[60s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]

White LoversKeisuke Kuwata85rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A gem of a ballad, richly expressing the bittersweet feelings of winter love, has been delivered by Keisuke Kuwata.

It’s a moving piece that looks back on warm memories of love, as if wrapped in snow, with a sense of blessing.

Rather than lamenting a past romance as a mere failure, it impressively celebrates the moments of that love from the heart.

Accompanied by a beautiful, resonant melody, it conveys a gentle warmth within the chill of winter.

Released in October 2001, the song was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and sold 520,000 copies on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a perfect choice for winter karaoke with family and close friends when you want to share heartwarming memories.

Thank youIkimonogakari86rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A gem-like ballad gently wrapped in warmth and gratitude.

Beautifully blending Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, transparent vocals with a melody that resonates in the heart, this work was released in May 2010 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.

Its lyrics tenderly weave together the everyday happiness of walking hand in hand with someone dear and the feelings that words cannot express, warming the hearts of many.

The song won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards and was included in high school music textbooks in 2013.

It continues to be sung at life’s milestones such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

It is a song to sing with all your heart when you want to reaffirm bonds with family, partners, and friends, or when you wish to express your gratitude.

A Midsummer Night's DreamYumi Matsutoya87rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Midsummer Night’s Dream

When it comes to Yuming’s signature songs, this is the one! The lyrics vividly portray a passionate romance on a hot summer night.

Amid shimmering fireworks and sudden downpours, it captures sweet, heartrending moments with striking clarity.

Released in July 1993, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (“I Can’t Tell Anyone”).

The single topped the Oricon weekly chart and became her first million-seller.

It has been covered by many artists, a testament to its widespread appeal.

Highly recommended if you want to liven up a karaoke session—enjoy its exotic, passionate atmosphere while reminiscing about a love from the past.

Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Ulfuls88rank/position

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

This rock tune celebrating the joy of pure love is a fan favorite that showcases Ulfuls’ musicality to the fullest.

Its lyrics, which candidly express gratitude to a loved one, resonate deeply, and together with its bright, catchy melody, the song lifts listeners’ spirits.

Released in February 1996, it was included on the album “Banzai” and also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” Moreover, it won the Excellence Award at the 38th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect track for getting pumped up at karaoke with friends or for reminiscing about special memories with someone important.

Message of RougeYumi Matsutoya89rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Rouge no Dengon (Yumi Matsutoya Concert Tour The Universe Library 2016-2017)

Rouge no Dengon, a famous song by Yumi Arai released in 1975, is a work that embodies the cheerful vibe of 1970s Japanese pop music, maintaining a bright and gentle tone throughout.

The vocal range is typical of Japanese pop, with a lowest note of mid1 G and a highest note of hi C.

Since the hi C appears twice in the chorus, if you’re not comfortable with falsetto, it’s a good idea to lower the key with this section in mind.

It’s a big hit at karaoke, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

JupiterAyaka Hirahara90rank/position

[Ayaka Hirahara] 'Jupiter' MV Full Ver.

Ayaka Hirahara’s signature song sets Japanese lyrics to part of the classical masterpiece The Planets.

It’s a moving piece that explores the depth of love and human relationships through loneliness and pain.

Released in December 2003, the song initially had no tie-ins, but was later used as insert music in various TV programs, dramas, and commercials.

It also became known as an anthem of encouragement for survivors of the 2004 Niigata Prefecture Chuetsu earthquake.

With over one million CDs shipped, it became a long-selling hit.

It’s a great choice for those who want to take their time and sing it thoroughly at karaoke.

Our TomorrowElephant Kashimashi91rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi – “Our Tomorrow”

This is a masterpiece imbued with a powerful, emotionally resonant rock sound and a vision of walking toward the future alongside friends.

The friendship and bonds portrayed in the music video, along with the courage to step into a new tomorrow, gently support anyone seeking strength for their heart.

Released in November 2007 by Elephant Kashimashi, led by Hiroji Miyamoto, the song was used in a commercial for House Foods’ Ukon no Chikara and came to be loved by a wide audience.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when standing at a crossroads in life, when renewing your resolve, or when you need hope for the future.

With its robust melody, it fills you with the courage to move forward—an uplifting song that warms the heart.