[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 (21–30)
Turning Uparashi
Speaking of Arashi, at some point they really became the face of year-end festivities, didn’t they? The release date, November 3, 2019, marked the 20th anniversary of their debut, and this was a digital-only single.
It’s an ambitious piece, even bringing in overseas songwriters.
The lyrics mix in English throughout and sound super cool, so it’s guaranteed to be a hit at year-end karaoke—definitely a recommended song to practice hard and nail.
broad daylightKing Gnu
King Gnu, who had a major breakout in 2019.
They even provided a song for Leo Ieiri, and with members from Tokyo University of the Arts, their quality is undeniably high.
“Hakujitsu” is the track that sparked their rise, and I’m sure it came as a real surprise—a genre and musicality unlike anything before.
I’m excited to see what’s next for King Gnu.
New Year (Japanese New Year)
That’s right—this song is often thought of as one you sing during New Year’s, but it’s actually a song sung at the end of the year while waiting for New Year’s to come, hoping to fly kites and play hanetsuki.
The title is a bit misleading.
In the midst of the busy year-end season, let’s sing “Oshogatsu,” filled with our wish for the New Year to arrive soon.
Year-end party! BOU! NEN! KAI!A.B.C-Z
A.B.C-Z is an idol group known for their strength in dance and acrobatics, with each member also active on variety shows.
Their 4th single, “Bounenkai! BOU! NEN! KAI!” was released as a double A-side along with “Shuden wo Koete ~Christmas Night~.” The lyrics, brimming with the signature humor of the songwriter Hyadain, are guaranteed to liven up any year-end party.
It’s a party tune that wraps up the year on a bright note—perfect for everyone to sing together at karaoke.
travel anecdoteCreepy Nuts
The song Miyagebanashi (“Souvenir Stories”) sings about the birth and journey of the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts.
It was included as the final track on their 2021 album Case.
The scene depicted in the song—two friends spending New Year’s Eve together at one of their homes—evokes memories of youthful days for many listeners.
Its stylish chord progression and groovy beat are also part of the appeal.
Be sure to sing it at karaoke, and get everyone to put their hands up during the chorus to hype things up!
