Japanese Anison Takes the World by Storm with JOYSOUND Karaoke Rankings for Foreigners

The Global Enthusiasm for Japanese Anison: A JOYSOUND Karaoke Analysis

As the excitement surrounding the Osaka-Kansai Expo grows, JOYSOUND, operated by EXPLING Co., Ltd, has unveiled its karaoke rankings based on the singing performances of foreign visitors to Japan. With inbound travel reaching record highs in 2024, the results shed light on the spectacular dominance of Japanese anime songs—or anisons—in foreign karaoke selections.

Karaoke Ranking Insights

The rankings released on April 28, 2024, offer insights into the preferences of international visitors, showcasing how deeply Japanese culture resonates through its unforgettable tunes.

Total Performance Period

- Ranking Compilation Period: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
- Participating Locations: JOYSOUND Franchise Stores

The results include two main categories:
1. Top 20 Overall Karaoke Songs Sung by Foreigners
2. Top 30 Japanese Songs Sung by Foreigners

The passion for karaoke, cherished globally, allows foreign visitors to enjoy music while savoring the unique charm of Japan in private singing rooms. As it turns out, anisons are far from niche; they have become an integral part of the karaoke landscape overseas as well.

Ranking Highlights

Among the Top 20 Overall Karaoke Songs, the anime-themed classic, "Zankou na Tenshi no You ni" (A Cruel Angel's Thesis) from Neon Genesis Evangelion, secured a remarkable second spot, following the iconic hit by Backstreet Boys, “I Want It That Way.” This song has made its mark not only in Japan but also holds significant value among anime lovers worldwide, transcending its initial genre to attract a diverse audience.

Interestingly, Disney songs and classics like ABBA dominated the rankings, but catching eyes from the anime genre, the theme song, "Idol" from the wildly popular Oshi no Ko, ranked at 13th. Its recognition has skyrocketed, thanks to social media and streaming platforms, ensuring it captures the hearts of international audiences.

Further into the list, one of the most streamed songs on YouTube, "Lemon" by Kenshi Yonezu, claimed the 14th spot, boasting over 900 million views, signaling the global reach of Japanese music.

Focus on Japanese Songs

Examining the Top 30 Japanese Songs Sung by Foreigners, it’s noteworthy that 20 of these tracks are anison, showcasing the genre's prominence in karaoke culture among international visitors. Approximately 90% of these performances included engaging anime visuals, making karaoke not just about singing but also an immersive multimedia experience.

Long-running anime such as ONE PIECE and Dragon Ball Z continue to influence global pop culture significantly, alongside newer hits from Tokyo Ghoul and Attack on Titan. Tracks from these culturally rich series have garnered everlasting love from fans around the world.

Additionally, a unique entry, "Baka Mitai - Aishuu -" from Yakuza: Kiwami, astonishingly holds the 10th position, displaying the popularity of video game music in this setting.

Embracing the Global Karaoke Culture

The incredible cross-cultural exchange evidenced by these rankings illustrates how Japanese anime and music connect fans from diverse backgrounds, creating unforgettable karaoke experiences.

Romanized Karaoke for Foreign Guests

To make karaoke accessible, JOYSOUND has introduced a feature displaying romanized lyrics for non-Japanese speakers, allowing everyone to join in the fun. Furthermore, the official JOYSOUND YouTube channel offers free "Romanized Karaoke" videos of 50 popular songs, including the aforementioned Cruel Angel's Thesis.

Promoting Japanese Karaoke Culture

A dedicated website for foreign travelers offers multilingual guidance on using karaoke facilities, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere for first-time users. Additionally, JOYSOUND has launched an Instagram page targeting Taiwan audiences, featuring influencers showcasing karaoke venues in Japan, aiming to spread the joy of karaoke internationally.

Through these initiatives, JOYSOUND aims to enhance global awareness of Japanese karaoke, promising myriad joyful experiences and connecting music lovers around the world.

Conclusion

The global fascination with Japanese anison demonstrates the power of music in bridging cultures. Whether you're in Japan or abroad, joining the karaoke scene allows you to partake in an unparalleled cultural phenomenon that unites individuals through the art of song.

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