An In-Depth Analysis of JOYSOUND's Karaoke Yearly Rankings Reveals Generation Gaps

Exploring the Karaoke Trends of 2025: A Generation Gap Analysis

In a vibrant showcase of musical tastes, JOYSOUND has unveiled its annual karaoke rankings for 2025, revealing intriguing generational preferences among its users. Conducted by Excing Inc., based in Nagoya, the comprehensive report ranks popular karaoke songs from various age groups, ranging from teenagers to those in their sixties. What stands out is the generational gap that has emerged, particularly highlighting the contrast between younger singers and their older counterparts.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Rankings

The dominant song of the year is Mrs. GREEN APPLE's "ライラック" (Lila), which captured the top position among users in their 20s to 40s. This catchy tune, featured as the opening theme for the anime Forgotten Battery, demonstrates its broad appeal across different age groups. Interestingly, for teenagers, an older classic crept into the limelight — Porno Graffitti's "サウダージ" (Saudade), a song that was originally released 25 years ago, topped the charts for this younger demographic.

This year's overall karaoke rankings reveal how deeply ingrained certain songs are in different generations. The special page created for this analysis provides further insights, including gender-separated rankings, making it an essential resource for music selection during the busy karaoke season, especially during end-of-year and New Year parties.

A Closer Look at Each Decade of Music Preferences

Teens: Influenced by Social Media

The emergence of social media as a key influencer among teens is evident in their music choices. The youth showcased a surprising twist by favoring the nostalgic tune "サウダージ" over fresher tracks. This song has gained renewed popularity through social media channels, registering over 200 million streams, making it a timeless favorite that resonates across ages. Furthermore, the continued prominence of Vocaloid music reflects the enthusiasm of this demographic, with DC27’s "モニタリング" featured prominently.

20s: A Blend of Trends

In their 20s, singers are both sensitive to the latest music trends while cherishing anime and Vocaloid tracks. Mrs. GREEN APPLE's presence is commanding, followed closely by Balloon's "シャルル" (Charles) and DC27’s "モニタリング." TikTok has significantly shaped this age group’s music preferences, as evident from the rapid rise of AKASAKI’s "Bunny Girl" from outside the rankings to a commendable 7th place.

30s: The Anime Influence

The 30s remain a stronghold for anime-related songs, with half of the top 20 being anime tracks. The continuing passion for music from the Forgotten Battery series, specifically Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s "ライラック," is confirmed with its top spot. Also noteworthy are the newer anime hits that have made their debut in the top ranks this year.

40s: Diverse Tastes in Music

For those in their 40s, the affection for both classic hits and contemporary favorites is clear. Mrs. GREEN APPLE leads the charts with multiple songs, showcasing their wide appeal. A mix of nostalgic classics like Porno Graffitti's songs and Yamashita’s popular hits illustrates a diverse musical taste in this age group.

50s: A Balance of Nostalgia and Modern Hits

The 50s demographic has maintained a unique mix of classic favorites alongside trending music. The long-time favorite, "セーラー服と機関銃‘夢の途中’" by Hiromi Yakasumar, retains its top position. This generation shows a commendable blend of nostalgia with a sprinkle of modernity, embracing songs that stand the test of time.

60s: The Enduring Love for Enka

In the senior demographic of the 60s, traditional songs, particularly Enka and famous Kayokyoku, continue to dominate. In this age group, Yakasumar’s song remains a standout, further solidifying the enduring appeal of classic music among older generations.

Conclusion

The 2025 JOYSOUND karaoke rankings provide a fascinating insight into the evolving music landscape across different generations. From the classic melodies that have withstand the test of time to the viral modern tracks that captivate younger audiences, it's clear that music transcends age barriers. Exploring these trends not only offers a glimpse into current musical preferences but also serves as a reminder of the songs that unite us across generations.

For a detailed look at the full rankings, visit the special feature page here.