May 2016, the song is set in Shibuya’s group-dating scene and paints a vivid picture of a party brimming with unity.

It captures the excitement of a Friday night out, beers and tequila in hand, highlighted by the catchy phrase, “It’s amazing! Such unity!” Loved by a wide audience—from young people to office workers and OLs—it’s a surefire hit for drinking parties and karaoke, a fun song that everyone can get excited about together.

Winter, againGLAY89rank/position

GLAY / Winter, again

If you’re in your early forties, I imagine many of you used to listen to or sing this song a lot back in the day.

It starts with a gentle first verse and gradually builds up, and the chorus—where the emotions explode—is incredibly cool.

It’s by no means an easy song, but if someone confident in their vocal ability sings it, it’s sure to get everyone fired up!

Matsuken Samba IIKen Matsudaira90rank/position

[Official] Ken Matsudaira “Matsuken Samba II” MV

Sung by Ken Matsudaira, this piece blends samba rhythms with Japanese kayōkyoku for a uniquely captivating sound.

Its bright lyrics celebrate love and the joys of life, paired with catchy phrases that stick in your head.

Released in July 2004, it became a hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.

Each time it was performed on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and other music shows, it drew widespread attention.

The eye-catching costumes and choreography are a given, but above all, its festive, fun atmosphere makes it perfect for livening up year-end and New Year parties.

Get everyone dancing and the whole venue is guaranteed to come together and have a great time!

I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki91rank/position

I LOVE YOU – Yutaka Ozaki (Full)

It’s one of Yutaka Ozaki’s signature songs, released in 1983! I imagine many people in their 50s listened to it in real time back then.

It’s a ballad about the bittersweet love of young men and women, with a piano melody that really resonates.

Ozaki’s husky voice beautifully captures the loneliness and restlessness of youth.

After being included on the album “Seventeen’s Map,” it was released as a single in 1991 and was also used in a JR Tokai commercial.

It’s a song that everyone can get excited about at karaoke, so why not sing it together with people of all ages?