[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 J‑Pop Hits (1–10)
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.
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.
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.
[2026] Karaoke songs to sing over New Year’s. Classic and popular Japanese hits (11–20)
Dance at my place (New Year’s Eve)Hoshino Gen
This song drew attention as a message tune that reframes the self-restrained lifestyle brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in a positive light.
With a melody and lyrics brimming with Hoshino Gen’s signature playfulness, it warmly accompanies those feeling loneliness or a sense of stagnation.
After being released on social media in April 2020, a special version featuring newly added second-verse lyrics was performed on the December 31 broadcast of the 71st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
As the New Year arrives, if everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to make for a wonderful countdown.
Wrapped in Hoshino Gen’s gentle vocals, why not carry hope for the year ahead in your heart?
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
Just like the title of the song suggests, it’s a classic that’s been sung across the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.
Times turn, times come full circle.
As Miyuki Nakajima sings, things that were popular in the ’80s are popular again now; old things are revived and used at the cutting edge.
The songs Miyuki Nakajima sings can be heavy, gentle, warm, and sorrowful all at once.
I also recommend listening to Miyuki Nakajima’s songs other than “Jidai.”
365 daysMr.Children
A song woven with love messages that can continue day after day is one you’ll want to sing during the special moments of year’s end and New Year’s.
Featured on Mr.Children’s album “SENSE,” released in December 2010, the track was also used in commercials for NTT East and NTT West, resonating with many listeners.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s delicate vocals gently embrace the unwavering feelings for a loved one.
If you sing this song as you ring in the New Year with someone dear, it will surely become a cherished memory.
With hope for the year ahead, why not sing it while pouring your feelings into it for that special person?
the last day of the monthsupittsu
It’s a powerful rock number that feels like it’s racing across the New Year’s night sky.
As the closing track on Spitz’s album “Souvenir,” it was also used in a soft drink commercial in 2006.
The exhilarating sense of speed in the performance and the clean vocals blend together in perfect balance.
The lyrics express a determination to overcome hardship and move toward a fresh beginning, making it perfect for listening at the very moment the year turns.
If you sing this song on New Year’s Eve, feeling the rising excitement as the countdown approaches, the moment you welcome the new year will become even more special.
With hope for the year ahead, why not raise your voice and sing your heart out?