Wonderful entertainment/performances

[2025] A roundup of crowd-pleasing gag/novelty songs for performances and skits

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Composer/arranger, guitarist, and bloggerAyumi Saito
I started playing guitar in elementary school, and in junior high and high school I played the horn in the concert band. In college I became engrossed in composing and began using DTM. These days, I provide songs to artists as a composer, run a blog under the name “Sakki,” and post music lesson videos on YouTube. My musical roots are in rock, but I also love dance music!

There are probably many people who are thinking of singing a song as entertainment at a drinking party, a wedding reception, or a school event.

But it’s hard to know which song to pick, and that can be stressful.

If you’re going to do it, you probably want to choose a crowd-pleaser that livens up the atmosphere.

So in this article, we’ve rounded up popular, hype-worthy gag songs and irresistibly catchy tracks that will make people laugh even if they don’t know them.

From buzzy hits trending on social media to timeless classics, enjoy this selection of perfect songs for sing-and-dance entertainment at your next event!

[2025] Roundup of Hype/Party Gag Songs for Performances and Skits (101–110)

cherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo (Short Ver.)

Sakuranbo Otsuka Ai

It’s a classic hype song.

Since it’s often used as background music on TV and such, it naturally creates an exciting atmosphere.

Whether girls sing it cutely or guys sing it in a goofy-cute way, I think everyone can get pumped up together.

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Natural LipsOkazaki Taiiku

Okazaki Taiiku 'Natural Lips' Music Video

Natural Lips Okazaki Taiiku

How about “Natural Lips,” a track from the wildly popular Okazaki Taiiku’s album? Even though the song is sung in Japanese, it doesn’t sound like Japanese, similar to his Twitter video that became famous for reading “how to cook rice” as if it were an English listening exercise.

There’s also a little choreography in the chorus, and it’s sure to get everyone hyped if you dance along together.

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Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai “Japanese Rice Is the Best in the World”

Japanese rice is the best in the world Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

If you’re doing a white-rice speed-eating contest as a party act, how about using this as the BGM? The lyrics mention gyudon (beef bowl), katsudon (pork cutlet bowl), tendon (tempura bowl), and maguro-don (tuna bowl), so if you actually prepare those dishes, it’ll match the song perfectly.

“I’d never do something as crude as speed-eating!” For people like that, how about trying the popular ‘Guess the ___’ segment from ‘Gaki no Tsukai’? Do it with plain white rice.

A rice tasting challenge would be pretty tough to get right unless you’ve got a seriously refined palate! It sounds like it could get intense!

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Fish HeavenHiromi Shibaya

Fish Heaven

Fish Heaven Hiromi Shibaya

Originally composed as a campaign song for the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations and the Central Seafood Center, the track became a huge hit thanks to its friendly melody and the fun of fish appearing one after another, climbing all the way to No.

3 on the Oricon charts before anyone knew it.

You never really know what will spark a hit, do you? It might be heartwarming to perform this cheerful song together with children.

It also sounds fun to swap the fish names for your friends’ names when you sing.

It’s a feel-good song that makes everyone smile—if you’re unsure what to pick, go with this one!

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Silent majorityKeyakizaka46

Keyakizaka46 'Silent Majority'

Silent Majority Keyakizaka46

As their debut single, this song became a social phenomenon and brought a fresh breeze to the idol scene.

Characterized by military-style costumes and expressionless performances, it carries a powerful message to young people.

Released in April 2016, it topped the Oricon monthly chart and achieved a remarkable streak, including an appearance at the year-end NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

If performed as entertainment at year-end parties, weddings, or school events, it’s sure to energize the crowd.

Wearing uniforms and dancing with blank expressions can help you recreate a performance closer to the original members.

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[2025] A roundup of hype crowd-pleaser songs for performances and party acts (111–120)

One Night CarnivalKishidan

Kishidan / “One Night Carnival 2013” MUSIC VIDEO - short ver -

One Night Carnival by Kishidan

Known as one of the signature songs of the rock band Kishidan, this track captures the joy of a night carnival, youthful friendship, and a longing for freedom.

Released in May 2002 as their major-label debut single, it drew major attention for the band’s distinctive visuals and energetic performances.

It’s also known for audience-engaging elements like dance and call-and-response, as well as a simple, easy-to-remember chorus choreography.

In 2013, a remake was released as the theme song for “Kishidan Banpaku 2013.” It’s a perfect song to get everyone fired up at parties or wedding receptions, bringing the whole venue together.

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evolutionAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki / evolution (Short Ver.)

evolution Ayumi Hamasaki

This is one of Ayumi Hamasaki’s songs that’s famous for guaranteed hype.

It’s the kind of upbeat track that lifts your spirits anytime and gets everyone listening excited and grooving.

Let’s all shout “Oh yeah!” together during the chorus and get the energy going.

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