Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation for People in Their 20s [2025]

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN8rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video

This song, which skillfully captures emotions that blend sweetness and bitterness, as if the world before you suddenly lights up, is UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s 10th single, released in May 2015.

Chosen as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With over 500,000 downloads and a Double Platinum certification, it has enjoyed a long-running hit status.

Hirokazu Saito’s clear vocals and the band’s exquisite ensemble are captivating, and the catchy melody will stick in your head after just one listen.

It’s a perfect pick when you want to hype things up at karaoke with friends.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko9rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

The joys and heartaches of love, and even the foreboding of parting, are vividly portrayed through seasonal scenes from spring to winter.

Aiko’s gentle yet powerful vocals beautifully capture the delicate emotions of someone in love.

Released in November 1999, it was selected as the ending theme for TBS’s “CDTV” and Fuji TV’s “Jobireba!?” Its karaoke-friendly vocal range and relatable lyrics are part of its appeal.

Recommended for times when you want to get hyped with friends or for those who’ve experienced heartbreak.

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika10rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

A Yorushika song characterized by translucent vocals and lyrics that capture the bittersweetness of youth.

Its melody evokes summertime scenes, and the narrative-rich lyrics unfold from two perspectives—the “me” in memories and the “me” in the present—captivating many listeners.

Included on the mini-album ‘No Encore for the Loser,’ released in May 2018, it was also used as BGM for the opening VTR of a comedy live show in December 2019.

Sing it at karaoke with friends or coworkers, and it will surely spark shared nostalgia and empathy.

Why not immerse yourself in Yorushika’s world and express your feelings for someone special through song?

Unrequited loveAimer11rank/position

Aimer “Kataomoi” MUSIC VIDEO (FULL ver.)

“Kataomoi” has a distinctive rhythm and leans more toward “speaking” than “singing,” but this song was often sung by one of my voice-training students who wasn’t confident in singing and didn’t have a very wide range.

If you’re going to sing it, you’ll probably struggle with the rhythm first, so practice by listening to the song over and over.

Aside from the chorus, you don’t need to worry too much about pitch at the beginning.

If the rhythm doesn’t lock in first, it’ll feel off when you sing, so pay attention to where the phrases are cut and when each entry comes in, and maybe start with humming.

Humming will help you carry that same feeling into light singing, letting the sound resonate between your eyebrows without tension.

Once you’re used to it, keep that resonance in the brow area and shift into your singing voice.

If you can keep resonating in the same spot while you sing, you’ll capture a really nice vibe!

peace signKenshi Yonezu12rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu that stirs the heart with its powerful vocals and exhilarating sound.

Produced in June 2017 as the opening theme for the first cour of Season 2 of the Yomiuri TV–affiliated anime “My Hero Academia,” it resonates with the desire to become stronger on nights spent crying over one’s own inadequacy, and with the resolve to become a hero to protect someone important.

The contrast between high and low registers carefully expresses emotional shifts, so when singing, it’s best to pay attention not only to pitch but also to dynamics and phrasing.

Whimsical RomanticIkimonogakari13rank/position

Ikimonogakari “Kimagure Romantic” Music Video

The song “Kimagure Romantic” is bursting with Ikimono-gakari’s signature, super pop vibe.

Released in 2008, it’s their 12th single.

If you’re in your twenties, you might remember hearing it back then since it was also a TV drama theme—many probably feel nostalgic about it.

It’s the perfect number when you want to get the crowd going at karaoke or pick something bright and cheerful.

A lively track that gets everyone singing along.

DarlingKana Nishino14rank/position

Kana Nishino 'Darling' MV Full

A love song that sings of sweet, bittersweet feelings is sure to resonate with women in their 20s! With its fresh, country-inspired sound, this piece showcases a new side of Kana Nishino.

It was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV,” brightening many people’s mornings.

The lyrics, which depict the everyday moments shared with a lover, bring warmth to listeners’ hearts.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to become a fun memory with friends or coworkers.

If you have a partner or someone you like, this song might be a great way to express your feelings.