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 Karaoke for New Year’s Eve! A Compilation of Popular and Hit Japanese Songs (41–50)

All-Night RadioAdo

[Ado] All-Night Radio

All-Night RadioAdo

Ado, a singer who started as a utaite and made her major debut in her teens, has been gaining attention both in Japan and abroad.

Her 21st digital-only single, “All Night Radio,” was written as the theme song for the live-streamed stage drama event ‘Ano Yoru de Aetara.’ Its urban ensemble, highlighted by catchy guitar cutting, brings a refreshing vibe that can even brighten the atmosphere at karaoke.

It’s a light, lively pop tune that will add color to New Year’s Eve in these times filled with somber news.

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Hoshino Takashi

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If I Hadn’t Met You ~Summer Snow Winter Flower~Aimer

Aimer - Had I Not Met You ~Summer Snow, Winter Flower~

If I Hadn't Met You ~Summer Snow Winter Flower~Aimer

This is a song included on Aimer’s long-awaited first album, “Sleepless Nights.” It’s not exactly an up-tempo track suitable for New Year’s Eve, but I’m sure some people have had not only joyful experiences this year, but also sad and lonely ones.

For those people, singing this song on New Year’s Eve and starting the next year with fresh feelings might be a nice way to kick off a happier, better year.

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faceCIVILIAN

CIVILIAN 'Face' (web ver.)

faceCIVILIAN

A song by CIVILIAN released in 2017.

It became a hot topic partly because Tomoe Shinohara appeared in the music video.

The song has a strong message—doesn’t everyone have some kind of complex? I think it’s a track anyone can relate to.

It’s also a powerful song, so belting it out at the end of the year could be a great idea.

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SoliloquyClariS

ClariS “Hitorigoto” Music Video Short ver.

SoliloquyClariS

This song, which was also tied up with a certain anime, pairs cute, poppy sounds with catchy lyrics and a memorable melody, making it a fun, exciting track.

When you go to karaoke with friends, I bet it’ll draw attention if a girl sings it.

It’s honestly such a cute song.

Give it a try on New Year’s Eve too—you’ll be the center of attention.

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road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN

“Michi,” one of GReeeeN’s signature songs.

It really carries a strong message, doesn’t it? With lyrics that anyone can easily understand, it’s a classic that resonates straight with the heart.

Wouldn’t it be great to link arms with friends, share some drinks, talk about all sorts of things, and sing this song together?

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best day, best wayLiSA

LiSA　『best day, best way -MUSIC CLIP-』

best day, best wayLiSA

LiSA’s 3rd single “best day, best way” is a poppy and cute song.

It expresses a true-to-life LiSA, packed with her feelings and the sentiment she’s always sharing with fans and everyone—“Today is a good day!” It’s a wholehearted track by Tomoya Tabuchi of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, a staple of LiSA’s productions.

Just like the title says, why not try singing this song at the start of the year so you can walk the best day and the best way?

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morning starLiSA

LiSA “Akeboshi” -MUSiC CLiP- (TV anime Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc opening theme)

morning starLiSA

This is the opening song of the anime Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc, which aired in 2021.

The Mugen Train Arc was originally released as a feature film and is known for surpassing Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away at the box office.

Many people were moved to tears by how cool Kyojuro Rengoku was, weren’t they? If you’re singing at a year-end karaoke party, a lot of people will want to choose a highly recognizable song.

In that case, singing a theme song from a popular anime is a great choice.

This song has a slow tempo, so even those who aren’t good with fast songs should find it easy to sing!

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