[New Year BGM] New Year Songs Loved Across Generations
Background music that enhances the New Year’s atmosphere is an essential part of kicking off a fresh year! The songs you choose may vary depending on the scene—whether it’s the cozy time spent gathered around osechi dishes, the lively moments with relatives, or music you’d like to play while getting ready for your first shrine visit of the year.
In this article, we’ve collected a wide range of music, from tracks that evoke traditional Japanese vibes to J-pop themed around the New Year.
You’re sure to find a song that will make your New Year’s celebration even more festive!
- [New Year’s Songs] Timeless classics and popular New Year tunes you’ll want to listen to at the start of the year
- Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed, New Year-Ready, and Winter Songs
- Spirit of Wa: Masterpieces for the Koto — Japan’s Beautiful Melodies
- [Japanese-style BGM] Beautiful tones woven from Japanese tradition
- [New Year] A collection of Vocaloid songs to liven up New Year’s parties and year-end parties [Year-End Special]
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- Nostalgic yet new! Hit songs from the Showa era you’ll want to use as BGM
- Recommended BGM for YouTube Shorts! Popular songs released in the Reiwa era
- [For Seniors] Winter Classics to Sing in January: Heartwarming Moments with Nostalgic Children’s Songs and Kayōkyoku (Japanese Popular Songs)
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- [2026] Classic Western songs to celebrate the New Year: Popular tracks to kick off the year
- Songs to Play at the End of 2026! A Roundup of New Year’s Eve and Winter J‑Pop
New Year BGM: Beloved New Year Songs Across Generations (11–20)
Rokudan no ShirabeYatsuhashi Kengyō
Alongside “Chidori no Kyoku,” this piece, “Rokudan no Shirabe,” is one of Japan’s representative koto compositions.
Its reputed composer, Yatsuhashi Kengyō, is said to have laid the foundations of early modern koto music.
Despite its simple structure, it exudes elegance within tranquility—truly a sublime masterpiece that can be called the pinnacle of the art.
Sakura VariationsMiyagi Michio
I think many of you will recognize this piece even if you haven’t heard it before.
That’s because this “Sakura Variations” is an arrangement of Japan’s iconic song “Sakura Sakura,” and its phrases appear throughout the work.
Composed by Michio Miyagi, who drew inspiration from Western music, it is one of Japan’s representative sets of variations.
Early Spring OdeNakada Akira
This song, “Soshun-fu” (Early Spring Ode), was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs” chosen by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the National PTA Council of Japan.
With lyrics by Ichishō Yoshimaru in 1913 and music composed by Akira Nakata, it enjoys strong support, particularly in Nagano Prefecture.
The lyrics, written with the Azumino region welcoming spring as their theme, offer superb scenic descriptions and evoke a warm sense of nostalgia.
Runner of the SpiritHisaishi Joe
For gamers, Joe Hisaishi is well known for the Ni no Kuni and Tengai Makyo series, and for Studio Ghibli fans, for works like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
But have you heard his piece Runner of the Spirit? If you’ve watched the Hakone Ekiden relay race broadcasts, you’ll probably think, “Oh, that song!” It’s a perfect fit as hopeful New Year’s background music, too.
It’s a handy track for events like New Year’s marathon meets or karuta tournaments.
Apparently, this piece has never been released on CD by Hisaishi himself.
If you absolutely want a recording, try looking for the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra’s CD “Suisougaku Sansen / Ah! African Symphony.”
Etenraku
This is the piece of music you hear so often at New Year shrine visits that it’s hardly an exaggeration to say it’s everywhere.
Many people have heard it but don’t know its name: it’s called “Etenraku.” Brought from China and considered part of Japan’s classical court music, gagaku, it’s said to be the most famous piece in the repertoire.
The layered sounds of distinctive instruments—ones you don’t often hear in everyday life—create a solemn atmosphere.
As the year ends and the new one begins, immerse yourself in the New Year spirit by listening to this historic work that has long colored Japan’s New Year celebrations.
New Year (Japanese New Year)Denki Gurūvu
Speaking of New Year’s, it’s a festive day when you stuff yourself with delicious food from noon, get New Year’s money, and laze around… right? Denki Groove’s “Oshogatsu” captures that celebratory feeling to the fullest in musical form.
With its unique twists and turns, once you hear it, it becomes addictive—you’ll want to play it on repeat during a New Year’s when there isn’t much to do.
The sense of intoxication that carries you all the way through the outro is irresistible.
Immerse yourself in a New Year’s vibe like nothing you’ve experienced before!
[New Year BGM] New Year Songs Loved Across Generations (21–30)
UFO ShrineLOVE JETS
How about an offbeat New Year’s song from LOVE JETS, the masked rock ’n’ roll unit that flew in from outer space? This unique track, which captures scenes of hatsumode and shrine visits from the perspective of aliens who’ve landed on Earth, was included on a single released in December 2003.
Its danceable sound blends a solid rock ’n’ roll beat with elements of disco and techno.
The lighthearted lyrics, where Japan’s annual traditions intersect with a cosmic point of view, are sure to bring a smile.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to enjoy New Year’s festivities from a slightly different angle or to get the party going at a New Year’s gathering.