[2026] Best Karaoke Picks for New Year’s Eve! A Roundup of Popular and Hit Japanese Songs

FlowerFuji Kaze

Hana

Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze captivates fans with music that feels modern yet somehow nostalgic.

His 14th digital-only single, “Hana” (“Flower”), was written as the theme song for the TV drama “Ichiban Sukina Hana” (“The Flower I Love Most”).

Its lyrics, which portray each person’s individuality and the transience of living in the present moment, may soothe those who often struggle with everyday stresses like work and relationships.

It’s a stylish pop tune you’ll want to sing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve to clear your mind and welcome the new year feeling refreshed.

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Hoshino Takashi

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mottöJUDY AND MARY

mottö – jam

It’s a song by JUDY AND MARY, their 20th single.

JUDY AND MARY is a rock band that still represents Japan and is loved by many people.

This exhilarating track is an intense number that makes you want to stand on the sofa and sing your heart out.

Wouldn’t it be great to get everyone hyped up with this song on New Year’s Eve?

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

SMAP – The Only Flower in the World

One of SMAP’s signature songs, written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and even appears in school textbooks, making it a beloved ballad across generations.

Though it’s a calm song, it always warms everyone’s hearts at karaoke and is a crowd-pleaser.

You can imitate the choreography in the chorus, or simply wave your hands and sway to the rhythm—it’s fun either way.

Let’s make sure the wonderful flowers within each of us bloom again next year!

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sasashina

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Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie

Baby Don’t Cry – Namie Amuro (Full)

This song is one of Namie Amuro’s signature tracks, isn’t it? The sparkling expressions and melodies that seem to overflow from this medium-tempo pop number must have moved many women’s hearts.

I think it’s a song with the power to keep encouraging women regardless of the era.

Let’s all sing this song on New Year’s Eve and work hard together in the year to come.

Farewell to Youthful DaysHotei Tomoyasu

Saraba Seishun No Hikari

“Goodbye to Youth” is a song that gently stays with a year left unfinished and memories you can’t forget.

Released in 1993 by Tomoyasu Hotei, one of Japan’s proud rock ’n’ rollers, it features richly expressive vocals and an emotional guitar—both absolutely top-notch.

Hotei also performed it at the 2021 NHK New Year’s Eve Music Festival (Kohaku Uta Gassen), and he was just incredibly cool.

I imagine many people hear this song and are transported back to the past.

It’s perfect to sing on New Year’s Eve and really let yourself sink into it.

The lingering afterglow beautifully brings into sharp focus the density of the year and the days you raced through with all your heart, leaving you encouraged to keep going.

It’s a song that gives you courage to try again!

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KEI

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Heavy rotationAKB48

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]

Heavy Rotation is the song centered by Yuko Oshima, who impressively won first place in the fan vote at the AKB48 17th Single General Election.

It also took the top spot on the Oricon annual karaoke chart for two consecutive years.

It’s a song that girls can have a blast singing together.

Just seeing them sing it would probably get any guys around excited too.

Let’s all sing it on New Year’s Eve!

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It’s one of WANIMA’s signature songs, right? The high-tempo, hype melocore sound is nothing but a mood booster.

With its catchy melody line and meaningful lyrics, it’s a cheer-up anthem for everyone who listens.

Wouldn’t it be great for everyone to sing this song together, look back on the year, and ring in the new one by shouting and singing toward the future?