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[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 (1–10)

You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko

Anokanewo Narasunoha Anata

You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko

Akiko Wada’s signature song, released in 1972.

In addition to her six performances of it on the NHK New Year’s Eve “Kohaku Uta Gassen,” it’s often featured on music specials, so it’s a song widely known across generations.

Sung for many years, it brims with hope, and both its lyrics and Wada’s soulful vocals are powerfully uplifting.

Its world view overlaps with the ringing of the New Year’s bells and with blessings, making it perfectly suited to year’s end.

It’s truly a song that lets you sing your heart out and wrap up the year feeling refreshed.

It works not only as a solo but also for gatherings where everyone can enjoy it together and say, “Great job this year.” It’s a song that seems to embrace everything the year has held.

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Let’s dance at my place (New Year’s Eve)Hoshino Gen

Let's Dance at My Place (New Year's Eve)

Let's dance at my place (New Year's Eve)Hoshino Gen

This is a song that Gen Hoshino released on Instagram in response to the stay-at-home period in 2020.

Based on that, a version with performances by his band members and newly added second-verse lyrics was presented as “Uchi de Odorō (Ōmisoka)” on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The song conveys a strong sense of hope—wishing for the days to return when we can all smile together again after enduring the difficult time of having to stay at home.

Its gentle, rhythmic sound with a touch of disco-funk is also memorable, conveying a warmth that seems to ease hearts troubled by suffering.

It’s a track that radiates a growing sense of hope and energy for the coming new year.

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December RainArai Yumi

December Rain / Jyunigatsu No Ame

December RainArai Yumi

Known for her clear voice and delicate emotional expression, Yumi Arai’s songs are perfect for singing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve.

This work is a wistful ballad depicting the arrival of winter and a love that has been lost.

It weaves in scenes of rainfall, wintry landscapes, and waking up in bed, imbued with feelings for days gone by.

Released in October 1974, the song was also included on the album MISSLIM and has been covered by many artists.

It was performed on a Fuji TV music program and is highly recommended for those who feel the loneliness and nostalgia of year’s end.

Why not try singing it at a year-end party or karaoke when you want to enjoy a calm, mellow mood?

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[2026] Recommended for New Year's Eve Karaoke! Summary of Popular and Hit Japanese Songs (11–20)

SubaruTanimura Shinji

Subaru -Subaru-

SubaruTanimura Shinji

Japan’s beloved classic “Subaru (The Pleiades)” is also one of the songs that symbolize the year’s end.

Released by Shinji Tanimura in 1980, it became a massive hit and his best-selling single.

Since it has been performed on the Red and White Year-End Song Festival five times, many people may picture those scenes when they think of the song.

Tanimura’s singing, which carefully weaves the beautiful sounds of the Japanese language, truly resonates.

It’s wonderful to sing it with quiet reflection, but I think the song’s resolute, forward-driving spirit also gives great courage.

If you sing the grand “Subaru” with your resolutions for the coming year in mind, you’ll surely be able to close out the year with a refreshing feeling.

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365 daysMr.Children

Mr.Children “365 Days” Mr.Children TOUR POPSAURUS 2012

365 daysMr.Children

A classic wedding song, Mr.Children’s “365 Nichi.” It’s a track from their 2010 album “SENSE,” and despite never being released as a single, it’s very popular among fans.

It’s a quiet ballad that highlights the vocals, so it isn’t a bright party tune, but this well-known masterpiece is perfect for year-end karaoke.

If you’re spending the New Year together as a couple, it’s a song we recommend the man sings to the woman.

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December 31NMB48

December 31

December 31NMB48

A song that portrays the loneliness of spending New Year’s Eve alone and the resolve for the year ahead.

Included on NMB48’s “Teppen Totta nde!” and released in February 2013, this track has left a deep impression on fans.

Vivid scenes of ringing temple bells, a phone call with one’s mother, and eating oden alone on New Year’s Eve evoke strong empathy in listeners.

Carrying past humiliations and frustrations in one’s heart, the lyrics express a firm determination to keep striving until the day everyone can smile—perfect for anyone who wants to reflect on themselves before the new year.

Sing it at karaoke, and it will surely strengthen the bond with your friends.

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Christmas songnon

Non – Christmas Song [Official Music Video]

Christmas songnon

Set on a street corner wrapped in winter’s chill, this song leaves a striking impression with a warmth that gently embraces sudden feelings of loneliness.

Carried by the soft tones of an acoustic guitar, words penned by Non herself tenderly reach the listener’s heart.

Released as a digital-only single in December 2019, it paints the special season of Christmas as its backdrop while singing about the importance of finding joy in everyday life and cherishing bonds with loved ones.

The music video incorporates footage from her childhood, reflecting a desire to share pure, simple fun with viewers.

It’s a perfect track for those feeling year-end melancholy or for anyone who wants to treasure moments spent with someone special.

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