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.
- A classic that evokes the year’s end. Looking back on the year through music [Just a little left of this year!]
- [2026] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [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! New Year’s Eve Tracks and Winter J‑Pop Roundup (21–30)
Happy Endingback number
This is a song by back number that portrays feelings for a beloved person and the sorrow of parting.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The arrangement is striking: it starts with an acoustic, singer-songwriter-like guitar tone, then adds piano and strings as it builds toward the chorus.
Amid the grand and moving atmosphere, there seems to be a sense of loneliness as well.
As the memories are revisited, the emotions grow stronger, conveying how the impending farewell becomes ever more palpable.
4 SEASONSXG
A work whose gentle acoustic sound resonates in the heart, as if melting into the clear winter air.
Created by the globally active XG, this track was released digitally in December 2025 as a lead single from their first full album, “THE CORE,” set for release in January 2026.
It’s a ballad sung by CHISA, HINATA, and JURIA, with lyrics that layer unspoken emotions onto the shifting of the seasons—both bittersweet and warm.
Their delicate vocals bring a soothing comfort that spreads slowly, like warmth seeping into a chilled body.
by all means; no matter what; at any costback number
back number is a three-piece band whose sound brings warmth to the winter chill.
Released digitally in December 2025, this track was written as the theme song for NHK’s “NHK Winter Sports.” It’s also set to be used in broadcasts of the 2026 Winter Olympics, making it a grand piece that adds color to the emotion of live sports coverage.
More than just a flashy cheer song, the lyrics depict lingering, unshakable feelings and inner conflict, stirring the hearts of listeners.
Its message affirms not only the results but also the journey and even the gritty emotions along the way, gently encouraging anyone who’s in the midst of a challenge.
It’s a powerful yet earnest mid-tempo number that rings out in the clear winter air.
Gerlende Funky LoveFirosofī no Dansu
A winter tune by Philosophy no Dance, produced by the “Queen of Winter,” Kōmi Hirose.
It’s their 11th single, released in December 2025 to mark the group’s 10th anniversary, and every track is themed around winter.
The groovy sound rooted in funk and soul blends perfectly with Hirose’s signature, exhilarating melodies.
The lyrics paint vivid ski-slope scenes while sprinkling in contemporary words like oshi-katsu (supporting your fave) and social mobile games, depicting romance in the Reiwa era with flair.
You can feel the members’ passion in the high-difficulty vocals that modulate up in key mid-song.
Put it on during a winter drive or on the way to a ski trip, and your energy will soar—no question.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a number that makes you want to dance in the cold season.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
A delicate winter song that sings of gazing at falling snow with a loved one and discovering true love.
It’s one of singer and actress Mika Nakashima’s signature tracks, released as her 10th single in 2003 and a major hit.
In 2019, a film based on the song was also released.
Both the sound and her vocals are truly beautiful—like snowflakes that softly melt and vanish.
If couples or spouses listen to it together, they’ll surely be reminded of how precious the person beside them is, so by all means, give it a listen.
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
“Jidai,” one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature songs, was released in 1975 and is a classic that has been covered by countless artists.
It’s a gentle piece filled with hope and encouragement, conveying that even after tough times, you’ll eventually be able to smile again.
When you look back on the year, so much happens.
To end the year facing forward with a smile, this is a highly recommended song for your year-end wrap-up.
Heart color ~ a song for the wonderful year ~Fukuyama Masaharu
This year is already coming to an end, and even though there are still things I haven’t managed to do…
At a time like this, when we’re heading into year’s end, I want to recommend Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Kokoro Color ~a song for the wonderful year~.” It has a feeling of helping you settle in and get yourself set up, and I think it will encourage both those who’ve been running nonstop and those who are about to take on new challenges.
Above all, the slightly mischievous, popping intro and the rhythmic singing will lift your spirits! Times and feelings may change, but this is a pep song that inspires you to believe in your principles and move straight ahead.
And it’s not just for year’s end—definitely give it a listen whenever you want to boost your motivation!
