[2026] Best Karaoke Picks for New Year’s Eve! A Roundup of Popular and Hit Japanese Songs
This is a must-read for anyone planning to hit karaoke at year-end parties like bōnenkai to wrap up the year! This time, under the theme “Japanese songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve,” we’re showcasing a rich selection of timeless hits spanning the Shōwa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.
In addition to the classic karaoke favorites, the lineup centers on songs you’ll especially want to sing on New Year’s Eve—tracks themed around the occasion and those famous numbers performed on Kōhaku—so there’s something everyone can enjoy, regardless of generation.
Be sure to check it out!
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[2026] Recommended for New Year’s Eve karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs (71–80)
Ultramarine DaysToukyou Jihen
As Tokyo Jihen’s first single, there are probably still many people who love listening to and singing this song.
I remember how shocking and cool it was when it came out, and how I listened to it over and over.
The Duesenberg guitar that Ringo was playing at the time was so popular it even became a talking point.
It’s a killer tune that gets everyone hyped.
Be sure to sing it on New Year’s Eve.
A Happy New YearMatsutōya Yumi
“A HAPPY NEW YEAR -Happy New Year-” is the song that makes you want to sing it as the New Year approaches.
It’s a track by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, who celebrated the 50th anniversary of her debut in 2022 and is beloved across generations.
It was included as the B-side to the 1981 single “Yūyami o Hitori” and featured on the album “Sakuban Oaishimashou.” It’s a cute love song that captures the pure feeling of going to see the one you love.
Along with wishing for happiness in the coming year, it gives you the sense that something truly good is about to happen.
It’s highly recommended as the perfect closing song when you do karaoke on New Year’s Eve.
As you sing it, try picturing the person you most want to share your feelings with.
evolutionHamasaki Ayumi
The Heisei-era songstress Ayumi Hamasaki’s 20th single.
It was a massive hit at the time.
Recently, it’s been used as a movie theme song and has drawn attention once again.
As we wrap up the year and head into a new one, wouldn’t it be nice for everyone to evolve together? Please give it a sing.
[2026] Recommended for New Year’s Eve karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs (81–90)
Heart color ~a song for the wonderful year~Fukuyama Masaharu
At that moment when the year is about to end again, I want to listen to Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Kokoro Color ~a song for the wonderful year~.” Looking back on the year, there may be things left undone, and some things might not have gone well.
This is a track that refreshes those feelings and makes you think, “Let’s give it our best again in the new year.” It might not be one of Fukuyama’s most mainstream songs, but it’s perfect for wrapping up the year—so be sure to try it at karaoke!
LOSERYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s fifth major-label single.
It’s a fast, energetic track that sticks with you after just one listen—a tour de force from the genius himself! It might be pretty tough to sing at karaoke, but the rush you get when you nail it is incredible.
Since a lot of people get together on New Year’s Eve, why not try this song and steal the spotlight?
LemonYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu has a variety of hit songs, but among his signature tracks, isn’t Lemon the most famous? Written as the theme song for the drama Unnatural, for which a sequel is still eagerly awaited, its music video has hundreds of millions of views.
It’s also well known as a popular karaoke song, and plenty of people still sing it even long after its release.
It’s a wonderful masterpiece you never get tired of hearing.
Even if you think ballads aren’t quite right for year-end karaoke, this song is one you can sing without hesitation.
sparkleFuji Kaze
This is a signature song by the uniquely captivating singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze—a massive hit in 2021 that continued its long run into 2022.
It was featured in Honda’s VEZEL commercial and is catchy, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing pick across generations.
The arrangement feels like a refreshing breeze, and the smooth vocals are so pleasant.
In fact, there are phrases sprinkled throughout that are perfect for year’s end.
The lyrics, which depict the flow of days and seasons, align perfectly with reflecting on the past year.
We all have things we achieved and things we didn’t, but let’s end the year by singing and smiling! It’s a masterpiece that helps you reset your spirit and step forward into a brand-new year.