[Band Performance] Recommended Songs to Liven Up Year-end/New Year Parties [2026]
As the season for year-end and New Year parties approaches, many of us struggle to decide on a performance.
If you’re in a band, showcasing a live set is definitely an option.
Still, when you consider the age range of the crowd and what fits your skill level, it can be hard to land on the right idea.
If you’re going to perform, you want everyone to have a great time.
In this article, we’ve gathered songs that are sure to liven up your party performance! We’ve focused on widely known tracks across generations and winter-themed pieces—use this as a reference!
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[Band Performance] Recommended Songs That Hype Up Year-End and New Year Parties [2026] (51–60)
Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children
Among Mr.
Children’s songs, this is a popular one with a strong rock vibe.
It starts low and gradually builds up, then explodes into a scream in the chorus! It also feels amazing to sing.
It’s a candid, passionate love song, so if there’s a girl you want to win over coming to your live show, it’s definitely worth covering.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
Mr.Children have long been at the forefront of Japan’s J-pop and rock band scenes.
Their songs are widely known, and their lyrics—filled with warmth—are a major part of their appeal, earning them strong support from many fans.
Among their popular tracks, this one was reportedly created as a Christmas song, making it especially perfect for the year-end party season.
The music itself has a very gentle, soft atmosphere, and it really shines when performed with a restrained arrangement like acoustic guitar, bass, and a small drum set.
Youth Group Filled with DesireONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK is a four-member rock band that enjoys immense popularity both in Japan and abroad, thanks to their overwhelming vocal prowess and a band sound that is both classic and modern.
The song “Yokubou ni Michita Seinen-dan,” included on their major-label debut album Zeitakubyou, became a hot topic among fans for its lyrics, which are said to depict the past of vocalist Taka.
While there are many elements that make it challenging to achieve a tight groove as a band—such as the lyrical guitar riff and the drums’ shuffle beat—the tempo is relaxed, making it relatively approachable to try.
This stylish ensemble is an emotional rock tune that will add flair to year-end and New Year parties.
Girl SSCANDAL
This is the third single by SCANDAL, a four-member girls’ band who, despite all being beginners on their instruments when they formed, have grown into musicians capable of writing their own songs.
The track was used as an opening theme for the TV anime BLEACH, and its tight beat and stylish melody line are super catchy.
The intro guitar riff and slap bass might sound tricky, but the tempo is relaxed and the phrases are simple, so even beginner band members can learn to play it quickly with a bit of practice.
It’s a rock tune that shines with a cute edge beneath its cool exterior—perfect for women to perform at year-end or New Year parties.
[Live Band] Recommended Songs to Hype Up Year-End and New Year Parties (2026) (61–70)
Sora-buneTOKIO
TOKIO is a skilled band that made waves as the first Johnny’s group to perform at a summer festival, electrifying the venue.
They’re hugely popular on variety shows too, and are incredibly well-known artists! I’m sure people of all ages are familiar with many of their songs, but among them, this track might be especially famous.
Written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima, its lyrics—about facing forward and moving ahead with strength—perfectly match Nagase’s rugged vocals.
It’s definitely a great pick to cover with a band as well.
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
As one of the most well-known rock bands today, WANIMA is sure to be mentioned.
They’ve appeared on music shows and in commercials, and they’re popular with a wide audience! Their charm lies in their straightforward, bright sound and positive lyrics.
This song, which was used in an au commercial, is also a very upbeat track that’s quintessentially them.
Many of you have probably heard it, and since it’s an arrangement of the children’s song Picnic, it’ll sound familiar to many.
It’s a very gentle and catchy song, making it perfect to perform as entertainment at events.
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
This is the first digital-only single by YOASOBI, a male-female duo that operates in a contemporary combination of singer-songwriter and Vocaloid producer.
Based on a novel’s story, its lyrics and fast-paced modern arrangement turned it into a breakout hit.
Although it was the unit’s first release, it’s also known as one of YOASOBI’s signature songs.
In 2021, an English version titled “Into The Night” was released, so if you want to go a bit unconventional with your cover choice, that might be a good pick.
With the level of recognition it enjoyed—so popular you could hardly go a day in 2020 without hearing it—it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for year-end or New Year’s party entertainment.