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 Hear at Year’s End! A Roundup of New Year’s Eve and Winter J‑Pop (51–60)
BlizzardMiura Daichi
Since it was the theme song for the film Dragon Ball Super: Broly, it’s a tune that students and little kids alike are familiar with.
Words in the lyrics that evoke the Dragon Ball story give it a subtle, teasing vibe that makes your heart race, and yet Daichi Miura’s unique world is perfectly preserved—honestly, this might just be a god-tier track.
With lyrics along the lines of “Blow away this closed-off world, Blizzard!” it’s a song you want to hear not only in the city but out on a wide-open ski slope, too! It’s a catchy, danceable number you’ll no doubt be hearing again at the end of this year.
SubaruTanimura Shinji
A signature work by Shinji Tanimura that explores the meaning of life from a cosmic perspective.
Its majestic melody and profound lyrics are perfect for reflecting on life at year’s end.
Released in 1980, the song has been beloved not only in Japan but across Asia, and it was performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
With its grand atmosphere and powerful presence, it’s ideal for quietly listening alone as you look back on the year.
It can also be wonderful to sing together and share hopes for the New Year.
If you listen to it while gazing up at the starry sky during the New Year holidays, you’re sure to feel an even deeper sense of awe.
My Dear FeetSazan Ōrusutāzu
The snappy rhythm feels great to listen to.
It’s a song by Southern All Stars, a rock band that has been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene for many years.
It’s included on their debut album, “Atsui Mune Sawagi,” released in 1978.
The lyrics depict the slightly lonely everyday life of the protagonist from New Year’s Eve into the New Year.
Some listeners might find themselves relating to it.
It’s a humor-filled track that makes you want to sing along and have fun rather than sit and listen intently.
Sound of SnowGReeeeN
This is a song used as the theme for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercials.
Created by GReeeeN, the hit-making music group behind tracks like “Kiseki” and “Hoshikage no Yell,” it was released in 2012 as their 18th single.
It’s a heart-fluttering love song that sings about the happiness of spending cold winter days with someone you love.
Holding hands and warming each other… you can picture a scene so sweet it makes you blush.
If you have a partner, be sure to listen together and ring in the New Year.
[2026] Songs to Play at Year’s End! A Roundup of New Year’s Countdown and Winter J‑Pop (61–70)
NEW YEAR’S DAYtha BOSS feat. Hannya
This is a solo track by tha BOSS of THA BLUE HERB—a collaboration featuring Hannya as a guest.
It looks back on the events of that year one by one, offering words of encouragement for making it to the year’s end after getting through it all.
It carefully depicts changes in one’s circumstances over the year and the accompanying shifts in emotion, while also touching on the precious things that remain unchanged.
Precisely because the year held its share of hardships, the song expresses how the memories and bonds built with friends feel all the more valuable.
New Year’s Eve (Ōtsugomori)sadamasashi
It’s a song about looking back on a year full of ups and downs and resetting your mindset for the New Year.
It’s a track by singer-songwriter Masashi Sada, who has produced numerous classics like “Kampaku Sengen” and “Shōryō Nagashi,” included on his 32nd album, “Utsukushiki Nihon no Omokage,” released in 2006.
The gentle melody pairs beautifully with Sada’s soft vocals, offering a sense of comfort.
Even if the year brought hardships, the song carries the hope that you’ll refresh your heart and welcome the coming year anew.
January(yoru to) SAMPO
Although all members juggle full-time jobs with their music activities, (Yoru to) SAMPO is a five-piece rock band gaining attention, including winning the Grand Prix at the eo Music Try 20/21 contest.
Their track “January,” released on July 12, 2020, stands out with its simple rock ensemble and light, breezy melody.
The lyrics depict tidying up unnecessary things as the year turns, a theme that many hoping for a fresh start in the new year will likely relate to.
It’s a nostalgic pop tune that can make you feel positive as the year begins.
