Exciting Japanese karaoke hits: Latest rankings [2025]

PretenderOfficial HIGE DANDism8rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

Among Official HIGE DANDism’s songs, “Pretender” is arguably the most well-known.

Many of you have probably heard it at least once.

Although it’s known as a difficult piece, that reputation mainly comes from its prominent high notes; in fact, its overall vocal range isn’t all that wide.

The vocal line has relatively large rises and falls, but those demanding phrases don’t appear in succession.

Therefore, as long as you have the stamina to sustain the high register, it’s actually a surprisingly singable song.

kawa-E (cute)Yabai T-Shirts Yasan9rank/position

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Kawa-E” Music Video

This piece was written as the theme song for the film “Nisekoi.” Released in December 2018, it’s included on the album “Tank-top Festival in JAPAN.” First off, the high-energy, full-throttle tempo really lifts your mood! The unique lyrics are memorable too, such as expressing charms that go beyond “cute” using the alphabet.

Thanks to its brisk rhythm and fun vibe, it’s a song everyone can sing together to get pumped up.

A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi10rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

This song by Yoko Takahashi drew major attention as an anime opening theme.

Its lyrics, which sing of youth’s growth and potential, resonated with many people and have remained highly popular even years after its release.

Released in October 1995, the track reached No.

27 on the Oricon chart.

It continued to rank high on various year-end charts and even took first place in rankings of songs most sung during the Heisei era.

It’s also a karaoke staple, so why not sing it with friends and get the crowd going?

Hamtaro Tottoko SongHam-chans11rank/position

[Anime] 'Hamtaro Tottoko Uta' (Sung by: Ham-Chans) [Official] Hamtaro opening theme song, Part 1

Did you know that the opening song of the anime Hamtaro, a character hugely popular with children, has been attracting attention at music events frequented by adults? It all started at an outdoor festival in 2017.

When the song was played at a DJ event focused on anime and video game music, a few people began running around in a circle, which became a hot topic and has since been adopted at various events.

Nowadays it’s a staple at meat festivals, with mysterious call-and-response chants—absent from the original lyrics—added for extra excitement! Known as the “Hamtaro Call,” it’s even gained popularity overseas.

A Little Love SongMONGOL80012rank/position

A Little Love Song

A signature song by MONGOL800 that gently embraces the bittersweetness of long-distance love and first love.

Its simple lyrics and warm melody resonate deeply with listeners.

Featured on the album “MESSAGE” and used as a movie theme song, the piece has been covered by many artists and is beloved as a wedding staple.

Since its 2001 release, it has been cherished by a wide range of generations—perhaps because it expresses universal feelings of love with refreshing honesty.

As a song of memories with someone special, it’s sure to fill the room with smiles when sung at a girls’ night or a school reunion karaoke.

It’s a tune that makes everyone want to sing along together.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu13rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

This moving, hope-filled ballad stirred hearts as the official NHK theme song for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Singing of the unseen efforts and the path walked while facing forward, it powerfully encourages us to keep moving toward the future.

Yuzu’s acoustic tones and warm vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Together with the iconic commentary from the men’s gymnastics team’s first gold medal in 28 years, it has been etched into the memories of many.

It’s a song that can bring people together across generations—perfect for livening up gatherings with friends or family, meals, and parties.

SaudadePorno Graffitti14rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

When it comes to Porno Graffitti’s go-to hype song, doesn’t “Saudade” come to mind? The overall vocal range of the song is G3–G#4, so it’s quite narrow.

However, as anyone who knows the song will sense, the tricky parts are the high notes and the speed of the lyrics.

The chorus is relatively easy to sing calmly, but in the A and B sections, if you haven’t memorized the lyrics, you’ll struggle to keep up with the tempo and get left behind.

Also, the key gradually rises, so your stamina will be tested.

For the fast lyrical parts, try not to articulate every word crisply; instead, aim to let the words flow smoothly along the melody.

In the final chorus, the song modulates and the key goes up even further.

If you pull your voice backward while singing, it may crack, so try to project forward with a clean attack.

It’s also important to keep your core (tanden) engaged at all times.

Plant your feet and sing it out!