[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!

Playlist

Top 20 songs that liven up year-end and New Year parties (Ranks 1–20)
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	cherrysupittsu		Spitz's 'Cherry' is a song anyone can enjoy.
2	CharismaxSnow Man		An exhilarating dance track that revives para-para culture in a modern way
3	IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi		Chainsaw Man movie theme song, a fiery track
4	A Little Love SongMONGOL800		MONGOL800’s classic hit enjoys cross-generational popularity
5	A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko		Sing the Evangelion opening song with feeling
6	Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET		CUTIE STREET’s viral hit song
7	lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s youth rock, a song of hope
8	loveHoshino Gen		A huge boom sparked by the theme song of 'Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu' and its 'Koi Dance'.
9	Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken		A bright hit song that fuses samba and kayōkyoku (Japanese pop)
10	Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā		Golden Bomber’s “Memeshikute” is easy to dance to.
11	Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy		The appeal of high-energy youth songs
12	One Night CarnivalKishidan		A popular song by Kishidan, loved by people of all ages.
13	Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts		A song with a free spirit and addictive rhythms
14	Naughty SunORANGE RANGE		Energetic hit song(s) by ORANGE RANGE
15	Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko		Dancing Hero: Yoko’s Musical Soul
16	Love so sweetarashi		Arashi’s signature song draws attention as a TV drama theme.
17	KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi		The iconic song from the anime Chainsaw Man
18	idolYOASOBI		YOASOBI's 'Idol' is a smash hit song.
19	Oni BanquetTomonari Sora		Oni Feast, a New Year’s song that livens up the celebration
20	Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu		Expressing youth and emotion through head-shaking dance
21	POKÉDANCEnanahira		Official Pokémon song goes viral for its outstanding danceability
22	WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro		Ayaka x Kobukuro Single: Hope and Progress
For men
23	PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism		Official HIGE DANDism’s smash hit song “Koi” is moving.
24	The Dog and the Stupid Catsekando bakka		A bittersweet love song by a second-string (supporting) backer draws attention and resonates with listeners.
25	Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number		Unrequited-love classic: relatable lyrics that steal your heart
26	U.S.ADA PUMP		DA PUMP makes a comeback with a smash hit!
27	ChankapanaNEWS		A No. 1 single by the four-member lineup after leaving NEWS
28	Cinderella BoySaucy Dog		A masterpiece with bittersweet lyrics about the ideals and realities of love
29	SaudadePorunogurafiti		A bittersweet love song, a timeless classic beloved across generations
30	Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+		Signature songs of nobodyknows+, upbeat/positive tracks
31	catDISH//		A hit song by DISH//, written by Aimyon, is making headlines.
32	powder snowRemioromen		Remioromen’s winter classic 'Konayuki' (Powder Snow)
33	Go for it!Urufuruzu		A classic Wolful’s song born from Tetsuya Komuro’s advice
34	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s heartwarming and moving song
35	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		A famous classic song with the theme of shooting stars
36	water lily blossomShonan no Kaze		The real thrill of karaoke enjoyed together
37	KanadeSukima Suichi		Representative hit songs by Sukima Switch
38	R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		A dance track filled with hopes cast upon a shooting star
39	New Treasure IslandSakanakushon		Sakanaction’s hit tracks, distilled musical characteristics
40	Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern all-time hits, songs that liven up events
41	Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s third single, a TV drama theme song
42	ultra soulB’z		B’z “Ultra Soul,” a classic that’s guaranteed to get you singing your heart out!
43	LemonYonezu Kenshi		The Appeal of Kenshi Yonezu’s Masterpiece “Uma to Shika” (“Horse and Deer”)
44	My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS		Theme song of 'Your Name', the much-talked-about masterpiece
45	HANABIMr.Children		Mr.Children’s classic songs are loved by people of all ages.
46	Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS		RADWIMPS, who gained popularity with the theme songs for Makoto Shinkai’s works
47	Runnerbakufū suranpu		Cheering song by Bakufu Slump, sung enthusiastically by everyone!
48	I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka		Timeless hits everyone can enjoy at karaoke!
49	MiracleGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s classic song “Kiseki” is a moving masterpiece.
50	Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB		80s hit songs, classic tracks that hype up the crowd at karaoke
51	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Yuzu’s moving song, the theme for the Athens Olympics
