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 Japanese hits (31–40)

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

It’s truly the perfect song for the year’s end, isn’t it? As the title says, “Rewrite” means to rewrite.

Sing with the determination to rewrite the failures, frustrations, and setbacks you experienced this year next year for sure! Next year, let’s make a comeback and hit our goals by singing “Rewrite” and giving it our all.

Shouting along with the chorus should make you feel refreshed.

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A New WorldASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

Asian Kung-Fu Generation – Atarashii Sekai (Live)

A New WorldASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

The final track on the 2008 album “World World World.” It’s a killer tune that goes full power from start to finish and fills you with energy when you listen.

If you sing it at karaoke, it might give you a strong push on the back, helping you take a new step forward.

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Toward where the sound leadsGoose house

[TV commercial 30-second spot] Oto no naru hou e → / Goose house

Toward where the sound leadsGoose house

This is the song that served as the ending theme for the 2014 anime Silver Spoon.

It’s a bright tune meant for everyone to sing together, featuring catchy, easy-to-sing lyrics and an uplifting melody.

When you sing this song, it feels like all the fun memories from the past year overflow and just won’t stop.

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WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Start a Movement~H Jungle with T

WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Start a Movement~

WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Start a Movement~H Jungle with T

This is a song released in 1995 through a collaboration between Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and music producer Tetsuya Komuro.

Komuro began writing it after seeing Hamada work so hard he barely had time to sleep.

It’s an energizing anthem that encourages people who work tirelessly, giving strength to all those who give their best.

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December 31NMB48

NMB48 December 31: NMB Request Hour 2013

December 31NMB48

This is a track from their first album, “Teppen Tottande!”, released in 2013.

It’s a cheer song that encourages your friends and yourself to keep working hard, even when you’re frustrated and feel like giving up.

It’s a wonderful song that makes you want to keep doing your best next year too, so please give it a try and sing it.

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[2026] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: Classic and popular Japanese hits (41–50)

A Whole New WorldRegina Belle & Peabo Bryson

Aladdin A Whole New World – Regina Belle & Peabo Bryson

A Whole New WorldRegina Belle & Peabo Bryson

This is the theme song from Disney’s animated film Aladdin, released in 1992.

It’s a mellow, gentle love song—perfect to sing with someone special on New Year’s Eve.

There’s also a Japanese version, so if the English is difficult, that one is recommended too.

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BRAND NEW TOMORROWTRF

TRF / BRAND NEW TOMORROW

Released as a single in 1995, it reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It’s a track that conveys TRF’s upbeat, distinctive party vibe, making it a perfect party tune for the year-end and New Year season.

The music video also shows the members enjoying a party.

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