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[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!

For women (21–30)

rock starAdo

Singer Ado, who rocketed from an internet vocalist to stardom and continues to shine internationally with achievements like a successful world tour, has released this track on her first best-of album, “Ado no Best Album,” commemorating the 5th anniversary of her major-label debut in April 2025.

The song was chosen as the new corporate advertising CM song for Marubeni Corporation.

Blending lyrics that deliver a message of support to those who keep chasing their dreams with an emotional rock sound, it becomes a powerful anthem.

The protagonist, who pushes forward despite loneliness and anxiety, will encourage anyone who continues to take on challenges.

It’s a high-energy number, perfect for moments when you want to feel a sense of unity across the entire venue.

paprikaFoorin

A song that truly symbolizes 2019 and was loved by people of all ages.

Composed by Kenshi Yonezu, it became a hot topic, and there’s something intriguingly addictive about children singing its unique worldview.

Once you hear it, you’ll find yourself humming it at unexpected moments.

How about everyone singing it together at the year-end party while looking back on the past year? It’s sure to make for a wonderful gathering.

39DISCOsunisute

[MV] 39DISCO / Sunisute – SneakerStep Prod. STPR MUSIC
39DISCOsunisute

Released in November 2025, this track epitomizes Sunisute’s momentum.

Centered on themes of “drinking” and “hospitality,” it unfolds a mic relay over a breezy disco beat, carrying an irresistible groove that gets your body moving.

The lyrics welcome listeners as guests, making it a perfect BGM choice to hype up end-of-year and New Year gatherings or any party.

It’s a high-energy hospitality anthem.

HappinessAI

Singer-songwriter AI, whose soulful and powerful vocals have encouraged many people.

This song was selected for Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign in 2011.

Its bright, powerful melody infused with gospel elements brings a festive flair that’s perfect for livening up year-end karaoke parties.

The lyrics, which celebrate the importance of smiles and the small joys in everyday life, are filled with a positive message that makes you want to sing it with friends as you wrap up the year.

Its wide recognition across all ages also makes it an ideal pick for a year-end party.

Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO(Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song)
Zankyo SankaAimer

This is a powerful rock number by Aimer that sings of a strong will to step into the future by overcoming past pain and conflict.

Released digitally ahead of the full release in December 2021 as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc, it became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.

Its grand sound—woven from brass and strings—fuses with her lustrous vocals to vividly portray the resolve and hope of those heading into battle.

It’s also popular as a motivational song, perfect for when you want to pour your burning feelings into a performance.

Try choosing it when you want a track that both excites the crowd and resonates in the heart at year-end parties or after-parties with coworkers!

FriendsREBECCA

REBECCA “Friends” (Shibuya Public Hall, Dec 25, 1985)
FriendsREBECCA

The fourth single by the rock band Rebecca.

The female vocals riding on its hard rock sound captivated countless listeners.

With a trendy vibe to its world-building, it’s a song that many who spent their youth in that era feel deeply attached to.

The chorus is quite powerful—one you’ll want to belt out with all your strength.

NEW KAWAIIFRUITS ZIPPER

【Choreography Video】FRUITS ZIPPER「NEW KAWAII」
NEW KAWAIIFRUITS ZIPPER

The lead track from the album “NEW KAWAII,” released digitally in April 2024.

It carries a message of recognizing the diverse personalities of friends and affirming both their strengths and their awkward sides.

With lyrics and composition by Sho Yamamoto and choreography by Sako Makita, its four-on-the-floor rhythm and uplifting sound make it easy to dance to, and the call-and-response sections are fun as well.

The song won the Excellence Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards and was performed on the TV show “CDTV Live! Live!” Its positive lyrics and catchy choreography are sure to brighten the venue and get the crowd going!