[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)
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism, who made a huge breakthrough in 2019.
At first I thought, “How on earth do you read that band name?” and then they kept dropping hit after hit.
Maybe the rarity of having the keyboardist as the lead vocalist helped, but their arrangements are well thought out, the balance is great, and I feel like those airy melodies will flow on as the sound of the times.
They’re talented members, so I recommend them with high expectations as next-generation artists.
You May DreamSHEENA&THE ROKKETS
This is a single released in 1979, back when they were still called Sheena & The Rookies.
It’s one of Sheena & The Rokkets’ signature songs, memorable for its soaring high notes in the chorus and wild guitar work.
It’s a rock tune I’d love for anyone with a dream they want to fulfill to sing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve.
Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven
Speaking of year-end, it’s all about the Ninth.
In fact, this tune only appears at the very end of the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No.
9.
The piece is 74 minutes long.
It’s said that the CD’s standard playing time was set at 74 minutes because of this.
If you’re attending your first Ninth performance at the end of the year, be prepared: it takes about an hour before the Ode to Joy comes in.
dreamTHE BLUE HEARTS
It’s a single released in 1992.
Besides being used as the theme song for a TV drama in 2002, as of 2017 it’s still being featured in commercials—an evergreen classic that hasn’t lost any of its shine even 25 years after its release.
How about ringing in the New Year with this punk number you can belt out together with your friends?
Violence – BOURIKI –Makishimamu Za Horumon
When you look back on the past year, it’s not all good memories, right? This is recommended for those who’ve faced tough times or intolerable unfairness.
Singing this song might blow away those memories and leave you feeling refreshed.
Let’s let it all out and get rid of the bad memories before the year ends!