[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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For women (ages 11–20)
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
Morning Musume’s energetic song “LOVE Machine” gives you a sense of a bright future.
The track, which became the group’s first million-seller, was also a huge hit at karaoke, topping the Oricon Karaoke Chart for a then-record 17 consecutive weeks.
If you’re struggling to pick a song for your company’s year-end or New Year party, you can’t go wrong with this one! The distinctive moves in the chorus are easy for anyone to copy, so learn them together and get the crowd going.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
This gentle and beautiful ballad is surely a number that will shine at a party karaoke setting.
Released in 2004, it’s one of Yo Hitoto’s signature hits, with vividly picturesque lyrics and an especially moving chorus.
Sing it with feeling, immersing yourself in the song’s world.
It’s a wonderful choice to close out a karaoke session—perfect for making year-end or New Year parties even more touching, and great for everyone to sing together at the finale.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
When you think of the year-end and New Year party season, you think winter—and when you think winter, you think this song.
That’s right: isn’t Kohmi Hirose’s “Romance no Kamisama” the ultimate karaoke number for year-end and New Year parties? From the very first line, the lyrics are striking and impactful, and the funky rhythm makes it a joy to sing.
It’s a song with down-to-earth lyrics that women can get excited about together, and it just feels great to sing.
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
The irresistibly cheerful and cute number is Ai Otsuka’s “Sakuranbo,” right? It’s a pure love song, with lovers likened to cherries in an adorable way, and it’s no exaggeration to call it one of her signature tracks.
In recent years, the comedy duo Nyanko Star has used it in their routines, so the song has likely caught on with younger generations as well.
It’s an upbeat, happy tune that people of all ages can enjoy singing at karaoke.
If you’re unsure what to pick for a year-end or New Year’s party, be sure to consider this one!
For women (21–30)
threadNakajima Miyuki
Ito (Thread) is one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature songs, released in 1998.
In 2020, a film inspired by the song was released, bringing it back into the spotlight.
Depicting the bonds formed between people, the song is also beloved as a wedding classic.
As a result, it’s popular not only among fans from Nakajima’s generation but also among younger listeners.
Its majestic yet gentle tone makes it a perfect choice for the latter part of a banquet.
Since many people know it, it’s also great for everyone to sing together.
To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon
For New Year’s parties and year-end gatherings, it’s nice to have at least one song by singer-songwriter Aimyon in your repertoire.
Her strength lies in lower-key songs that are easy to sing at karaoke, and it’s good to keep one or two of the current hits on hand.
From bright, pop masterpieces to her early, edgier tracks, Aimyon offers plenty of great choices to sing—she’s a standout source of appealing karaoke songs in the Reiwa era.
The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE
A signature ballad by Dreams Come True that captures lovers’ hopes for the future.
Included on the album “LOVE GOES ON…” released in November 1989, this piece is an expansive piano ballad running over seven minutes, yet it carefully portrays everyday scenes like phone conversations and casual gestures during a drive.
In 1993, it was featured in a Sony Handycam commercial, and the “brake light” moment mentioned in the lyrics became such a hot topic that many couples imitated it.
Beloved as a wedding and reception staple, it’s also sure to wrap a year-end party in warmth if you sing it there.
With its relaxed tempo that makes it easy to sing and the comfort of being widely known across generations, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke.