Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers: Men's Ranking [2025]

cherry blossomKetsumeishi29rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Sakura”

Ketsumeishi established a melodic rap style in the 2000s, appealing even to listeners who weren’t hip-hop fans and achieving nationwide popularity.

Their 2005 release “Sakura” is the landmark smash hit that truly brought their name into living rooms across the country.

Many people probably have memories of listening to their music in their twenties while driving with friends or a significant other.

Even in the Reiwa era, it remains a karaoke favorite.

Not only is the melodic part catchy enough to hum right away, but the rap sections aren’t particularly difficult, so even those who feel unsure about rapping should give it a try.

It can be a lot of fun to split the song with friends—one person handling the melody and another the rap!

In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA30rank/position

[MV] In the Sun and Dust / CHAGE and ASKA

A gem of a melody that portrays the dreams and setbacks of youth—and the strength to overcome them.

Released to the world by CHAGE and ASKA in January 1991, this work captures the persistence of those who keep pursuing their dreams, set to a 16-beat rhythm infused with a Western pop sensibility.

The chorus, simple yet striking, has a familiar charm that makes you want to sing along.

A single cut from the album “SEE YA,” it was featured in Nissin Foods’ “Cup Noodles Red Zone” campaign and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s TIME3, becoming a major hit with cumulative sales exceeding 500,000 copies.

It’s a song that gently pushes you forward when you want to keep running toward unseen dreams—or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.

B-BlueBOØWY31rank/position

B-Blue

Among men in their early 50s, many likely listened to BOØWY.

The band left behind numerous memorable rock classics, and among them, the song I especially recommend for its ease of singing is “B-Blue.” While its heart-pounding melody is striking, the vocal range is surprisingly narrow, and the vocal line doesn’t fluctuate much.

It’s a song you can comfortably handle even when your voice is worn out after a second party, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children32rank/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.

Precious thingsRoad of Major33rank/position

Lord of Major / Precious Things

The debut single by Road of Major passionately sings of the bittersweetness and hope of youth.

Released in September 2002, it powerfully portrays the importance of bonds, the sadness of parting, and the determination to set out on a new journey, all carried by a driving, exhilarating melody.

An exceptional feat for an indie single, it spent 19 consecutive weeks in the Oricon Top 10 and sold over 900,000 copies.

It is one of the band’s signature songs and was even used in 2009 as the commercial theme for the Mazda Mazda3 in Taiwan.

While it’s by no means easy to nail at karaoke, its refreshing melody makes it the perfect track for honestly conveying your feelings to someone important.

HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel34rank/position

L’Arc～en～Ciel「HONEY」-Music Clip-

HONEY, one of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s signature songs released in 1998, was used as the ending theme for TBS’s soccer information program Super Soccer.

It topped the Oricon singles chart and achieved million-seller status.

This rock number blends a seductive atmosphere with a simple, energetic beat, making it a massive hit that virtually anyone in their 30s has heard.

In 2016, it was also used as the ending theme for episode 4 of the TV anime ReLIFE.

Go for it!Ulfuls35rank/position

Ulfuls Gatsu Daze

This is a fantastic track that gives you confidence and energy.

Its disco-style rhythm, catchy guitar lines, and positive message are compelling, giving you the courage to try without fearing failure.

Released by Ulfuls in December 1995, the song’s exposure on TV and in the media at the time rapidly boosted the band’s popularity.

Included on the album “Banzai,” it led to their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1996, and that same year they also won the Golden Arrow Music Award.

It’s the perfect song for when you need courage to keep facing challenges or want to fire yourself up.

It’s also great for getting hyped together with friends and uniting your hearts as one!