Exciting Japanese karaoke hits: Latest rankings [2025]

Goodbye DeclarationChinozo57rank/position

Chinozo “Goodbye Declaration” feat. FloweR

When it comes to catchy songs that can strengthen bonds with friends and teammates, “Goodbye Declaration” stands out.

Released in 2020 by Vocaloid producer Chinozo, it gained attention through finger-dance videos posted on TikTok.

Many of you may be familiar with the hand poses made up of peace and OK signs.

Since the choreography uses only the upper body, it’s easy for anyone at karaoke to join in—that’s a big plus.

Feel free to arrange the parts outside the chorus choreography however you like and have fun! How about everyone dancing together to the rhythmic beat?

PRIDEMiki Imai58rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.

Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.

It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.

Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.

Love Story Comes SuddenlyKazumasa Oda59rank/position

Love Story Suddenly by Kazumasa Oda

Singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda, who rose to popularity with his high-toned voice tinged with transience and his playful character, continues to be highly active today.

“Love Story wa Totsuzen ni,” written as the theme song for the quintessential trendy drama Tokyo Love Story, was originally included as the B-side to his sixth single, “Oh! Yeah!” Its airy, urban arrangement still feels timeless even now.

It’s a pop tune whose massive success makes perfect sense—the opening guitar alone brings back iconic scenes from the drama.

Aim to be a Pokémon MasterRika Matsumoto60rank/position

Aim to be a Pokémon Master

A heart-pounding song filled with passion for dreams and adventure, highlighted by Rica Matsumoto’s powerful vocals.

It delivers a youthful, positive message, singing of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with friends—perfect for boosting excitement at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Released as a single in June 1997, it was used as the opening theme for a TV anime.

It won the Work Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize and garnered widespread support, reaching as high as No.

7 on the Oricon charts.

Even when practice time is limited for a sports-day cheer song, its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics mean the whole class can start singing it right away.

Girl RayMikito-P61rank/position

Mikito-P “Shoujo Rei” MV

Mikito-P, a Vocaloid producer known for works like “Ii Aru Fan Club” and “Roki,” places emphasis on a classic Vocaloid style, capturing the unique excitement that only Vocaloid can deliver.

While many of his songs are challenging, there are also some that are easy to sing—such as “Shoujo Rei.” Its composition is closer to J-pop, without the typically dense word count found in many Vocaloid tracks.

The vocal range is a moderately high mid2A to hiF, but since the highest note occurs due to a key change, you should be able to sing it comfortably by adjusting the key appropriately.

LOVE MachineMorning Musume62rank/position

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)

At the end of the 1990s, when J-pop was shining at its brightest, this number by Morning Musume swept Japan into a frenzy.

It’s an irresistibly upbeat dance tune that makes your body move just by listening, and it’s no exaggeration to say it gave immeasurable energy to Japan at the time.

The friendly melodies crafted by Tsunku♂ and the gorgeous, funky sound produced by Dance☆Man continue to set our hearts dancing across generations.

Released in September 1999 as their seventh single, the song became a defining track for the group, setting a huge record with total sales of about 1.

64 million copies.

It was even featured in an NHK drama, making it a national anthem that people of all ages can hum along to.

Belt it out at karaoke with friends from your generation, and that excitement from back then will come rushing back—perfect for creating the best memories.

Nihon no Mikata – I came because I'm from Nevada.Yajima Beauty Salon63rank/position

Yajima Beauty Salon / Nihon no Mikata – We Came from Nevada

This is a signature song by Yajima Biyoshitsu, a musical unit formed by the duo Tunnels and DJ OZMA.

It’s not a new track, but it remains a perennial favorite as a funny karaoke song! It might be hard to assemble costumes like the original performers, but just fully getting into character while singing would probably go over well.

The humorous lyrics are part of its charm, and it seems perfect for making a parody with your own original lyrics, too!