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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!

Songs that Liven Up Year-End and New Year Parties [Ranks 1–20] (11–20)

Love so sweetarashi

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]
Love so sweetarashi

It’s one of the signature songs by Arashi, a nationally beloved idol group.

It drew major attention as the theme song for the drama Hana Yori Dango 2, starring Jun Matsumoto.

The piano-infused sound is striking, and it seems to highlight the song’s warm message.

The lyrics, which express deep affection that aligns with the drama’s themes, are also memorable.

Overall, it has a relaxed vibe, and the choreography is easy to learn, so performing it with dance would likely excite the audience.

Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.]
Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko

This is a song by Yoko Oginome that evokes the feeling of being buoyed by the lively atmosphere of a bustling city.

Released in 1986, it features a sound that conveys the glamorous vibe of disco, vocals that ring out boldly to emphasize the fun, and memorable choreography.

The “Bubble Dance” performed by the Tomioka High School Dance Club to this track also drew a lot of attention.

Since it’s a song that often shines for its dance, it’s recommended to keep your movements in mind when performing it at karaoke.

idolYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video
idolYOASOBI

If you pick a song everyone’s heard before, you can’t go wrong.

With that in mind, I recommend Idol.

It’s a track by the musical duo YOASOBI, created as the opening theme for the anime Oshi no Ko.

It’s been a massive hit not only in Japan but overseas as well.

The song packs plenty of elements that hype up a crowd—like a high-energy chorus, rap sections, and striking signature poses.

That said, the vocal arrangement itself might be a bit complex.

KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi

KICK BACK is also ranked high in karaoke popularity charts.

It’s a song Kenshi Yonezu wrote specifically as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man.

It drew attention not only because the anime was a massive hit, but also because Daiki Tsuneta took part in the arrangement.

Since the key stays relatively low throughout, even those who struggle with high notes should be able to sing it well.

It’s also great because it pairs easily with cosplay and similar themes.

Oni BanquetTomonari Sora

Tomonari Sora – “Demons’ Banquet” [Music Video]
Oni BanquetTomonari Sora

Released in January 2024, “Oni no Utage” is sure to liven up year-end and New Year parties! With a high-energy tempo at 130 BPM, it’s incredibly danceable.

Since it’s themed around a festive banquet, it’s perfect for everyone to dance to and enjoy together.

The lyrics express the joy of living and a free spirit unbound by norms, making it a great fit for sharing New Year’s resolutions.

Sorara Tomonari’s clear, translucent vocals and the catchy melody are sure to resonate.

It’s a recommended track for celebrating together—both to look back on the past year and kick off the new one with excitement!

Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Otona Blue (Official Music Video)
Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

A signature song by Atarashii Gakko! It sings about the emotional sway between wanting to be an adult and still being a bit childish.

The “head-shaking dance” that went viral on TikTok is striking, and the song became a hit that transcended time.

With the dance gaining widespread popularity—including winning the TikTok First Half Trend Awards 2023 Grand Prize—performing it at year-end or New Year parties is sure to get everyone excited across generations! If everyone shakes their heads and dances together, it’ll create a real sense of unity.

It also has a provocative vibe, making it perfect for events where you meet new people.

Songs that Liven Up Year-End and New Year Parties [1st–20th] (21–30)

POKÉDANCEnanahira

[Official] Pokémon Day Commemoration! An animated music video “POKÉDANCE” where partner Pokémon from across the generations break into dance
POKÉDANCEnanahira

Released in February 2024 to coincide with Pokémon Day, this official track made a big splash alongside a lively animated music video featuring partner Pokémon from across the series dancing together.

Nanahira’s characterful vocals ride a brisk four-on-the-floor beat, delivering an approachable melody that alternates catchy English calls with Japanese phrases.

The choreography—made up of simple moves like opening and closing the arms and basic steps—is easy to learn, making it a great dance tune that people of all ages can enjoy at year-end and New Year parties.

It’s also available for karaoke, so you can watch the video, copy the moves together, and get the crowd going!