52	Butter-FlyWada Kōji		An iconic song for the Digimon generation—guaranteed to sing along.
53	metropoliskurisutaru kingu		Crystal King's million-hit song
54	Nihon no Mikata – I Came Because It’s NevadaYajima Biyōshitsu		A surreal music unit born from a TV project
55	Love SongGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s classic song, a hymn to love and youth
56	Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS		The legendary hit song by THE BLUE HEARTS
57	Dried flowersYuuri		Yuri’s poignant solo song, with a heart‑stirring melody
58	Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet		A Demon Slayer collaboration song that weaves bonds and moving emotions
59	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		Early masterpiece by Noriyuki Makihara, nostalgic J-pop
60	Seesaw Game: A Song of Brave LoveMr.Children		Mr.Children's impressive and uplifting hit songs
61	Kanpai Songarashi		A track that gets everyone hyped with party vibes
62	SHAKESMAP		SMAP’s popular songs, famous tracks everyone knows
63	240 Million EyesGō Hiromi		Hiromi Go’s songs hype up karaoke with easy-to-follow choreography.
64	kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon		Sakanaction announces new anime theme song
65	There’s always tomorrowUrufuruzu		The appeal of uplifting, positive songs
66	GONGWANIMA		WANIMA's high-energy 'GONG'
67	HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number		A heartrending unrequited love, a longing that will never be fulfilled
68	AM11:00HY		A love song by HY that resonates with the heart, a defining track of youth
69	YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA		1990s hit song “YAH YAH YAH” enjoys cross-generational popularity
70	silhouetteKANA-BOON		KANA-BOON’s classic youth rock anthem!
71	A-RA-SHIarashi		Arashi’s debut song—its music video radiates youth and the spirit of its era.
72	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		An impressive ballad song by the SEKAI band
73	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		SMAP’s classic song “The Only Flower in the World”
74	Beyond the Night SkySMAP		A classic masterpiece featured in school music textbooks
75	DoraemonHoshino Gen		Doraemon movie theme song, Gen Hoshino’s masterpiece
76	GO!!!FLOW		A song that gets everyone hyped and can be enjoyed together
77	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s songs: classic hits popular at karaoke
78	Is that okay?RADWIMPS		Karaoke that gets everyone excited with fun handclaps
79	mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism		A song that makes SPY×FAMILY characters shine
80	rainbowSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s “Niji” is a heartwarming masterpiece.
81	Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN		BUMP’s winter song “Snow Smile”
82	Age Age Every KnightDJ OZMA		Hype up the crowd with an upbeat track
83	together; along with; bothWANIMA		An uplifting song filled with thoughts for the Kumamoto earthquake
84	PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH		Dance songs that hype up a year-end party
85	My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu		Let’s liven up the year-end party with Southern All Stars’ classic hits.
86	Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK		Self-expression with energetic music
87	Blue BenchSasuke		A song of Sasuke’s youth, a nostalgic classic
88	Magic CarpetKawasaki Takaya		'Magic Carpet' by Takaya Kawasaki, popular on TikTok
89	The Zero Sense10-FEET		An inspiring song from a basketball movie that portrays the passion of youth
90	PerfumeEito		Eito’s hit on TikTok, “Kousui” (“Perfume”), a heartrending song that resonates with men
91	HabitSEKAI NO OWARI		The song “Habit,” which reflects modern society, is popular.
92	Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi		Let's spice up the year-end party with the 'Zundoko Bushi'!
93	horizonback number		A hopeful song that overcomes hardship, resonating in the heart
94	wishsumika		A heartrending winter love song that resonates in Sumika’s heart
95	SaraiKayama Yūzō & Tanimura Shinji		A hometown of the heart, timeless masterpieces that weave emotion
96	TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya		Popular ballad songs that get everyone excited at karaoke
97	WOW WOR TONIGHT ~Sometimes Start a Movement~H Jungle with T		Classic karaoke songs that get everyone hyped, and timeless tracks that give you courage
98	Heroineback number		A poignant winter love song by back number
99	HELLOFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s masterpiece—moved by the love song’s lyrics!
100	GOLDFINGER ’99Gō Hiromi		Hiromi Go's passionate hit song is captivating.
101	Roco LotionORANGE RANGE		Energetic songs by ORANGE RANGE that get the crowd going
102	Tsubasaandāgurafu		Popular songs by Under Graph, loved by a wide range of people
103	Choo Choo TRAINEXILE		Dance in a line to EXILE’s famous songs
For women
104	You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko		For the year-end bonenkai, “Ano Kane o Narasu no wa”
105	Marigoldaimyon		Aimyon, a songstress representing the Reiwa era
106	Dinner Songtuki.		The emotionally charged debut song of 15-year-old tuki.
107	I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru		Kaneyori Masaru’s bittersweet unrequited-love cheer song
108	A hundred flowers in full bloomIkuta Rira		Anime OP song for “Kusuriya” sung by Lila Ikuta
109	chantAdo		A fervent Halloween dance track, Ado’s tour de force
110	Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo		Sheena Ringo’s sophisticated masterpiece with outstanding musicality.
