[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 (31–40)
New Year’s DayELLEGARDEN
Included as the B-side to ELLEGARDEN’s signature song “Jitterbug” on the single is “New Year’s Day.” It’s a track imbued with the message that “life ends in the blink of an eye,” depicting memories of a certain New Year’s Eve.
With ELLEGARDEN’s trademark powerful punk sound, it’s definitely a number you can rock out to.
The band has fans across a wide range of ages, making it a perfect choice for karaoke!
Tonight is a Hearty PartyJuice=Juice
This work, a cover of Mariya Takeuchi’s classic song, is brimming with fun and warmth.
It portrays how people forget their everyday worries and gain energy for tomorrow through parties with friends.
It’s included on a single set for release in February 2025 and has also been chosen as a TV program theme.
When it was first performed at the Nippon Budokan in November 2024, the Christmas party–themed production reportedly brought the house down.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to enjoy time with friends or when you need a boost of energy.
five mon coinsMOROHA
MOROHA is a duo known for their unique sound, where message-driven rap intertwines with acoustic guitar.
“Gomonzen” was included as the closing track on their 2019 album MOROHA IV.
The lyrics, which reflect on oneself while watching NHK’s year-end Kouhaku Uta Gassen, pierce the heart as if asking, “Is this really okay?” If you want to perform something outside the usual repertoire, definitely give “Gomonzen” a try!
HIRAKEGOMANumber_i
This track was released as a surprise gift for Number_i’s fans.
It’s an energetic piece themed around challenge, self-growth, and the pursuit of dreams.
It expresses the determination to overcome long trials and step into a new frontier, and it’s sure to give listeners courage.
The song is included as the first track on the album “No.
I (Deluxe),” released digitally on December 2, 2024.
Number_i has been expanding their presence both in Japan and abroad, including a performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2024 in April 2024.
It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take on new challenges or to fire yourself up.
Stargazertayori
It’s a captivating track marked by an exhilarating melody and a grand sense of worldbuilding.
Through the protagonist’s journey among the stars, it portrays a resolve and hope to move forward, drawing strength from past experiences.
The delicate musicality woven by the three members of tayori blends beautifully with the world of the game Honkai: Star Rail.
Released in January 2025, the piece features distinctive strings and electronic sounds.
Its dreamy lyrics and clear, translucent vocals will resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a song that stays close to the heart—one you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
[2026] Recommended Karaoke for New Year’s Eve! A Compilation of Popular and Hit Japanese Songs (41–50)
BYE! THIS YEAR!! HI! NEW YEAR!!Eijia Enjinia
A four-member hip-hop group named “Asia Engineer,” whose name reflects two ambitions: “We want to break into Asia!” and “We want to remain craftsmen who create fun!” Their song “BYE! THIS YEAR!! HI! NEW YEAR!!,” included on their 4th album FANTASTIC 4, features Christmas-evoking sounds that create an end-of-year vibe.
The lyrics, which look back on the past year while building excitement for the new one, might help you ring in the New Year with a positive mindset just by listening.
With its breezy, comfortable beat, it’s also a great pick for karaoke.
SunYorushika
Yorushika’s new song is a gem written as the theme for the film “Shoutai” (Identity).
n-buna’s poetic lyrics and suis’s crystalline vocals weave a breathtaking world.
Through natural motifs like butterflies, the sun, deserts, and the sea, the song questions the fragility of life and the meaning of human existence.
Released in November 2024, it also drew attention for its music video, a collaboration with art director Tetsuya Nagato.
Seamlessly fused with the film’s atmosphere, the track is perfect for quiet nights or reflective moments.