[2026] Perfect for reunions and New Year’s parties! Karaoke songs to sing at New Year’s
During the New Year holidays, many of us go back to our hometowns and end up with plenty of chances to go to karaoke—whether with friends, at company New Year parties, or at family gatherings.
With friends you don’t have to worry too much, but when you’re singing in front of your boss or relatives, don’t you sometimes find it surprisingly hard to choose the right songs?
So in this article, we’ve put together a list of songs that perfectly capture the seasonal vibe of the New Year period.
Focusing on New Year-themed tracks, we’ve selected songs that everyone—from kids to adults—can enjoy and get excited about, so please use it as a reference!
- [New Year’s Songs] Timeless classics and popular New Year tunes you’ll want to listen to at the start of the year
- Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed, New Year-Ready, and Winter Songs
- [2026] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [For Seniors] Popular Karaoke Songs That Everyone Can Enjoy Together
- Japanese Pop Winter Song Rankings [2026]
- [For Seniors] Winter Classics to Sing in January: Heartwarming Moments with Nostalgic Children’s Songs and Kayōkyoku (Japanese Popular Songs)
- [New Year BGM] New Year Songs Loved Across Generations
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- [For Seniors] Recommended Songs for New Year’s Parties: Nursery Rhymes, Children’s Songs, and Popular Songs to Liven Up Even on Cold Days
- Songs to Play at the End of 2026! A Roundup of New Year’s Eve and Winter J‑Pop
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- Popular Winter Songs Ranking [2026]
[2026] For alumni gatherings and New Year parties! Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at New Year (61–70)
Heart, on the dancing side.meiyo
Written specifically for the 2023 New Year’s edition of au’s “Santaro Series” commercials, “Kokoro, Odoru Hou de” by TikTok-sensation meiyo delivers a cheerful vibe.
The spot features Shota Matsuda, Kenta Kiritani, and many other cast members dancing joyfully to the track.
Its irresistibly upbeat sound will make you want to start dancing, making it a perfect pick for New Year’s karaoke—be sure to add it to your setlist!
The Song of the Twelve Zodiac Animalshirake! ponkikki
This is a song that aired on Hirake! Ponkikki in the 1980s, and, just as the title suggests, it sings through the twelve zodiac animals in order.
If you watched the show back then, it may bring back fond memories—and some of you might still be able to sing it perfectly! Since it’s a children’s program song, it has a fun atmosphere throughout.
When you go to karaoke with relatives, it could be nice for the adults to sing it to help teach the twelve zodiac animals to the little ones.
I won’t forget the rain in January.THE ALFEE
THE ALFEE, who have continued to perform on the front lines throughout their long career.
This song, released as a single in 1988, is a minor-key ballad whose intro—fleeting and shimmering—evokes a wintry landscape.
The sound is beautifully crafted.
Sakazaki’s guitar in the instrumental break has a rich flavor, and above all, Sakurai’s vocals are incredibly cool! It makes you want to really sing it, surrendering yourself to the sound while savoring the lyrics.
January might not usually bring rain to mind, but it should fit perfectly on a rainy day.
It also sounds fun to rush into karaoke with your classmates at a reunion and belt it out together!
Orientgo!go!vanillas
How about performing a cheer-up song to express the feeling of “let’s do our best again this year”? Among them, the one I recommend for New Year’s karaoke is Orient, performed by the rock band go!go!vanillas—many people probably recognize them better by the nickname Vanillas.
The song carries a message about treasuring each day and living one day at a time, so it’s sure to lift your friends’ and family’s spirits.
You could also take cues from their live performances and add some ad-libbing to really get everyone excited.
Happy New Yearide ayaka
Perfect for celebrating the New Year, singer-songwriter Aya Idaya’s song “Happy New Year” pairs a soothing melody with the feeling of welcoming the start of a new year with someone you love.
It reflects on the past year while filling you with hope for the one to come.
Sing it at New Year’s parties with family and friends or at karaoke, and it’s sure to add a heartwarming vibe and get everyone excited.
Especially if you’re spending New Year’s Eve with someone special, try ringing in the new year with this song.
