[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] New Year Songs Loved Across Generations (21–30)
Five Sections of Fulling BlocksKozaki Kengyo
A beautiful melody woven by the koto’s delicate tones evokes the refreshing atmosphere of the New Year in this work by Kosaiki Kengyo.
Titled “Godan Kinuta,” it is a celebrated masterpiece of koto music, composed of five sections and considered a towering achievement of the repertoire.
With lyrics inspired by the sound of beating cloth (kinuta), it portrays autumnal scenes and the allure of courtesans—perfectly suited to the festive mood of the New Year.
Regarded as one of the finest koto pieces of the 19th century, it demands advanced technique and features a complex structure, yet its beauty captivates listeners and never lets go.
An ideal piece for a quiet New Year’s morning or the walk home from Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year).
Highly recommended for anyone interested in traditional music, this gem is imbued with the essence of Japanese culture.
Mount FujiSakushi: Iwaya Konami
This song is known as a Ministry of Education shoka (school song) that praises the grandeur of Mount Fuji.
The lyrics were written by Kocho Iwaya, recognized as a pioneer of modern children’s literature in Japan.
The words poetically depict Fuji’s summit piercing through the clouds and looking down over the surrounding mountains, leaving a strong impression.
Since its inclusion in the 1910 anthology “Shoka for the Elementary School Reader,” it has been widely cherished as teaching material in elementary music classes.
In 2007, it was also selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” securing an important place in Japan’s musical culture.
It might be nice to hum this tune while gazing at Mount Fuji during the New Year.
Ise Ondo
Born in Ise Province during the Edo period and later spread throughout the country, this song is known as a folk tune.
The famous phrase “Ise supports Tsu, and Tsu supports Ise” cleverly expresses the region’s mutual interdependence.
Sung to the lively rhythm of the shamisen, its lyrics vividly reflect the customs and culture of pilgrimages to Ise, evoking the traditional New Year atmosphere of Japan.
Revived in 1932 (Showa 7) into its current form, the song is also cherished as a New Year’s celebratory piece.
It’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience Japanese traditional culture as they welcome the New Year.
Has the plum blossomed?
This piece lets you fully savor the charm of Japanese traditional culture, with the soothing tones of Japanese instruments evoking the atmosphere of the New Year.
Seasonal flowers that herald the coming of spring are woven into the lyrics, conveying the joy and hope of the New Year.
Its appeal has not faded with time; for example, in 2014 it was chosen as the departure melody at Takarazuka Station to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Takarazuka Revue.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to experience traditional Japanese music.
Takasago
Takazago, a representative work of Noh, Japan’s most important traditional performing art.
The poem asks why the pine of Takasago and the pine of Sumiyoshi, though far apart, are called the “paired pines,” and an elderly couple answers by likening them to the bond between husband and wife.
In Japan today, it is well known as a standard piece for weddings.
Happy New Year WoO 165Ludwig van Beethoven
A short canon by Mr.
Beethoven, notable for its heartwarming melody celebrating the New Year.
Though it lasts only about 30 seconds, its structure—in which four voices successively chase one another while singing the words “Happy New Year”—beautifully conveys the joy and hope of the season.
Completed in 1815, this piece is said to have been presented by Beethoven as a New Year’s greeting to a friend.
It is included on albums such as Cantus Novus Wien’s “Canons and Musical Jokes,” offering a glimpse of a lesser-known side of Beethoven.
Recommended as background music when welcoming the New Year or sending greetings to someone special.
A piece that lets you feel Beethoven’s profoundly human charm.
Song of the PloversYoshizawa Kengyō
One of the most renowned koto pieces, Chidori no Kyoku.
Composed by Kengyo Yoshizawa, this work—like Rokudan no Shirabe—introduced a new musical style previously unseen, greatly influencing music from the Meiji era onward.
It encapsulates the essence of Japanese music, which embraces even silence as part of the sound.