[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 (31–40)
New Year’s DayELLEGARDEN
Included as the B-side to ELLEGARDEN’s signature song “Jitterbug” on the single is “New Year’s Day.” It’s a track imbued with the message that “life ends in the blink of an eye,” depicting memories of a certain New Year’s Eve.
With ELLEGARDEN’s trademark powerful punk sound, it’s definitely a number you can rock out to.
The band has fans across a wide range of ages, making it a perfect choice for karaoke!
Tonight is a Hearty PartyJuice=Juice
This work, a cover of Mariya Takeuchi’s classic song, is brimming with fun and warmth.
It portrays how people forget their everyday worries and gain energy for tomorrow through parties with friends.
It’s included on a single set for release in February 2025 and has also been chosen as a TV program theme.
When it was first performed at the Nippon Budokan in November 2024, the Christmas party–themed production reportedly brought the house down.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to enjoy time with friends or when you need a boost of energy.
five mon coinsMOROHA
MOROHA is a duo known for their unique sound, where message-driven rap intertwines with acoustic guitar.
“Gomonzen” was included as the closing track on their 2019 album MOROHA IV.
The lyrics, which reflect on oneself while watching NHK’s year-end Kouhaku Uta Gassen, pierce the heart as if asking, “Is this really okay?” If you want to perform something outside the usual repertoire, definitely give “Gomonzen” a try!
BYE! THIS YEAR!! HI! NEW YEAR!!Eijia Enjinia
A four-member hip-hop group named “Asia Engineer,” whose name reflects two ambitions: “We want to break into Asia!” and “We want to remain craftsmen who create fun!” Their song “BYE! THIS YEAR!! HI! NEW YEAR!!,” included on their 4th album FANTASTIC 4, features Christmas-evoking sounds that create an end-of-year vibe.
The lyrics, which look back on the past year while building excitement for the new one, might help you ring in the New Year with a positive mindset just by listening.
With its breezy, comfortable beat, it’s also a great pick for karaoke.
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
A gem of a ballad, richly expressing the bittersweet feelings of winter love, has been delivered by Keisuke Kuwata.
It’s a moving piece that looks back on warm memories of love, as if wrapped in snow, with a sense of blessing.
Rather than lamenting a past romance as a mere failure, it impressively celebrates the moments of that love from the heart.
Accompanied by a beautiful, resonant melody, it conveys a gentle warmth within the chill of winter.
Released in October 2001, the song was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and sold 520,000 copies on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a perfect choice for winter karaoke with family and close friends when you want to share heartwarming memories.