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 (21–30)

Over The Horizon!naniwa danshi

Over The Horizon!

Over The Horizon!naniwa danshi

This is a song by Naniwa Danshi that heralds the start of a new adventure with a refreshing sound.

Included on the album “BON BON VOYAGE,” released in July 2025, the track brilliantly embodies the concept of “journeys and adventures.” It captures the exhilaration of stepping beyond the horizon with your friends and conveys a powerful hope that you can overcome any hardship—listening to it leaves you feeling uplifted.

When you dive into the unknown, this song gives you strength!

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Let’s start a band.wasureranneeyo

[Wasureranneyo] Let's start a band — I pounded (the drums).

Let's start a band.wasureranneeyo

A wholehearted song by Wasureranneyo.

You could even say it’s a song for band members everywhere.

It really sinks into your heart.

I don’t think there’s a single band member who wouldn’t get fired up listening to this.

On New Year’s Eve, it might be nice to sing this song while drinking and getting totally smashed.

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[2026] Recommended for New Year’s Eve Karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs (31–40)

Clap your handsNICO Touches the Walls

NICO Touches the Walls - “Clap Your Hands”

Clap your handsNICO Touches the Walls

NICO Touches the Walls’ debut single.

It’s characterized by a catchy melody and lyrics, with a sound you won’t forget after just one listen.

I’d say it’s a masterful debut, crafted with everything they’ve got.

Just like the title suggests, it’s an irresistibly exciting song that makes you want to clap your hands.

Let’s all sing it together on New Year’s Eve and get hyped!

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Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Bitter Vacation” Official Music Video

Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE

When it comes to Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s songs, many people probably think of melodies with a wide vocal range backed by vocalist Motoki Omori’s overwhelming singing ability, and may have given up on trying them at karaoke because they seem difficult.

For those people, I recommend the song Bitter Vacation, released in November 2024.

Among Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s tracks, its melody line is relatively low in pitch and not overly complex, making it the kind of song you can sing comfortably along to its lively rhythm.

There are moments where a touch of irregular meter slips in, but once you get used to it, it’s not that hard—so be sure to add it to your karaoke repertoire.

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Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

For Kocchi no Kento, a “multi-creator” with truly multifaceted talents, 2024 was a breakthrough year.

His track Hai Yorokonde, which was also performed at the 75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year, was released in May 2024 and became an explosive viral hit.

As of 2025, it has racked up an astonishing 170 million views on YouTube.

Kocchi no Kento is known for his strong vocal skills honed through a cappella, but Hai Yorokonde sits in a relatively low key and doesn’t require a wide vocal range.

While the lyrics are a bit fast, it sounds great if you keep to the rhythm.

It’s also extremely well-known, so definitely give it a try at karaoke.

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Year-end party! BOU! NEN! KAI!A.B.C-Z

A.B.C-Z / Year-End Party! BOU! NEN! KAI! (YouTube Edit)

Year-end party! BOU! NEN! KAI!A.B.C-Z

A.B.C-Z is an idol group known for their strength in dance and acrobatics, with each member also active on variety shows.

Their 4th single, “Bounenkai! BOU! NEN! KAI!” was released as a double A-side along with “Shuden wo Koete ~Christmas Night~.” The lyrics, brimming with the signature humor of the songwriter Hyadain, are guaranteed to liven up any year-end party.

It’s a party tune that wraps up the year on a bright note—perfect for everyone to sing together at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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nomineeCYNHN

nominee

nomineeCYNHN

CYNHN’s new song is a work infused with hope and anticipation for the future.

The title, which means “the recommended one,” reflects their desire to be recognized in the music scene.

You can feel their ambitious stance in the inversion of their blue-themed worldview and their challenge to the contemporary music landscape.

Digitally released on January 1, 2025, the track is a lead single from the album “INVERSIOИ.” It’s a recommended listen for those who want to discover a new side of CYNHN or connect with its down-to-earth lyrics.

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