Karaoke songs to sing in January: classic and popular tracks to hype up the party
When you’re unsure where to go during the New Year holidays—after a New Year’s party with family and relatives, or with friends and coworkers—you might end up going to karaoke, right? Here are some perfect songs for the season: New Year-themed tracks and winter songs we’d love for you to sing at those gatherings! From bittersweet winter ballads to songs themed around “beginnings,” we’ve picked a wide range of popular tunes spanning the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.
Even if you don’t usually go to karaoke but have plans to tag along for social reasons, feel free to use this as a reference!
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Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing in January: Classic and popular tracks to hype up the party (71–80)
Go! That way!wanuka
WanuKa’s “Susume! Sotchi da!” with its positive lyrics and catchy, beautiful pop melody really sticks in your head, and many will recognize it as the song from the au Santaro commercial series.
Its irresistibly upbeat and energetic lyrics are inspiring, filling listeners with courage and hope.
With a buoyant rhythm, it delivers a vibrant message perfect for celebrating the New Year.
It’s an ideal song for a fresh start and one that’s loved across generations—so sing it brightly with a smile!
My Favorite SongsUemura Kana
This is singer-songwriter Kana Uemura’s 11th single.
The track was produced by Seiji Kameda.
As she herself has said, the song expresses her gratitude to her fans and her resolve for the future.
The lyrics are striking for how closely they depict how she has engaged with singing up to now and what she was thinking at those times.
It’s a song that makes you want to sing with emphasis about the January event in the song, which marks a turning point for her.
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
A classic winter song by Noriyuki Makihara that has been covered by many artists.
Although January feels like the middle of winter, I think this song is relatable at any point in the season.
The lyrics are particularly striking for the charming way they portray the protagonist—eagerly looking forward to spending winter with someone special, making winter plans together, and actually enjoying the season with a sense of joy.
Endless sorrowHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki’s “Endless sorrow” is a song that makes you feel like you can keep going together with someone you cherish, even if they face hardships this year.
Released in 2001, the song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Mukashi no Otoko.” Its lyrics express the resolve to overcome difficulties together as long as there’s even a glimmer of light, no matter how despairing things may feel.
Sing it with the hope that this year, too, friends, lovers, or family will support one another and keep living side by side!
HOMEShimizu Shota
One of the artists who represent Japan’s R&B scene, Shota Shimizu, made his debut with the single “HOME.” Released in February 2008, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
In 2015, a stage production based on this song was created.
The lyrics express a poignant feeling: even if you feel nostalgic for your hometown, you can no longer return to that place and time.
In the music video, the rain falling on Shimizu looks like a sorrowful, cold winter rain.
Before winter endsShimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu’s single “Before Winter Ends” was released in December 2011.
It’s a ballad about lovers who are far apart and can’t easily meet, a warm, heartfelt love song that’s very characteristic of Shimizu.
It was also included on the 2012 album “Naturally.” The music video, featuring Shota Sometani and Nako Mizusawa, has a Christmas vibe with illuminations shining on a snowy night, but since it’s winter-themed, I think it would definitely fit to sing it in January as well!
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri
It’s a classic winter song that even people who don’t usually listen to enka know.
Its popularity is clear from the fact that not only enka singers but artists from many genres have covered it.
The powerful intro, evocative of the cold, rough waves of winter, is also very striking.
Not only the title but also the lyrics feature numerous place names, so anyone familiar with them can trace the journey the song’s protagonist takes.
It’s a piece you’ll want to sing with deep emotion, accompanying the protagonist’s sorrow.