Songs to Play at the End of 2026! A Roundup of New Year’s Eve and Winter J‑Pop

DecemberSkoop On Somebody

Skoop On Somebody 『December』

A funky winter tune that turns the year-end hustle and bustle into a celebration.

It’s a track by Skoop On Somebody, an R&B/soul group from Osaka formed in 1995, released as their 24th single in December 2004.

Chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s variety show “Rank Oukoku,” its 16-beat rhythm guitar and unison brass make the winter city dance with lightness.

The lyrics by Utamaru of RHYMESTER cleverly depict year-end realities like client entertainment and traffic jams, humorously capturing the hectic feel of December.

It’s the perfect party number for anyone wanting to ring in the New Year with friends and family.

I’m here (feat. STUTS)butaji

butaji – I’m here feat. STUTS “RIGHT TIME / RIGHT PLACE at Shibuya WWW”

This is a song that paints an introspective scene—walking through the city at year’s end and reexamining the distance between people.

A collaboration between butaji and STUTS, it was included on the October 2021 album “RIGHT TIME.” While acknowledging one’s own immaturity and weakness, it quietly asserts, “I’m here,” in a way that’s deeply moving.

STUTS’s minimalist beat and butaji’s breathing-close vocals highlight the atmosphere of the city at night.

Listening to it alone as the New Year approaches might help you gently accept everything that happened this year.

Even if there weren’t any big changes, it’s the perfect number for a winter night when you want to look back on the path you’ve walked in your own way.

Hard Days,Holy NightPorunogurafiti

Hard Days, Holy Night

A bittersweet rock tune that captures the frustration of not being able to spend time with your lover during the hectic year-end season.

It’s included on Porno Graffitti’s 13th single, “Ai ga Yobu Hou e,” released in 2003, and marks the band’s first Christmas song.

The piece delicately portrays the feelings of working adults facing Christmas amid the bustle of December, and it’s easy to empathize with the narrator wavering between longing for the girlfriend who’s waiting and a sense of responsibility toward work.

The English lyrics, imbued with prayers for the holy night, leave a strong impression, and the transparent melody blends exquisitely with the band’s sound.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you don’t want to forget your feelings for someone important, even as you’re swept up in the year-end rush.

End-of-year hydrangea double suicideIchikawa Yukino

End-of-year hydrangea double suicide

This is a song by enka singer Yukino Ichikawa, who vividly conveys the inner emotions of women with her expansive vocals.

Included on her October 2018 album “Uta Onna III: Showa Kayō Collection & Akuyu Songbook,” the piece is a newly composed number based on previously unreleased lyrics by Yū Aku.

Set at the year’s end, it portrays a woman’s resolve as she stays by the side of a man who has lost hope, determined to remain with him until the New Year’s Eve bells toll.

Kohei Kō’s melody and Megumi Wakakusa’s orchestral arrangement heighten the poignancy, while Ichikawa’s voice adds dimensional storytelling.

In July 2019, it was reissued as the coupling track commemorating her first starring performance at the Shin-Kabukiza Theatre.

It’s a touching kayō drama where the stillness of year-end meets the passion of decisive resolve.

Two Red-spotted Butterflieskinmokusei

[LIVE Rec] Futari no Akaboshi / Kinmokusei

Released in 2002, this was Kinmokusei’s biggest hit single, and it also marked their first appearance on that year’s New Year’s Eve Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Some listeners may be reminded of that year’s end precisely because it was performed on the show.

The city pop–style, gentle melody and the lyrics’ careful depiction of scenery are truly moving.

The song looks back on days gone by, while its dawn imagery evokes hopes for days to come—making it a perfect track for the day we head into a new year.

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kappamaki

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I feel like I’m about to cry feat. AimyonRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – I Feel Like I’m About to Cry feat. Aimyon [Official Music Video]

Up until now, they were mostly popular among rock fans, but after taking on the main theme songs for the film “Your Name,” their popularity spread to living rooms across the country.

Now they’ve collaborated with the hugely popular singer-songwriter Aimyon.

It’s a wonderful track where the charms of the two vocalists vie with each other, so be sure to try it as a duet at karaoke!

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Hane Keisuke

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Irohakocchi no kento

Iroha / Kocchi no Kento MV

Released in December 2023, the new song by Kocchi no Kento—who boasts back-to-back wins at the national A Cappella Spirits competition—is a warm, message-driven track about the importance of returning to your roots.

Set to a mellow dance groove, its lyrics resonate as they express self-doubt and frustration with the world while yearning to revisit a more beautiful time in the past.

This work showcases Kento’s creative talent to the fullest, with him personally handling the filming and editing of the music video.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking to refocus on what truly matters amid the year-end rush.

As the New Year approaches, this song will help you remember your beginnings and give you the courage to step into tomorrow with a renewed spirit.