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 over New Year’s. Classic and popular Japanese hits (11–20)

Dance at my place (New Year’s Eve)Hoshino Gen

Let's Dance at My Place (New Year's Eve)

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?

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era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki

Era – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

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.”

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365 daysMr.Children

365 days

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?

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the last day of the monthsupittsu

Misoka

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?

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Would you like some Noto?Sakamoto Fuyumi

Noto Wa Irankai Ne

Would you like some Noto?Sakamoto Fuyumi

Set in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, this classic enka song depicts love for one’s hometown and a sense of nostalgia.

With vivid portrayals of Noto’s climate and culture—such as the biting Siberian winds, local trains that stop at every station, and the sound of the Gojinjo-daiko drums—it stirs homesick feelings in listeners.

Released in May 1990, it reached No.

13 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It was also performed at the 41st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year, becoming one of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature songs.

Filled with affection for Noto, this piece is sure to support those living away from their hometown.

If sung during New Year gatherings with family and friends, it may spark warm conversations about fond memories.

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