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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!

Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing in January: classic crowd‑pleasers and popular hits (1–10)

Mochi GirlGesu no Kiwami Otome.

Gesu no Kiwami Otome “Mochi Girl” (Official Music Video)
Mochi GirlGesu no Kiwami Otome.

With sprightly guitars, tight drums, razor-edged synthesizers, and Enon Kawatani’s soaring high vocals darting every which way, this track appears on the 2013 mini-album “If You Can’t Dance, Then Become Vile.” Using mochi—an iconic New Year’s ingredient—as its motif, it spins out archaic diction and wildly imaginative metaphors.

It’s a quintessential Gesu no Kiwami Otome song that shines with a blend of comedy and sophisticated linguistic flair—perfect for anyone looking to liven up the mood with a distinctive number!

Snow, Moon, and Flowersyangusukinii

Young Skinny – Setsugekka [Official Music Video]
Snow, Moon, and Flowersyangusukinii

A gem of a ballad from Young Skinny where winter memories intersect with new beginnings.

Released in March 2024 as the opening track of their major-label second EP, “Because I’m Clumsy,” it was later re-included on the album “BOY & GIRLS.” Centered on the theme of sensory memory—the unforgettable scent—the song portrays aching lingering feelings.

Built around guitar, the sound strikes a delicate yet raw balance, while the transparent, high-toned vocals carefully weave the emotion.

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video
BetelgeuseYuuri

A straightforward rock ballad that invites you to reflect on the bonds you share with someone important.

Released by Yuuri in November 2021, this song was created as the theme for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “SUPER RICH.” It overlays “me” and “you” onto the stars of Orion twinkling in the night sky, powerfully singing about a relationship where both support each other even when apart.

With a wide vocal range, it’s a song that’s truly satisfying to sing—and if you give it your all, it’s sure to kick off the New Year with a bang!

Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing in January: Classic and popular tracks to hype up the karaoke party (11–20)

I don’t want to get out of my futon.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai 'I Don’t Want to Get Out of the Futon'
I don’t want to get out of my futon.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

At karaoke in January, lots of people sing bittersweet winter songs or refreshing tunes.

But wouldn’t it be fun to deliberately choose something with a quirky style instead? With that in mind, I’d like to introduce Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai’s song “Futon no Naka kara Detakunai” (“I Don’t Want to Get Out of the Futon”).

It portrays the feeling of not wanting to leave your warm bed on a cold winter morning.

The laid-back theme strangely meshes well with the band’s signature shouts.

When you sing it, try putting your feelings into it with a deliberately languid vibe.

Winter WonderlandEXIT

The winter date song “Winter Wonderland” by the comedy duo EXIT was released as a digital single in December 2022.

The lyrics are by jam, and the music is a collaboration between Minoru Komorita and Lian Tian.

It’s a classic love tune featuring scenes like putting your joined hands in a pocket and a romantic moment on a Ferris wheel.

With its unforgettable, easy-to-remember melody, it’s perfect for livening up a New Year’s party karaoke session!

Happy New YearChatto Monchī

A winter song that warmly portrays a couple heading out for their first shrine visit of the New Year.

Included on the 2011 album “YOU MORE,” this track vividly captures the New Year’s atmosphere through concrete scenes like food stalls and bustling crowds.

It expresses a sincere, straightforward wish to stay together with the one you love forever, making it perfect for couples to sing at karaoke.

It’s a song that will leave listeners feeling cozy and uplifted!

JANUARYŌe Senri

A winter song by Senri Oe, woven with delicate words that capture the clear air and fresh feelings of the New Year.

Included on the 1985 album “Chibusa,” this piece layers the quietude and sense of anticipation that January brings over urban scenery and subtle shifts of the heart.

Amid a crisp season, the protagonist’s resolve to take a new step forward melts into the piano-centered sound, gently giving listeners a nudge.

Why not try it at your New Year’s karaoke party?