[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 Karaoke for New Year’s Eve! A Compilation of Popular and Hit Japanese Songs (41–50)
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song with the faint, sweet-and-sour scent of youth.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in April 2023, this track gives a push to everyone taking on a challenge.
Its powerful determination to face hardship, supported by a refreshingly crisp sound, cuts through like winter air.
Motoki Omori’s playful vocals showcase a wide expressive range—from delicate to bold—stirring the listener’s heart.
Created as the theme song for an ABC TV/TV Asahi drama series, it was also featured in a Spotify brand campaign.
On New Year’s Eve, belting it out might just help you kick off a year brimming with hope.
[2026] Recommended for New Year’s Eve karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs (51–60)
Even when next year comesMy Hair is Bad
It’s a perfect song for the year-end and New Year atmosphere! The delicate lyrics spun by Shiiki and the unique world woven by the band’s sound seep right into your heart.
The protagonist’s yearning for a happy ending is sure to strike a chord with listeners.
This track is included on the album “woman’s,” released in October 2016, and it showcases the breadth of My Hair is Bad’s musicality.
It’s ideal for singing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve to cap off the year.
This is a song I especially want people to hear when they’re feeling that complex mix of anticipation and anxiety for the new year.
December 31NMB48
“December 31st” is a ballad that looks back on New Year’s Eve, filled with bittersweet feelings.
It’s a track from NMB48’s first album “Teppen Totta de!” released in 2013 by the idol group representing the Kansai region.
The lyrics depict the frustration NMB48 felt when they couldn’t perform at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and they inspire anyone who has experienced similar setbacks to feel, “Next year for sure!” The vivid, relatable scenes make it easy to empathize and strengthen your resolve to take on new challenges.
The title fits perfectly, and it’s exactly the kind of song you’d want to sing on New Year’s Eve to turn it into strength for the coming year!
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
It’s ONE OK ROCK’s fourth single, released in 2010.
It’s a hardcore track that, in my opinion, steps beyond the bounds of Japanese J-pop and stands at a world-class level.
It’s a challenging song, but the sense of exhilaration when you manage to sing it through is unbeatable.
It really gets people hyped, so let’s all sing it together on New Year’s Eve.
PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH
Formed around Oriental Radio, this dance and vocal unit sparked a massive boom in 2016.
The song’s quality and performance are so good you’d never think they’re comedians—truly PERFECT.
It’s not just cool; it also has solid comedic moments, making it satisfying both to watch and to listen to.
Let’s all copy the choreography and get hyped to this song together on New Year’s Eve.
Is that okay?RADWIMPS
RADWIMPS’s signature song “Iindesuka?” is one of their tracks that sings about love in a real, down-to-earth way.
It’s a love song, but it’s also the kind of song that brings everyone together, clapping along in unison.
Wouldn’t it be nice for everyone to sing it together on New Year’s Eve, warming our hearts?
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
A song by SEKAI NO OWARI released in 2013.
It was chosen as a movie’s theme song and became a big hit, right? This track makes you feel like you could be the hero of a role-playing game.
It’s gentle and bittersweet, yet it fills you with joy.
No matter what, keep looking forward, don’t lose heart, and clear each step one by one.
Isn’t it an encouraging song with that kind of message? Everyone, try singing it together with your friends.