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 Hear at Year’s End! New Year’s Eve Anthems and Winter J‑Pop Roundup (81–90)
Lovers AgainEXILE
Known for massive hits like “Rising Sun” and “Choo Choo TRAIN,” EXILE is a dance and vocal group whose commanding performances have earned unwavering popularity, especially among younger generations.
This is their 22nd single.
It has been featured in multiple commercials and is widely known as a karaoke staple, so many people have likely heard it at least once.
The lyrics, which evoke regret toward a former lover and the imagery of winter, pierce the heart alongside the group’s rich, resonant vocals.
A quintessential winter song, it brings back bittersweet memories as New Year’s Eve—the year’s end—draws near.
Winter, againGLAY
When it comes to GLAY’s winter songs, it has to be this one, right? “Winter, again” is GLAY’s 16th single, released in 1999.
From the very intro, you can feel the harsh chill of winter.
It’s a slightly sad and heartrending love song, and that feeling seems to heighten the sense of cold even more.
I’m sure many people feel like they just have to listen to this song in winter.
Amid the year-end rush, it might be nice to listen to it, think of someone you’ll never meet again, and sink into a sentimental mood.
New WorldL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This exhilarating track with its intense rock sound is “New World” by the charismatic rock band L’Arc-en-Ciel.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who got sleepy while waiting for the New Year’s countdown.
Its refreshing energy will wake you right up! Make this your final song of the year and rock your way into a brand-new one.
spring cleaningkingu gidora
A powerful message song by King Giddra that declares a “cleanup” of the rap scene, likened to the big year-end housecleaning.
Featured on their debut album The Power from the Sky, released in December 1995, the track critiques the Japanese rap scene while showcasing their own skills.
ZEEBRA’s punchy flow and K DUB SHINE’s sharp lyrics intertwine with a hard-hitting beat to overwhelm the listener.
Recommended for those who want to reflect on themselves at the year’s end and for anyone looking to solidify their resolve for the new year.
Listening to this track will surely give you the courage to do a ‘deep clean’ of your heart.
pocketOtsuka Ai
If you’re spending the chilly season with someone you love, this song is sure to keep you company.
It’s a track by Ai Otsuka, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture, released in 2007 as her 16th single.
A tender, slow-tempo love number, it truly shines with Otsuka’s cute, sugary vocals.
The beautiful sound makes it all the more captivating.
And the scene where she slips her hand into her partner’s pocket is heart-melting.
How about listening to this as a couple or spouses and reaffirming your feelings for each other?
Happy New YearMatsutōya Yumi
A winter love story shimmering with the anticipation of the New Year.
Yumi Matsutoya’s gentle vocals tenderly portray the rush through frostbitten street trees to a lover’s room.
Released in November 1981, the song was also featured as an insert track in the 1987 film “Take Me Out to Snowland.” Included on the album “Sakuban Oai Shimashou” (“Shall We Meet Last Night”), it’s a warm ballad whose piano tones seep into the heart.
With lyrics that capture a new kiss shared with the tolling of the New Year’s bells and the wish for a lover’s happiness, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to with someone special on New Year’s Eve.
[2026] Songs to Hear at Year’s End! A Roundup of New Year’s Eve and Winter J-POP (91–100)
Mr.SnowmanE-girls
This is “Mr.
Snowman,” the 12th single released in 2014 by the dance-vocal group E-Girls.
It’s a sparkling love song! I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to ring in the New Year with someone special.
If there’s someone you’re interested in but never managed to make a move, this song will give you the courage you need.
Share your feelings before the year ends!