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 (51–60)

You May DreamSHEENA&THE ROKKETS

Sheena & Rocket: You May Dream

You May DreamSHEENA&THE ROKKETS

This is a single released in 1979, back when they were still called Sheena & The Rookies.

It’s one of Sheena & The Rokkets’ signature songs, memorable for its soaring high notes in the chorus and wild guitar work.

It’s a rock tune I’d love for anyone with a dream they want to fulfill to sing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve.

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Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven

The Ninth for Ten Thousand People: Ode to Joy 2009 (Osaka-jō Hall) 1/3

Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven

Speaking of year-end, it’s all about the Ninth.

In fact, this tune only appears at the very end of the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No.

9.

The piece is 74 minutes long.

It’s said that the CD’s standard playing time was set at 74 minutes because of this.

If you’re attending your first Ninth performance at the end of the year, be prepared: it takes about an hour before the Ode to Joy comes in.

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dreamTHE BLUE HEARTS

THE BLUE HEARTS - Dream -

dreamTHE BLUE HEARTS

It’s a single released in 1992.

Besides being used as the theme song for a TV drama in 2002, as of 2017 it’s still being featured in commercials—an evergreen classic that hasn’t lost any of its shine even 25 years after its release.

How about ringing in the New Year with this punk number you can belt out together with your friends?

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Violence – BOURIKI –Makishimamu Za Horumon

[Maximum the Hormone] Violence -BOURIKI- [Tried playing guitar/cover]

Violence - BOURIKI -Makishimamu Za Horumon

When you look back on the past year, it’s not all good memories, right? This is recommended for those who’ve faced tough times or intolerable unfairness.

Singing this song might blow away those memories and leave you feeling refreshed.

Let’s let it all out and get rid of the bad memories before the year ends!

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[2026] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: Classic and popular Japanese hits (61–70)

We are the worldUSA For Africa

U.S.A. For Africa – We Are the World

We are the worldUSA For Africa

It’s a charity song to relieve hunger in Africa that brought together Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and many other stars—and it’s such a masterpiece it gives you goosebumps.

The song overflows with kindness, reminding us that we who are alive now are the ones who create the future, and that we should stand together in solidarity.

It’s highly recommended for group singing.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced lots of songs that are perfect for singing at New Year’s karaoke! Each one was a wonderful track that makes you look forward to the coming year. Be sure to find your own ultimate song and ring in the new year feeling great!