Lovely winter song

[2026] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: classic and popular Japanese hits

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Composer/arranger, guitarist, and bloggerSaitō Ayumu
I started playing guitar in elementary school, and in junior high and high school I played the horn in the concert band. In college I became engrossed in composing and began using DTM. These days, I provide songs to artists as a composer, run a blog under the name “Sakki,” and post music lesson videos on YouTube. My musical roots are in rock, but I also love dance music!

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!

[2026] Karaoke Songs to Sing on New Year’s Eve: Classic and Popular J‑Pop Hits (1–10)

You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko

Anokanewo Narasunoha Anata

You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko

This is a masterpiece that expresses, with deep meaning, the sound of bells ringing out at the very moment the old year turns to the new.

Released in March 1972, it is known as one of Akiko Wada’s signature songs.

Its lyrics, celebrating the joy of reclaiming hope and love, are perfect for the positive feelings that accompany the New Year.

The song won the Best Vocal Performance at the 14th Japan Record Awards and has been performed six times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, continuing to be cherished by many.

It’s a great choice to sing at year-end and New Year gatherings, filled with wishes for the year ahead.

Why not prepare to welcome a hopeful New Year together with your singing companions?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

New Year’s Eve SongRemioromen

OOMISOKA NO UTA

New Year’s Eve SongRemioromen

Released in 2010, this song features a melancholic melody and lyrics that are incredibly emo.

It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve—while reflecting on the past year and getting lost in thought, you’ll find yourself quietly looking forward to the one to come.

Sing this song, and you might even move the people around you.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

December 31NMB48

[MV] December 31 / NMB48 [Official] (Short ver.)

December 31NMB48

This song poignantly portrays the feelings of a girl shedding tears alone in front of the TV on New Year’s Eve.

NMB48’s music is a pop tune packed with the members’ down-to-earth emotions.

Included on the February 2013 album “Teppen Tottande!,” it’s a ballad with Sayaka Yamamoto at center.

The lyrics, filled with frustration and determination over missing the chance to perform on Kouhaku, seem to gently push forward anyone striving toward their dreams.

Sing it with friends at New Year’s karaoke, and you’ll surely feel hope welling up for the year ahead.

For fans, this piece is a deeply meaningful song that symbolizes the growth and resolve of NMB48, the group based in Osaka.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

ToughSaucy Dog

Tough

ToughSaucy Dog

A medium-tempo rock ballad that rides on a relaxed melody, portraying the anxieties and inner conflicts of everyday life.

Included in Saucy Dog’s mini-album “Blue Period,” released in October 2019, this song conveys the struggles of pursuing dreams during the year-end season and a strong will toward personal growth.

Its lyrics delicately capture emotions from dusk into night, paired with emotive vocals that truly stand out.

If you sing it at a New Year’s karaoke gathering, why not do so with a resolve to look back on the past year and set new goals? It’s sure to resonate with friends who share the same feelings.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japan

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda

A smash hit that celebrates Japan’s drinking culture nationwide, this song is perfect for ringing in the New Year.

Its charm lies in humorous lyrics that weave in local specialties and festivals from various regions, always finding reasons to raise a glass.

Released in December 1979, it posted an astonishing 720,000 sales and remains beloved as Barracuda’s signature tune.

It’s guaranteed to light up year-end and New Year parties—whether it’s a bonenkai or shinnenkai—any occasion where people enjoy a drink.

The lyrics sprinkled with regional dialects are great fun too, and singing it together will boost the energy even more.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem