[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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Songs that Liven Up Year-End and New Year Parties [1st–20th] (21–30)
WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro
Ayaka × Kobukuro’s memorable first single, released in February 2007, is a song that sings of life’s winding road and the hope that awaits beyond it.
Born from a collaboration sparked by a joint appearance on a music program, it was also featured in a Nissan Cube commercial and debuted at No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The grand choral work of the three vocalists and its message—encouraging listeners to keep moving forward step by step even through difficult times—are deeply moving.
It’s a perfect song to sing at year-end parties, reflecting on a year of hardships and challenges while channeling hope for the coming year.
If you have confident male and female singers, definitely try it as a duet: a powerful yet warm classic.
For men (21–30)
We all sing our hearts out and feel the bond between men!
We’ve introduced our carefully selected 20 songs so far. You probably found at least one track that made you think, “This one will get the crowd going!” But we still have plenty more editor-recommended songs to share. From here, we’ll introduce our picks by gender, including lots of the latest hits. Let’s start with songs for men! In situations with lots of male participants, powerful, sing-along anthems are especially recommended. They might even forge bonds between men that transcend the boss–subordinate relationship. We also have an article that compiles recommended karaoke songs for men by decade, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out! Related article:
- Japanese karaoke songs that excite men in their 20s
- [For men in their 30s] Must-play karaoke hits that always get the crowd going
- [For men in their 40s] That nostalgic song you can enjoy at karaoke!
- [2026] Japanese karaoke songs that get men in their 50s pumped up
- Karaoke songs that are sure to get a 60-something man fired up
For men (1–10)
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
In 2019, the band Official HIGE DANDism had a massive breakthrough thanks to this song.
They’ve continued to release a string of hits since then, but when it comes to karaoke staples, this track still holds strong popularity! It’s a mid-tempo love ballad about unrequited love, and one of the best parts is how easy it is to get emotionally immersed in the heartbreaking lyrics and really sing your heart out.
However, if you’re a man singing it, the vocal range is extremely high, so it’s a good idea to lower the key by a few steps.
In fact, if you can sing it in the original key, people might be seriously impressed!
The Dog and the Stupid Catsekando bakka
A two-piece rock band that rose to fame on social media, Second Backer released this track in July 2025.
Set to a catchy, easy-to-listen-to band sound, it delivers a bittersweet tale of love, exploring feelings for someone special and the misunderstandings that arise.
The song is also included on their EP “I Had So Many Things I Couldn’t Say,” and was performed during the band’s first nationwide tour.
The music video features influencer Hikaru Giru, and on TikTok it has become a hot topic among younger audiences alongside the “Elbow Jab” trend.
With its catchy melody and down-to-earth lyrics, it’s a song that really hits home—singing it at a year-end or New Year party with younger members might earn a lot of empathy.
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number
When it comes to back number’s signature songs about the heartbreak of unrequited love, this track surely tops the list.
Released as a single in June 2013, it captures the feelings toward an unattainable, idealized woman.
Aware that he’s nothing more than a mere acquaintance at best, the protagonist still finds himself captivated by her smile—feelings expressed through lyrics that many can relate to.
As evidenced by surpassing 500 million total streams on Billboard JAPAN, the song continues to be beloved by many more than a decade after its release.
It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for karaoke at year-end and New Year parties with people of all ages!
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog
Included on the 2021 mini-album “Lazy Sunday,” this song poignantly portrays the gap between ideal and reality in love.
Written from a female perspective, the lyrics express the protagonist’s complex feelings as she realizes her partner’s betrayal yet chooses to look the other way, resonating with many listeners.
It achieved massive karaoke popularity, ranking second in the 2022 annual karaoke charts.
With its catchy melody and bittersweet lyrics, it’s widely known across generations, making it a great choice to get everyone excited at year-end and New Year parties.
The soaring high-note chorus is especially memorable—nail it, and you’re sure to captivate the room!
ChankapanaNEWS
This is NEWS’s 14th single, released in 2012, and a song that symbolizes their restart as a four-member group after Tomohisa Yamashita and Ryo Nishikido left.
The title is a coined word meaning “beloved person,” featuring an exotic melody and a catchy rhythm.
It debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, achieving the remarkable feat of 14 consecutive No.
1s since their debut.
With its upbeat dance vibe and memorable choreography, it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser at company year-end or New Year parties—not only for NEWS fans but also for idol enthusiasts.
Its broad recognition across generations makes it a highly recommended pick for everyone to enjoy together.
SaudadePorunogurafiti
This iconic rock–Latin fusion song, titled with the Portuguese word meaning “nostalgia,” was released as the fourth single in September 2000.
It topped the weekly Oricon chart and became a million seller.
Written in feminine speech, the lyrics express the “tender, even clingy side of romance in men,” delivering a poignant, relatable message that resonates deeply.
Chosen as the CM song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat and as the theme for TBS’s mini-drama Wonderful, it is one of PornoGraffitti’s signature tracks, also performed at the 51st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Since the 2020s, it has been rediscovered by younger listeners through TikTok, giving it broad recognition across generations.
With its melodic, catchy tune, it’s an ideal song for year-end and New Year parties that both bosses and subordinates can enjoy together.