Exciting Japanese karaoke hits: Latest rankings [2025]

HabitSEKAI NO OWARI92rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI「Habit」

SEKAI NO OWARI’s hit song “Habit.” Many listeners were likely astonished by this track, which departs from their usual fantastical worldview and instead delivers somewhat caustic, realistic lyrics.

As the groove is emphasized throughout, the song sits within a generally standard vocal range for a SEKAI NO OWARI track, from mid1 C to mid2 F.

However, since the highest note (mid2 F) appears fairly frequently, it may be better to lower the key slightly depending on the singer’s range.

While it’s overall on the easier side, there are several rap-like sections, so it’s recommended to firmly memorize the flow that matches the lyrics.

threadMiyuki Nakajima93rank/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.

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children94rank/position

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.

Children is a four-member rock band now known by everyone as a monster act that has produced numerous hit songs.

Their sixth single, “Tomorrow never knows,” used as the theme song for the TV drama All About Youth (Wakamono no Subete), is a double million seller with sales approaching three million copies.

Its striking intro and wistful lyrics are sure to stir the hearts of those in their 50s.

As a universally recognized hit tune, it’s a number that will liven up any karaoke session, no matter the generation of the group.

I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN95rank/position

DEEN “I Want to Steal You Away Just Like This <Kiseki Version>”

It was DEEN’s debut single, released in 1993.

Released during the golden age of J-pop, it became a massive hit, so I imagine most men in their 50s are familiar with this song.

It was also used in an NTT Docomo commercial.

At the time of its release, it truly was the golden era of J-pop, and making a song a hit basically required it to be frequently chosen in the karaoke market.

This track likely reflects that context strongly; it’s crafted to be very easy for anyone to remember and sing.

I think it’s a top choice to select for karaoke.

Please enjoy!

We are!Hiroshi Kitadani96rank/position

Hiroshi Kitadani – We Are! / THE FIRST TAKE

ONE PIECE is a series that’s always at the forefront of the anime scene, constantly generating buzz.

It has produced many theme songs, but when you hear ONE PIECE, the first one that comes to mind is probably “We Are!” The biggest charm of this song is, without a doubt, its grand vocal line.

The singer, Hiroshi Kitadani, is a vocalist who excels in the lower register as well, and in JAM Project he handles the overall low parts and even death growls.

The richness created by those low tones is truly impressive and perfectly captures the spirit of adventure.

BoyhoodYosui Inoue97rank/position

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

You can grasp the appeal of Yosui Inoue’s songwriting skill and singing voice in an instant by listening to his signature song “Shonen Jidai” (“Boyhood”).

Its lingering melody and ensemble, woven from a sense of floating lightness and wistful melancholy, have even been included in middle and high school textbooks and are beloved by many.

This song is perhaps the best example of Inoue’s musicality.

At the same time, with its simple melody and slower tempo, it’s an easy pick for karaoke.

Since people across generations know it, it might be nice for parents and children to sing together.

peace signKenshi Yonezu98rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu that stirs the heart with its powerful vocals and exhilarating sound.

Produced in June 2017 as the opening theme for the first cour of Season 2 of the Yomiuri TV–affiliated anime “My Hero Academia,” it resonates with the desire to become stronger on nights spent crying over one’s own inadequacy, and with the resolve to become a hero to protect someone important.

The contrast between high and low registers carefully expresses emotional shifts, so when singing, it’s best to pay attention not only to pitch but also to dynamics and phrasing.