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 (51–60)

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

This is one of SHISHAMO’s signature songs, which was also used in a commercial.

It’s very characteristic of them—an encouraging song for people who work hard every day.

It’s bright, energetic, and charmingly feminine.

How about we all sing this song together on New Year’s Eve as we head into a new year and a new tomorrow?

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BeautifulSuperfly

Superfly『Beautiful』Music Video

BeautifulSuperfly

Superfly’s signature song “Beautiful” is definitely a message-driven track aimed at women.

It’s the kind of song that gives courage and strength, like a push on the back for those who are giving it their all.

Wouldn’t it be great to sing this song coolly at the end of the year and take a step forward into the next one?

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At least for today.TETORA

TETORA – Official Live Music Video for Today at Least

At least for today.TETORA

TETORA is a three-piece rock band that has won popularity with songs marked by vocals that capture listeners’ hearts and dramatic developments.

“Kyou Kurai wa,” included on their first album, From a Corner of the Classroom, features a melancholic melody carried by a light, shuffling beat that really sticks in your ears.

Its sentimental lyrics, which evoke the end of a romance, make it a perfect soundtrack for times when you want to sink into your own world.

It’s an emotional rock tune that’s also great for New Year’s Eve karaoke at the close of the year.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Short Ver.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s 10th single, released in 2015.

This song is one of their signature tracks—a refreshing, killer number.

Just listening to it lifts your spirits, and at this point it’s practically a karaoke staple.

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[2026] Recommended for New Year’s Eve Karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs (61–70)

The impact of a single dropUVERworld

UVERworld “A Drop’s Influence -Double Life-”

The impact of a single dropUVERworld

This is UVERworld’s standout song from 2017.

It’s a powerful track packed with their feelings, and it seems to sing about accepting the harshness and pain of having to keep moving forward as we face and experience various moments in our daily lives, and not letting them defeat us.

I think it’s a song many people resonated with.

Let’s sing this song on New Year’s Eve and welcome a new year.

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Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster's Flower Song)Vaundy

A signature song by Vaundy, known for its exhilarating sound and emotionally resonant lyrics.

Released in 2020, it was also featured in commercials for Maruha Nichiro’s WILDish series.

As a symbolic anthem of the live music scene’s revival after the pandemic, it’s become so popular that audiences sing along nationwide.

The lyrics, which blend wistful feelings with a rising sense of elation, are perfect for listening on New Year’s Eve.

It’s a great pick for those who want to sing together with friends and get hyped.

Be sure to try it at karaoke to make some year-end memories.

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Rusty NailX JAPAN

X JAPAN – Rusty Nail(PV)

Rusty NailX JAPAN

If you’re singing on New Year’s Eve, it has to be this song: X JAPAN’s “Rusty Nail.” This is a song that resonated with every rocker’s heart.

With its hard sound and catchy melody, it’s perfect for everyone to get hyped and sing together on New Year’s Eve.

The key is very high, so women can sing it, and even if men can’t hit the notes, it’s a song everyone can shout along to together.

Definitely give it a try.

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