111	TouchIwasaki Yoshimi		Yoshimi Iwasaki’s classic song “Touch”
112	New Era (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)Ado		The theme song of the One Piece movie, “New Genesis.”
113	Racing into the NightYOASOBI		The Appeal of Music Based on Novels
114	Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE		A poignant melody about a long-distance romance sung in Osaka dialect
115	Heavy rotationAKB48		Spin my feelings of love on heavy rotation
116	beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko		Aiko’s “Kabutomushi” is a heartrending masterpiece.
117	Shut up.Ado		Ado’s hit single and her powerful vocals
118	The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell		'The Story You Don't Know' by supercell
119	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		Gurenge, the theme song of Demon Slayer, by LiSA
120	LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.		Let's get hyped with Morning Musume's classic hits!
121	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo’s ballad is moving at karaoke.
122	God of RomanceHirose Kōmi		Kohmi Hirose’s classic hits that fire up year-end parties
123	cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai		Cherry is Ai Otsuka’s signature song.
124	threadNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito” is a masterpiece about people and fateful encounters.
125	To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon		Aimyon's songs are singable masterpieces.
126	The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE		DREAMS COME TRUE’s classic song—scenes of love and the future
127	rock starAdo		A powerful song that supports those who take on challenges
128	paprikaFoorin		Kenshi Yonezu’s masterpiece is perfect for wrapping up the year.
129	39DISCOsunisute		A lively classic that energizes the party
130	HappinessAI		Feeling smiles and little happiness through the AI’s song
131	Zankyo SankaAimer		Step into the future with Aimer’s powerful rock
132	FriendsREBECCA		Rebecca’s moving rock song colors youth.
133	NEW KAWAIIFRUITS ZIPPER		A positive song that embraces the individuality of friends
134	♡Pink Unrequited Love♡ feat. GorieGirls²		Covering a Heisei-retro unrequited love song
135	Don’t give upZARD		An inspiring song that gives you energy from ZARD’s famous hits
136	Pure AsiaPUFFY		A famous song that even people who don’t know it know—let’s all sing the chorus together!
137	School HeavenFingā 5		Share memories with the youth songs from student days
138	APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars		A masterpiece is born by Rosé and Bruno!
139	foreignerKUBOTA Saki		A timeless classic brimming with exotic charm, captivating across generations
140	Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko		An idol masterpiece resonates with the hearts of the Japanese
141	Moonlight LegendDALI		Sailor Moon’s classic song moved me at karaoke.
142	frecklesJUDY AND MARY		A signature song by JUDY AND MARY, bright and upbeat
143	A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly		An inspiring ballad, a strong resolve and joy for the future
144	Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48		A popular song that's trending for its Onigiri Dance
145	HeroAmuro Namie		Rio Olympic theme song, Amuro’s masterpiece
146	White LoveSPEED		The winter classic “White Love” transcends generations.
147	Ninjari Ban Bankyarī pamyu pamyu		Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s captivating song
148	SenbonzakuraWagakki Band		Wagakki Band’s “Senbonzakura”: a fusion of tradition and modernity
149	Yeah! Super Holiday!Matsuura Aya		Summer classic: songs of energy and love
150	Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri		The Allure of the Enka Standard “Amagi-goe”
151	flameLiSA		Theme song of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, LiSA's smash hit
152	DIAMONDSPRINCESS PRINCESS		Princess Princess’s signature song “DIAMONDS” became a big hit.
153	Love Revolution 21Mōningu Musume.		Everyone passionately sings Morning Musume’s signature song!
154	Snow BlossomNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s winter classic “Yuki no Hana”
155	Bud of LoveKōda Kumi		A love song in Kansai dialect becomes a smash hit with 1 million downloads
156	I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi		A nostalgic classic, popular across generations
157	Let It Go ~As I Am~Matsu Takako		A globally popular song, a famous classic everyone knows
158	Chocolate DiscoPerfume		Perfume's “Chocolate Disco”
159	crescent moonayaka		Ayaka’s “Mikazuki” is a moving, classic ballad.