[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 over New Year’s. Classic and popular Japanese hits (11–20)
Your path of gloryTendō Yoshimi
This is one of Yoshimi Tendo’s signature songs, known for its moving vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Released in January 2002, it is a love-filled piece that portrays the bond of a married couple overcoming life’s hardships together.
The lyrics convey strength in the face of adversity and offer encouragement to those pursuing their dreams, resonating deeply with many listeners.
The song enjoyed a long run on the Oricon charts, staying ranked for 38 weeks and earning overwhelming support from fans.
It has been selected multiple times for NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and is slated to be performed again at the 75th edition in 2024.
It’s a perfect song to sing with someone special at karaoke during the New Year holidays.
A Gift Without a StampZaitsu Kazuo
It’s a classic with a heartwarming melody and memorable lyrics.
The songwriter and composer is Kazuo Zaitsu, known as the frontman of Tulip.
First introduced in 1977 on the NHK program “Uta wa Tomodachi,” it went on to gain great popularity and has been covered by many artists.
The song gently expresses feelings for someone special, themed around gifts and gratitude.
Its simple yet deeply meaningful lyrics resonate with listeners.
In the 2008 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was performed as a chorus by all the participants, and it continues to be loved across generations.
When you want to mark a life milestone or convey your thanks, why not hum this tune?
Year-end songs from 12/26 onward[Alexandros]
![Year-end songs from 12/26 onward[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_vKAC2Ml8i0/sddefault.jpg)
This song is exactly what the title says—a true year-end song.
When we think of the end of the year, Christmas songs usually come to mind, but this one beautifully captures the six-day gap from Christmas to New Year’s.
That’s right: those six days are for reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the next.
If there’s a song to sing at the year’s end, it’s surely this “Year-End Song for After 12/26.” I recommend singing it while looking back on this year and looking forward to the next.
New Year’s Evesadamasashi
Even if, looking back over the past year, there were painful or difficult memories, this is an upbeat song that says goodbye to that sadness on New Year’s Eve and welcomes a wonderful new year.
It’s a heartwarming song that makes you feel grateful for your own efforts over the year and for everything your family has done.
festivalKitajima Saburō
It’s a famous song that could be called a classic of the Japanese spirit.
If you remember when it was passionately performed as the finale of the Red and White Song Battle, you’ll probably want to sing this to ring in the New Year.
With the energetic shout of “Soiya,” it feels like you can kick off a prosperous year.