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 listen to at year’s end! A roundup of New Year’s Eve songs and winter J-pop (71–80)
Winter WhistleSukima Suichi
As the title includes “winter,” this song is also famous as a classic winter tune.
“Fuyu no Kuchibue” (Winter Whistle) is Sukima Switch’s fourth single, released in 2004.
It’s the kind of number you can’t help but hum along to, where the duo’s refreshing vibe pairs perfectly with the crisp, snowy winter scenery.
This love song gently warms the heart with its portrayal of a couple’s romance felt even amid the winter chill.
It’s a captivating track that seems to metaphorically contrast the cold of winter with the warmth of the heart.
Winter TaleSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
When it comes to love ballads in winter, they feel especially romantic and amplify that sense of bittersweet longing, don’t they? “Fuyumonogatari (Winter Story)” by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE is their 10th single, released in 2013—a love song told from a man’s perspective as he thinks about the person he loves.
Rather than simply “suited to snow,” the melody evokes glittering, piercing, cold, almost aching snowflake imagery.
It’s a love ballad, but a very positive one, with lyrics that many women would love to have directed at them.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to in the crisp winter air.
possibilityOfisharu Higedan Dism
Amid the year-end rush and mounting fatigue, this song gives you the courage to discover new possibilities.
Featured on the album “Escaparade” and produced by DJ Masayoshi Iimori, it showcases Official HIGE DANDism’s signature poppy, catchy melodies.
Released in April 2018, the track celebrates the importance of facing yourself and continuing to take on challenges.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to reflect on themselves during the hectic New Year season.
As a perfect song for turning over a new leaf as you welcome the new year, why not add it to your playlist?
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.
AsterAkito Asu
This work is presented by the virtual singer, Akiro.
Set against the backdrop of the cosmos and the stars, it delicately portrays loneliness and hope.
The crystalline vocals and beautiful melodies blend together to deeply resonate with listeners.
It was released early on December 29, 2024, and is included on the second album, “ray of hope.” Written and composed by Akita Horie, the song symbolizes the album’s theme of “light.” The lyrics, where transience and eternity, warmth and solitude intersect, remind us of the preciousness of every moment in life and our connections with others.
It’s a moving track you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
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.
Win TimeCHAI
A mysterious winter song, “Wintime,” that’s undeniably Japanese yet somehow sounds like Western pop.
It was released in 2018 as a double A-side single with “GREAT JOB.” Its fleeting yet glamorous sound is perfect for the sparkling mood of winter—very good! It instantly brightens things up.
It has a slightly romantic, playful vibe that makes you want to enjoy a reward for getting through the year or indulge in a little luxury, and I think it can add color to all kinds of moments.
Overflowing with a celebratory mood, it might also be great as background music for family gatherings with relatives or at parties!
