Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]

MomotaroWednesday Campanella85rank/position

Wednesday Campanella 'Momotaro'

There’s probably no other song that takes a classic folktale and turns it into something this poppy—and this funny.

It was first released in September 2014 as a limited-edition 100-yen single, and later included on the 4th mini-album “Take Me to Onigashima.” With a storyline that adds clever twists to the familiar tale—like a shut-in protagonist and a pheasant deemed unfit for battle—it’s brimming with humor, and its catchy phrases will stick in your head after just one listen.

It’s perfect not only for getting the party going at karaoke, but also for breaking the ice and getting laughs at any get-together with friends.

Age Age Every KnightDJ OZMA86rank/position

DJ OZMA – Age Age EVERY Knight

Its upbeat tone and distinctive lyrics have been widely embraced by younger generations.

As a dance track, it’s perfect for getting a crowd excited.

The dance moves are easy, and there’s even choreography you can do while seated, so everyone can join in.

Be sure to sing it at karaoke and get the party going!

Can't Say Anything... SummerTHE JAYWALK87rank/position

Speechless... Summer – J-WALK (Full)

“Nani mo Ienakute… Natsu” is the 18th single by THE JAYWALK, a rock band formed in 1980, released in 1991.

It reached No.

7 on the Oricon weekly chart and became one of their signature songs.

The track is based on “Nani mo Ienakute,” which was originally included on the previous year’s album DOWN TOWN STORIES.

By reworking the lyrics into a summer version, it became a classic that sings of a bittersweet farewell experienced in summer.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing—so give it a try at karaoke!

threadMiyuki Nakajima88rank/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.

God of RomanceKohmi Hirose89rank/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 & Trunks90rank/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!

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?