[2026] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: classic and popular Japanese hits
As we enter the latter half of December and the year-end approaches, opportunities to go to karaoke increase with year-end and New Year parties during the holiday break.
If you’re thinking, “Since it’s the end of the year, I want to sing karaoke songs that are perfect for ringing in the New Year,” this article introduces recommended Japanese songs for year-end karaoke.
We’ve put together a selection that includes beloved classics from the Showa era, recent masterpieces that capture the New Year’s mood, and even the latest songs performed on the quintessential New Year’s Eve program, the Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Be sure to check it out!
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[2026] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: Classic and popular Japanese hits (51–60)
HAPPY HAPPY GREETINGKinKi Kids
This is their fifth single, released in 1998.
It’s a song themed around various celebrations, packed with words related to festivities—not just New Year’s, but also birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and lots of “congratulations.” It’s a song I’d like to sing to express my gratitude for the year.
Unstoppable ha~haYazawa Eikichi
Despite not being released as a single, it’s become one of Eikichi Yazawa’s most universally recognized signature songs in Japan.
How about ringing in the New Year with this killer tune that sends the karaoke room’s energy to the max? And don’t forget to toss your towel—an oshibori or even a coat will do as a substitute.
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
When it comes to year’s end, this song is the one, isn’t it? It always plays on New Year’s Eve—listening to it while eating soba or preparing osechi.
It’s not only for the year-end season, but for some reason it always makes you think of that time of year.
It’s mysterious, isn’t it? Wishing you a good transition into the new year, I recommend trying to sing “Amagi-goe.”
A HAPPY NEW YEAR -Happy New Year-Matsutōya Yumi
With its somewhat wistful, lonely sound, Yumi Matsutoya’s “A HAPPY NEW YEAR” is perfect for the year’s end.
It’s a track from her 1981 album “Let’s Meet Last Night,” featuring a memorable, continuous piano arpeggio phrase.
The song was also used in the film “Take Me Out to the Snowland.” It’s a love song filled with the hope of “May you have a good year” and the desire to spend the coming year with you.
After a run of high-energy songs at karaoke, how about dialing it back with the gently melancholy “A HAPPY NEW YEAR”?
New WorldL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This single was released in 2005 and remains a long-time fan favorite.
With a title perfect for the New Year, positive lyrics, and a driving, exhilarating melody, it’s just right for ringing in the new year.
It’s the kind of song that makes you feel ready to take on the coming year!