Last Updated: 2026-07-08
Introduction
If you heard that the most-sung karaoke track in Japan right now is not a chart-topping pop song or a beloved anime theme but a commercial jingle for a bag of salt you can buy at any supermarket, you might do a double take. It also runs about three seconds.
This is not a joke or a mistake. It actually happened in July 2026. The commercial melody for the salt brand Hakata no Shio (hakata no shio) hit #1 on the weekly ranking of JOYSOUND, one of Japan’s biggest karaoke systems. That “ha-ka-ta-no-shi-o♪” melody that has played on Japanese TV for decades reached the top of the karaoke charts. Behind it is a quirky but genuinely interesting side of Japanese karaoke culture.
TL;DR
- A roughly 3-second jingle for “Hakata no Shio” hit #1 on JOYSOUND’s overall weekly karaoke ranking (June 29 – July 5, 2026)
- It is the first time a sound logo of only a few seconds has topped the weekly ranking in JOYSOUND’s 30-plus-year history
- The reason is the game-like appeal of Japan’s karaoke scoring feature: how high can you score on a super-short song?
- If you live in Japan, it is an easy, fun thing to try the next time you go to karaoke
Disclaimer: This article is based on announcements from Xing Inc., which operates JOYSOUND, and Hakata Salt Co., Ltd., as of July 2026. Rankings update weekly, so the current position may change.
First, What Is “Hakata no Shio”?
Hakata no Shio (hakata no shio) is a salt brand that is a staple in many Japanese households. For years, a short TV commercial has sung the brand name in a soaring voice — that melody is one that a huge number of people across all generations recognize instantly.
The track that reached #1 is the karaoke version of just that sung part. The only lyric is the brand name, hakata no shio, and the whole thing runs about three seconds. You pick up the mic, take a breath, sing one phrase, and it is already over.
What Happened and When
- Rank: #1 on the JOYSOUND overall karaoke ranking (weekly)
- Week: June 29 – July 5, 2026
- Record: The first time a roughly 3-second sound logo has topped the weekly ranking in JOYSOUND’s 30-plus-year history
- Release date: December 2025
For a while after its release it hovered around #4 overall, then the number of people singing it grew and grew until it finally shot up to #1. (Source: Xing Inc., which operates JOYSOUND)
Why Did a Salt Jingle Reach #1? It Comes Down to the Scoring Game
The biggest reason is the scoring feature built into karaoke in Japan. The machine grades how accurately you match the pitch and rhythm on a scale up to 100, and competing over the score with friends has become a classic way to enjoy karaoke.
Because “Hakata no Shio” is only about three seconds, it does not demand stamina or a full performance the way a long song does. Instead, it puts all the pressure on how precisely you can nail the pitch and timing in a single instant. That “score high in just three seconds” challenge creates a “one more try!” kind of pull, and that is what pushed it up the ranking.
The other reason is social media. People kept posting karaoke selection histories filled top to bottom with nothing but “Hakata no Shio,” the sheer absurdity spread, and more people tried it for themselves.
Scores are based less on how “good” your singing sounds and more on how closely you match the machine’s ideal pitch and rhythm. Short songs let you rack up attempts quickly, so they are a great entry point for getting a feel for how to raise your score.
The age range of singers is wide too, reportedly enjoyed by everyone from high school students to people in their 60s. A melody everyone knows, a length anyone can manage, and a score you can compete over. Those three things together are why it spread across genre lines.
How to Enjoy It From a Life-in-Japan Perspective
When you get the chance to go to karaoke in Japan, put “Hakata no Shio” in the queue. Just search for it on the screen and it comes right up. At venues with JOYSOUND, the short one-phrase version is usually available. The six syllables of hakata no shio are easy to handle even without strong Japanese, and competing on the scoring feature with friends makes for a lively session.
Getting food at an izakaya before or after is a classic pairing. If you are unsure how to order, this guide has you covered.
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If karaoke and izakaya are your thing and you want to take it further, YOLO JAPAN has karaoke job listings worth checking out. You can filter by Japanese level and location.
If karaoke has sparked an interest in Japanese culture more broadly, these articles are worth a read.
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Rankings refresh every week, so it may not stay at #1. Worth remembering as “the song that once made history at #1” — it makes for a solid conversation starter.
FAQ
Q. Did a 3-second song really reach #1 in karaoke?
A. Yes. It topped the JOYSOUND overall weekly ranking for June 29 – July 5, 2026. It is the first time a roughly 3-second jingle has reached the weekly #1 spot.
Q. Where can I sing it?
A. At venues with JOYSOUND machines, search for “Hakata no Shio” (伯方の塩) on the selection screen. Most karaoke venues run JOYSOUND, DAM, or both.
Q. Can I sing it even if my Japanese is not strong?
A. The only lyric is hakata no shio, so you do not need much Japanese at all. In fact, being short and easy to sing is one reason it became so popular.
Q. Why is such a short song even available to sing?
A. Karaoke companies have been running a project to spotlight short commercial jingles (sound logos), and this track was released as part of it. It pairs well with the scoring feature, which led to its surprising popularity.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Next time you go to karaoke, search for “Hakata no Shio” — it comes right up on the screen
- ✅ Compete on the scoring feature with friends. At about 3 seconds, you can go as many rounds as you like
- ✅ The only lyric is hakata no shio — no Japanese ability required
- ✅ “A 3-second song that hit #1 nationwide” is a perfect conversation piece with Japanese people
Japanese karaoke has made competing over scores such a normal part of the experience that a 3-second salt jingle could reach #1. If you get the chance to go, give “Hakata no Shio” a try. The lyric is just six syllables, so there is nothing to be nervous about.
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