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 Eve and Winter J‑Pop (31–40)
Goddess of RomanceHirose Kōmi
If TUBE are the kings of summer songs, then Ms.
Kōmi Hirose is the queen of winter tunes.
As the year draws to a close, her divine classic “Romance no Kamisama” starts playing from everywhere—it’s beyond just a staple at this point, it’s the ultimate staple.
Because we hear it every year in commercials and TV show BGM, the song hasn’t faded one bit.
Listening to it will surely bring back memories of a lively Japan, still carrying a hint of the bubble era.
It’s a track I want people without a boyfriend to hear—and of course, those who have one too!
The Land of ‘Good Job’ (Otsukaresama)Saitō Kazuyoshi
It might be the word we hear most in a day: the ever-present “Otsukaresama desu.” This song, which shines a light on that very phrase, is a mellow mid-tempo number that slips naturally into the year-end bustle and the days leading up to the close of the year.
It drew a strong response after airing as the theme for an Alinamin commercial and was released in 2008.
Kazuyoshi Saito’s unpretentious warmth gently resonates in the heart.
Every day, each of us carries hidden feelings and does our best.
A year is long, isn’t it? What kind of year was it for you? There were probably joys as well as hardships.
Listen to this song, which feels like a kind voice reaching out to you, and be kind to yourself.
I’m sure it will soothe the fatigue of the year.
In My TownMr.Children
A song I recommend for a year that slipped by without you noticing, or for a year-end you want to spend quietly, is Mr.Children’s “In My Town.” It’s included on their 2012 album [(an imitation) blood orange].
It overflows with the lonely mood of the dwindling days, stirring up a sentimental feeling.
You might even relate to it more now, in an era moving at an even more incredible speed than when it was released.
Its gentle, rain-like tones can make it feel like the hush of late December.
Sometimes life just doesn’t make sense, but this is a track that makes you feel like you can face the next year with a clean slate.
DEPARTURESglobe
It’s a classic winter song born in the 1990s.
Led by music producer Tetsuya Komuro, it’s one of the signature tracks by the music unit globe, released in 1996 as their fourth single.
Sparked by its use in a TV commercial, it became a massive hit and has been covered by many famous artists.
The lyrics, which overlay falling snow with feelings for someone dear, are deeply moving.
The cool sound arrangement fits perfectly, too.
Who comes to mind as that kind of special person for you?
National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda
When it comes to songs beloved by fans of alcohol, this signature track by Barracuda tops the list.
Using events from all over Japan and local specialties as themes, it humorously sings about the many reasons to drink.
Released in December 1979, the piece is said to trace its roots to “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” the song from Disney’s Cinderella.
Its uniquely charming origin story involves a parody version that had spread among international students.
This is the season with plenty of chances to drink—year-end and New Year holidays, New Year parties, and year-end gatherings.
It’s a perfect song for getting the crowd going with friends or for learning about Japan’s drinking culture in a fun way.
[2026] Songs to Hear at Year’s End! New Year’s Eve/Year-End Songs and Winter J‑Pop Roundup (41–50)
HOMEShimizu Shota
I know some of you may not be planning to go back to your family home for the New Year’s holidays, but listening to this might make you want to.
It’s a signature song by Shota Shimizu, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture, released in 2008 as his debut single.
It captures the feeling of leaving your hometown to chase your dreams, only to suddenly recall where you came from once you’ve arrived somewhere new.
The lyrics trace that bittersweet emotion, tightening your chest.
It doesn’t have to be about your parents’ home—listen while thinking of whatever “home” means to you.
Even when next year comesMy Hair is Bad
A song by My Hair is Bad that resonates at year’s end.
It delicately portrays the shifting emotions caught between hope and reality as the year draws to a close.
Included on the acclaimed 2016 album “woman’s,” it features the band’s emotive lyrics and distinctive sound.
The image of someone constantly longing for a happy ending yet struggling with reality is striking.
Even so, the forward-looking resolve to “try just a little harder” will encourage anyone hoping to firm up new resolutions at the end of the year.
This work is recommended for those who want to reflect on the past twelve months while finding hope for the next.
My Hair is Bad’s candid emotional expression will surely stay close to your heart.