[Band Performance] Recommended Songs to Liven Up Year-end/New Year Parties [2026]

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This bittersweet love song about unrequited teenage feelings is sure to resonate when performed as entertainment at year-end or New Year parties.

Released in August 2017, this track by Aimyon became one of her signature songs, earning power-play rotation on 42 AM/FM radio stations nationwide and rapidly boosting her profile.

It captures the tender frustration of wanting to share your favorite rock music with someone who doesn’t usually listen to it, hoping to grow closer.

With a mid-tempo pace that’s easy to perform and a classic band sound reminiscent of 1990s J-pop, it’s a song that appeals across generations.

I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Let’s Walk Home (ROCK’N ROLL Recording Session 2023)

This is a single by Kazuyoshi Saito released in June 1994, a rock ’n’ roll number characterized by a lively shuffle beat and a catchy melody.

Chosen as the opening theme for “Ponkickies,” it gained nationwide popularity.

Despite its bright, poppy feel, it carries a passionate message about walking your own path on your own two feet.

It was featured in a Suntory commercial in 2001 and a Suzuki Lapin commercial in 2015, making it a timeless classic loved across generations.

With a comfortable tempo and a natural call-and-response structure, it’s a safe choice to perform at gatherings with a wide range of ages.

The guitar phrases are memorable, too, making it rewarding to play!

DoraemonHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Doraemon (Official Video)

This is a song that Gen Hoshino released in February 2018 as his 11th single.

It was produced as the theme song for the national favorite anime film Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island, and it became a hot topic when the movie was released that March.

The sound is striking for its fusion of New Orleans second-line style with a distinctly Japanese sense of humor, and the interlude even quotes the nostalgic “Boku Doraemon” melody.

It’s a song everyone knows, from kids to adults, so it’s guaranteed to get the whole venue hyped.

The chorus is catchy and will make everyone want to sing along.

If everyone joins in, the sense of unity will be unbeatable!

Bluebirdikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari "Blue Bird" Music Video

This work captivates with its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and lyrics that convey a strong will to move forward.

Released in 2008 as the group’s 10th single, it was used as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

It embodies imagery of spreading wings toward the blue sky and breaking out of an old shell to fly into a new world, powerfully expressing themes of challenge and a longing for freedom.

Also included on the album My song Your song, it debuted at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is one of their signature tracks.

Widely known across generations, it’s the perfect song to energize a venue with its dynamic sound!

The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

Released in May 1998 as Ringo Sheena’s debut single, this song was chosen as the ending theme for the variety show “Ai no Hinadan.” It combines a lightness that evokes the breath of youth with a striking edge tinged with a hint of poison, carrying the message that happiness is actually right in front of us.

An alternate arrangement appears on the album Muzai Moratorium as “Koufukuron (Etsuraku-hen),” and the track was also used in a commercial for Suntory Cocktail Bar.

Capturing a unique worldview that expresses cuteness and darkness at the same time, this work is highly recommended for anyone who wants to savor Sheena’s signature style.

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

Released in July 1997, this song was produced as the theme for the drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara,” marking Elephant Kashimashi’s first drama tie-in.

It’s a folk-rock number that sings of hope for the future while carrying the emptiness and loneliness of everyday life.

Hiroji Miyamoto’s powerful vocals beautifully convey both the poignancy felt amid the bustle of the city and the determination to keep looking forward.

As one of their signature tracks that broke into the top 10 on the Oricon weekly charts, it’s known across generations and is sure to bring warmth to year-end and New Year gatherings.

It’s recommended when you want to unify the venue with a gently emotive performance.

kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

Released in February 2025 as their first new song in about three years, this track was selected as the opening theme for the NHK General TV anime Chi: On the Movements of the Earth, drawing attention as Sakanaction’s first anime theme song.

The lyrics depict a passion for pursuing truth and the accompanying inner conflicts, powerfully expressing a spirit of inquiry toward an unfinished world.

Its distinctive sound fuses electronica and rock, and the dynamic rhythm and melody have the energy to unify an entire venue.

It’s recommended when you want to deliver an intelligent yet energetic performance at year-end or New Year parties.

As the song was produced over a two-year conceptual period, be sure to practice thoroughly to convey its worldview.