Lovely karaoke song

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.

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!

[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

Masaharu Fukuyama – Heart Color ~a song for the wonderful year~ (Full ver.)

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!

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LOSERYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – LOSER

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?

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LemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

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.

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sparkleFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Kirari (Official Video)

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.

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FlowerFuji Kaze

Hana

FlowerFuji Kaze

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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