Karaoke Songs to Sing in December 2026! J-Pop Picks Perfect for Christmas and Year-End Parties

DEPARTURESglobe

globe / 'DEPARTURES' (Starring: Ayaka Miyoshi)

A quintessential winter song of the ’90s.

With total sales of about 2.28 million copies, it’s globe’s biggest hit.

It was created as the CM song for JR East featuring Yutaka Takenouchi and Makiko Esumi, and the lyrics—written by Tetsuya Komuro as an expression of feelings to a lover—captured the hearts of many.

In 2016, it was made into a music video starring Ayaka Miyoshi, which became a hot topic.

The lyrics, which sing of a woman’s aching heart as she thinks of the loved one who is no longer by her side while the snow falls silently, are truly heartrending.

Why not try singing it while embracing that emotion?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

somedayyuzu

18 Yuzu Itsuka

Yuzu’s classic ballad “Itsuka” is also hugely popular as a winter song and is often sung at karaoke.

The gentle, ballad-like tune expresses love for someone special and the resolve to “protect you no matter what.” Even though it’s set in winter, listening to it makes your heart feel warmly soothed.

When you sing it at karaoke, be sure to perform it as a duo like the two members of Yuzu and recreate their beautiful harmonies! If you can pull off those harmonies, you’re sure to move the crowd.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

I totally hate Christmas!! Just kidding.CRAZY KEN BAND

I totally hate Christmas!! Just kidding ♡ / Crazy Ken Band (2002)

Crazy Ken Band usually exudes a dapper, mature allure, but in this song they reveal an unexpectedly cute side.

That secretly giddy feeling we had as kids during the Christmas season—perhaps it’s still alive in us as adults.

When you want grown-ups and kids alike to share in the joy of Christmas, be sure to sing this one!

A town where it snowsyunikōn

A town where it snows

Although production originally began as a Christmas song, there’s a story that they changed course to make it a year-end song so people would listen to it longer.

The lyrics have that laid-back, relaxed vibe so characteristic of Tamio Okuda, which is really memorable! It’s the perfect track to help you take a breather during the often hectic year-end season, and it’s great for karaoke at year-end parties too.

Plus, Okuda’s unadorned, natural vocals are wonderful, aren’t they? If you want to sing something wintry that feels manly and unpretentious, this song is highly recommended!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Winter TaleSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / Winter Story

A seven-member dance and vocal group that continues to lead the J-POP scene with beautiful harmonies and breathtaking dance performances, Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE deliver their 10th single.

The song has multiple tie-ins, including serving as the ending theme for the information variety show “PON!”.

Centered on piano, its clear, shimmering ensemble evokes snowy landscapes.

The lyrics express love in a straightforward way, warming hearts as the weather turns cold.

It’s a Christmas-perfect ballad you’ll want to sing at karaoke with someone special.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem