[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] The latest Japanese pop songs that liven up parties and performances: surefire crowd favorites
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- [2026] Songs You Can Add Call-and-Response Chants to at Karaoke: A Collection of Crowd-Pleasers
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- [Recommended for women in their 30s] Japanese hit songs that hype up karaoke
For women (1–10)
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
YOASOBI is a band that has gained popularity with the slightly unusual approach of composing songs based on novels.
‘Yoru ni Kakeru’ is YOASOBI’s debut and signature song, created from Mayo Hoshino’s novel ‘An Invitation from Thanatos.’ While the original is sung by a woman, you’d be surprised how many male singers cover it as well.
It’s a high-difficulty song, but whether a woman sings it perfectly or a man pushes into falsetto, it always gets the crowd going—highly recommended!
For women (ages 11–20)
Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE
A bright number by DREAMS COME TRUE that portrays the frustrations of a long-distance relationship.
Released in March 2007 as their 38th single, it was also included on the album AND I LOVE YOU released that December.
The lyrics sprinkled with Osaka dialect really leave an impression.
The bond between the two, tied together deeply across the distance between Tokyo and Osaka, truly resonates.
Among DCT’s songs, this one is especially popular with younger listeners, so it’s an easy pick for year-end or New Year parties.
Its fun vibe makes it a hit not only for those with relationship experience but for everyone.
Heavy rotationAKB48
An AKB48 number that sings of a burning feeling—keeping a crush spinning on heavy rotation.
Set to a catchy melody, it portrays the heart of a girl in love in a poppy, upbeat way.
Released in August 2010, the song made waves as part of a project tied to the general election that determined the single’s lineup.
The music video, directed by photographer Mika Ninagawa, highlights the members’ sexiness with striking visuals.
It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for end-of-year and New Year karaoke parties.
The choreography is easy to learn, and dancing together builds a great sense of unity.
Recommended as a party staple that people of all ages can enjoy!
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
One of Aiko’s signature songs, “Kabutomushi,” is the kind of song that makes you feel a pang of sadness when you sing it.
It’s also a karaoke staple—and deservedly so, because it’s a truly outstanding piece.
It’s easy to sing, easy to listen to, and despite its pop feel, its beautiful lyrics and arrangement tighten your chest.
Please sing it for someone special—or for yourself.
Shut up.Ado
A digital-only major debut single by Ado, a female singer who got her start as a utaite and is increasingly recognized by everyone as the songstress of a new generation, with each new release sparking conversation.
Composed by Vocaloid producer syudou, the track’s intense lyrics—expressed with a razor-sharp edge—along with Ado’s powerful vocals that match its aggressive sound, became a social phenomenon.
Since it’s a famous song, it’s sure to hype up the crowd, and it might be perfect for blowing off steam at year-end or New Year parties.
However, because the lyrics deliver a scathing message toward society and the workplace, be sure to consider whether your boss or seniors at karaoke are the type who won’t mind before you decide to sing it.
The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell
Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari, a signature song by the creator collective supercell, was released on August 12, 2009.
It was used as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari and gained explosive popularity among anime fans.
Today, it’s a classic loved by many beyond the boundaries of anime songs.
It frequently ranks as a karaoke staple and is a perfect pick for year-end or New Year parties.
If you want to sing an anime song but are unsure what to choose, this one is especially recommended!
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which aired in 2019 and became a social phenomenon.
This is Gurenge, the opening theme song that became a massive hit.
It’s sung by LiSA, a popular singer known for many anime songs, and she also wrote the lyrics for the movie’s theme song that was released after the main series ended, which drew huge attention.
This track has permeated all generations—not only among anime fans, but also thanks to her performance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and frequent features on various TV programs.
It’s a song that gets many people pumped up, so be sure to pick it for karaoke at parties!