Exciting Japanese karaoke hits: Latest rankings [2025]

LOVE＆JOYYuki Kimura43rank/position

Yuki Kimura / LOVE & JOY (Official Lyric Video)

A single packed with the exhilarating appeal of Eurobeat! Yuki Kimura’s clear, soaring vocals fuse perfectly with Daisuke Asakura’s energetic production to create a high-speed dance track.

Riding a BPM of 173, its bright, forward-looking message evokes a moving sensation, as if a rainbow were arcing across the listener’s heart.

Released in July 2000, the song captured many hearts as the theme for the TV drama “Daisuke Hanamura.” It reached No.

24 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and achieved total sales of 116,000 copies.

Perfect as BGM for highway or mountain-pass drives, it’s also ideal when you need a boost for a tired spirit.

Grip the wheel and set off on a special musical journey to this rhythm.

Shut up.Ado44rank/position

[Ado] Shut Up

A punk rock sound that thrusts to the forefront, with a roar-like vocal that sent shockwaves through the music industry and a forceful, almost violent melody.

This shocking work channels, with explosive energy, the sense of dissonance young people feel toward society and their determination to resist the expectations and oppression around them.

As Ado’s major-label debut, the track was released digitally in October 2020 and received high acclaim across the board, including winning the Breakthrough Song at the M Television VMAJ 2021.

It’s a song that gives courage—powerfully pushing the backs of those who struggle to express their true feelings and worry about others’ eyes and judgments.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto45rank/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?

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi46rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Masahiko Kondo47rank/position

Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku by Masahiko Kondo

This song, released in 1981, is one of Masahiko Kondo’s signature tracks that brought a fresh breeze to the idol pop scene of the time.

It strikes a perfect balance between flashy idol flair and restrained subtlety, captivating listeners with lyrics that weave in English phrases and a catchy rhythm.

It was also included on the album “Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku,” released in December of the same year, and was used in a commercial for House Foods’ “Kukure Curry.” The song marked his debut appearance at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s a recommended pick when you want to get hyped with people of the same generation or savor a nostalgic Showa-era mood.

LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO48rank/position

LOVE YOU ONLY – TOKIO (Full)

TOKIO’s debut single, released in September 1994.

The lyrics, which strikingly portray an earnest love tinged with hesitation, are infused with unwavering affection and passion for the other person, gripping listeners’ hearts.

It was also used as the opening theme for season 3 of the Fuji TV anime “Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai,” earning widespread support.

In December 1994, the group made an appearance at the 45th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, setting a record for the fastest invitation—just three months and ten days after their debut.

The melody and lyrics make it a pleasure to sing at reunions and gatherings with friends.

It’s a song that lets everyone have fun and get excited while reminiscing about the pure love of their younger days.

Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts49rank/position

Creepy Nuts “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” × TV Anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES” Collaboration Music Video #BBBB Dance

This is a track by the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts that sparked a worldwide dance-challenge craze on social media.

It was written as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime “Mashle: Magic and Muscles,” the Divine Visionary Candidate Selection Exam arc.

The way the protagonist overturns the norms of the magic world using nothing but his own muscles is elevated into lyrics that mirror R-Shitei’s own life story—it’s the kind of thing that really fires you up.

Over an inventive track crafted by DJ Matsunaga, this song repeats spell-like phrases, making it incredibly addictive.

The explosive momentum is clear from the fact that the anime’s OP video, released in January 2024, surpassed 10 million views in just two weeks.

Belt out the chorus with your friends at karaoke and you’re guaranteed an absolute blast.