Must know Japanese songs (for karaoke too)

[Milos]

I'm gonna be going to Japan for a year in September, and I feel that I should be more up on the music scene there. I know very very little about Japanese music.. so before I get too hooked on any one group or band, I wanna explore the "must knows" of Japanese music. You know, like the Beatles, Led Zeppelins, and Michael Jacksons (RIP) of Japan, as well as "up to date" music, if you will (e.g. the "way I are's" and "boom boom pow's" of Japanese music).

Also, since it is inevitable that I will be singing karaoke, please include good karaoke songs or songs that are must knows for karaoke too.

Thanks a lot.

[Derfel]

Anything from Vomit Remnants.

[justin]

My friend in Japan told me Linkin Park and 50 cent were pretty popular.

[Dogen Z]

You must master this song that everyone knows. BUT, you must make the same facial expressions as Ayaya in this video and cheer up the audience, or everyone will think you're just childish. (Lyrics in easy Japanese written on the bottom to help you practice.)

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[Dogen Z]

For the upcoming Bonenkai/Christmas season, you should learn one of these very popular tunes in Japan.

Last Christmas by Wham

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Or, Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney

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However, if you have the octave range of Mariah Carey, you could do "All I want for Christmas," and you'd be a big hit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OynGlOngDrU&feature=related
(See also Younha's cover in female artists)

[Alma]

you should know about SMAP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMAP) - even they do not have one big hit - more like one per season - you should know about them.

then, opening theme from evangelion - (my favourite, and fun to sing, too)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RREof62zD0

I am sure there is more, I will add later :wave:

[krissgreeve]

Hello everyone,
This is Kriss, actually I am very fond of music so, I am interested in Japanese songs, I feel that I should be more up on the music scene there. I know very very little about Japanese music like the Beatles and Led Zeppelins of Japan, as well as up to date music, if you will the "way I are's" and "boom boom pow's" of Japanese music. I want to must knows for karaoke too.
Thanks for sharing this view,