[2026] Classic Karaoke Songs That Liven Up Year-End and New Year Parties
Many of you probably go to karaoke for year-end or New Year parties, right? At company gatherings, there are times when you might struggle with song choices because you’re mindful of your boss or senior colleagues.
You can’t help but be cautious when you think, “What if I kill the mood…?” But if you pick songs that are widely known across ages and genders, or ones that everyone can join in on with choreography or call-and-response, you’ll be fine! Above all, it’s important to choose songs that everyone can enjoy together.
In this article, we’ll introduce foolproof karaoke songs for year-end and New Year parties—ranging from popular tracks that hit those key points, to the latest hits that drew attention this year, all carefully selected by our editorial team.
Be sure to use it as a reference!
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- [2026] Songs with Call-and-Response for Karaoke | Crowd-Pleasers to Get Everyone Hyped
- [2026] Crowd-Pleasing Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics
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- [Recommended for women in their 30s] Japanese hit songs that hype up karaoke
For men (41–50)
kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon
Released in February 2025 as their first new song in about three years, this track was selected as the opening theme for the NHK General TV anime Chi: On the Movements of the Earth, drawing attention as Sakanaction’s first anime theme song.
The lyrics depict a passion for pursuing truth and the accompanying inner conflicts, powerfully expressing a spirit of inquiry toward an unfinished world.
Its distinctive sound fuses electronica and rock, and the dynamic rhythm and melody have the energy to unify an entire venue.
It’s recommended when you want to deliver an intelligent yet energetic performance at year-end or New Year parties.
As the song was produced over a two-year conceptual period, be sure to practice thoroughly to convey its worldview.
There’s always tomorrowUrufuruzu
When it comes to feel-good songs, this is the one.
It features a catchy melody that’s easy to pick up and gets everyone at year-end and New Year parties united and excited.
Released in 2001 by Ulfuls, this song even earned them a spot on that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
It conveys the importance of staying positive despite the challenges we face in everyday life.
It’s perfect for moments like year-end or New Year gatherings when everyone wants to look ahead with hope.
Its message of hope will resonate and help you have a wonderful time.
GONGWANIMA
If you’re looking for a band that gets everyone pumped up with some macho energy, WANIMA’s “GONG” is the one! It’s an intensely fast-paced track, and true to WANIMA’s style, it bursts with energy—you’ll feel fired up whether you’re singing or listening.
Try belting it out with your close friends at year-end or New Year parties.
With its powerful sound and vocals, it’s the perfect number to kick off a great year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number
Many of you may know this song because it was the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” Speaking of back number, they have many popular love songs, and among their tracks, this one portrays an unrequited love from a male perspective.
It tells a poignant story of a man waiting for a birthday message from the woman he likes, only for it not to come, realizing his feelings won’t be returned.
How about passionately singing this beloved ballad that’s popular with people of all genders?
AM11:00HY
A classic by HY, the Okinawa-born mixture band, known for its heartfelt lyrics and refreshing melody.
It’s a gem of a love song about the precious time spent with a partner.
The wish to preserve moments with a loved one forever is gently sung over a rhythmic tune.
Included on the album Street Story, released in April 2003, it became one of HY’s most popular songs.
It’s perfect for those who want to appreciate the value of time with someone special, or to create a calm atmosphere at year-end or New Year gatherings.
It will surely wrap you in a vibe filled with youth and warmth.
YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA
Released in 1993 as his 31st single and reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart at the time, “YAH YAH YAH” is one of his signature songs.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Look Back, He’s There,” which aired the same year, so those of that generation will surely feel a wave of nostalgia.
This song is hugely popular not only as a karaoke staple but also as a high school baseball cheer song.
It’s a track that even younger listeners will recognize the moment the chorus kicks in.
When the chorus comes, sing it together and have a blast!
silhouetteKANA-BOON
It’s a youthful rock number that gets the whole venue fired up together! Released in 2014 as KANA-BOON’s major-label 5th single, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Naruto Shippuden.
The driving guitar riffs and powerful band sound stir the heart, radiating an energy that makes you want to throw your fist in the air with everyone.
The lyrics carry a message about growing up while protecting what’s important, making it perfect for year-end and New Year gatherings with friends.
Reminiscing about old times and singing along together will definitely unite the room.
Whether it’s karaoke or a stage performance, sing it out with spirit and get everyone hyped!