[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!
- Funny songs that will be a hit at year-end parties [2026]
- Ranking of popular songs for year-end and New Year parties
- [2026] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Latest and All-Time Favorite J-Pop Hits
- Funny crowd-pleaser songs for year-end and New Year parties [2026]
- [2026] The latest Japanese pop songs that liven up parties and performances: surefire crowd favorites
- [2026] Funny Songs to Liven Up a Party
- [2026] Songs You Can Add Call-and-Response Chants to at Karaoke: A Collection of Crowd-Pleasers
- [2026] Crowd-Pleasing Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics
- [2026] Japanese karaoke songs that get men in their 50s pumped up
- [40s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2026]
- [Easy] A Collection of Party Dances to Liven Up Year-End and New Year Parties
- [For Skits and Parties] A Collection of Funny Songs That Kill at the Office [2026]
- [Recommended for women in their 30s] Japanese hit songs that hype up karaoke
For women (31–40)
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.
School HeavenFingā 5
This song depicts the bittersweet memories of student days.
Released in March 1974 as one of Finger Five’s signature hits, it sets to a lively melody the competition among students for the seat next to the prettiest girl in class.
The lyrics are instantly relatable, as if speaking for everyone’s feelings.
With its fun vibe, it’s sure to liven up karaoke at year-end and New Year parties! The call-and-response parts make it easy for first-time listeners to sing along, so everyone can enjoy it together.
It’s a great pick when you want to get the crowd going while reminiscing about your school days.
Don’t give upZARD
When you think of ZARD, it’s this song.
There are many people who always listen to this song to cheer themselves up when they’re feeling down.
The lyrics are very straightforward, and it’s a song that motivates you.
If you hear it at karaoke after a long time, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to listen to it again when you get home.
Pure AsiaPUFFY
Even if you weren’t born in the era when this song was popular, it’s a classic you somehow know from TV and such.
Since many people only know the chorus, it’s great to have everyone sing just the chorus to get the crowd going.
The chorus choreography is simple, so if those who know it take the lead, everyone can dance and have fun together.
APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
A high-fashion pop-punk tune marking the first-ever collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars.
Released in October 2024, the track drew attention as the lead single from Rosé’s debut album, “rosie.” Its breezy, nostalgic sound perfectly blends Rosé’s crystalline vocals with Bruno Mars’s powerful singing.
The playful lyrics—inspired by Korean drinking games—add to its charm.
Just like in the music video where the two sing while playing instruments, the vibe is full of fun.
It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for end-of-year parties and New Year’s gatherings—an upbeat track anyone can enjoy.
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
This track, with its intriguingly suspicious intro, is a remarkably memorable number brimming with exotic flair, released in 1979.
That might sound like a familiar tale, but this is a superb classic that masterfully distilled a worldwide flavor into J-pop and turned it into a hit.
The more you listen, the deeper it gets—a timeless song you’ll want to introduce at karaoke to younger generations who might not know it.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
Although it’s an idol song, this track conveys something that feels like a cherished part of the Japanese spirit.
Seiko Matsuda’s clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart, making it a timeless masterpiece.
It’s often sung at karaoke, and it’s easy to see why everyone falls in love with its bittersweet melody.
It’s a ballad you should sing with all your heart, immersing yourself fully in the song.
Captivate everyone just like Seiko-chan does.