Songs to Play at the End of 2026! A Roundup of New Year’s Eve and Winter J‑Pop
The year that felt both long and short is already coming to an end.
From around the time Christmas passes, you really start to sense that the year is winding down, don’t you?
And as we reach the year’s end, a variety of music programs and events take place, starting with the Red and White Song Battle on New Year’s Eve.
Every year, I bet a lot of people ring in the New Year while listening to music.
With that in mind, this article rounds up a bunch of songs perfect for the end of the year, including tracks about New Year’s Eve and classic winter tunes.
It’s a playlist you can enjoy on your own to reflect on the past year, or throw on with everyone to hype up the countdown.
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- [Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
- Popular Winter Songs Ranking [2026]
- Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed, New Year-Ready, and Winter Songs
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- [New Year’s Songs] Timeless classics and popular New Year tunes you’ll want to listen to at the start of the year
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
- [For Seniors] Beloved songs to sing in December: heartwarming moments with nostalgic kayōkyoku and children’s songs
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- I want to hear more than just the classics! Hidden gems of winter songs
[2026] Songs to Play at Year’s End! A Roundup of New Year’s Countdown and Winter J‑Pop (61–70)
White LightSuperfly
Superfly’s “White Light,” released digitally in 2015.
Winter songs often pair well with gentle snowfall and tend to be a bit wistful, but this track is brimming with wild energy—Superfly’s Shiho Ochi delivers a powerful vocal that weighs on your heart and feels as if it’s speaking directly to you.
If you’re feeling irritated and pulled in all directions during the busy year-end season, why not recharge with a song like this? There’s also meaning in its focus on “white,” so be sure to pay attention to the lyrics.
Winding RoadYUI
A song by singer-songwriter YUI, who has also been active since 2013 as the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band FLOWER FLOWER.
It’s included on her second album, “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE,” and its nostalgic band sound layered over acoustic tones evokes the feeling of winter.
The lyrics, which bring to mind the hectic year-end season, may resonate with many people because it’s something we all experience every year.
It’s a track that depicts the year’s end as everyone imagines it—perfect for listening to on New Year’s Eve.
Auld Lang Syne ~ Hotaru no HikariHirahara Ayaka
That beautiful singing voice truly touches the heart, doesn’t it? The singer is Ayaka Hirahara, who became known throughout Japan with the smash hit of her debut single “Jupiter.” This track is included on her 2014 Western music cover album “Winter Songbook.” Some might wonder, “Is Auld Lang Syne a Western song?” but in fact, it originally comes from a Scottish folk tune.
It’s said to be sung at celebratory occasions like weddings and New Year’s.
When you listen, you can see why—it’s a profoundly moving song.
SnowdomeKimura Kaera
It’s a love song that brings back the scenery you saw with someone special and their profile, making your chest ache with a sharp pang.
The track is by singer Kaela Kimura, known for hits like “Rirura Riruha” and “Butterfly,” and was released in 2007 as her eighth single.
It was featured in JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercial, which drew a lot of attention.
The composition was handled by the rock band BEAT CRUSADERS.
The melody and sound arrangement leave an impression with a coolness that feels like it captures the winter air as it is.
Tokyo Winter SessionHONEY WORKS
The TV anime Our Love Has Always Been 10 Centimeters Apart is based on the creative unit HoneyWorks.
The song chosen as the ending theme is their “Tokyo Winter Session.” Sung by the characters in the show, it’s a track that evokes the feeling of Christmas and New Year’s.
It’s a dance tune with an impressive pop sound laid over a house-style beat.
Sing it at karaoke and it’s sure to get everyone hyped!
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.
spring cleaningkingu gidora
King Giddra, the three-member hip-hop group that has had a huge impact on Japan’s music scene, thrilled fans with the announcement of their full-scale return to activity in 2022.
“Oosouji” (Big Cleanup), a track from their first album The Power from the Sky, features a flow that keeps stacking rhymes over a stylish beat—sure to get your energy up.
The repeated phrases practically remind you of that year-end urge to do a thorough house cleaning.
It’s a cool hip-hop tune that makes for perfect BGM, helping you stay on task and power through the work.