[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] Perfect for reunions and New Year parties! Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at New Year (1–10)
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
If you’re looking for a song brimming with winter atmosphere and perfect for welcoming the New Year, this AKB48 piece is just right.
Characterized by a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar, its warm sound—reminiscent of 1970s folk songs—resonates deeply.
Originally produced in 2015 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” the track has continued to be loved in many contexts since.
Released in January 2017, it’s ideal for singing at New Year gatherings as a song that celebrates the start of a fresh year.
The lyrics, which compare life to a paper airplane, also make a great conversation starter when sharing New Year’s resolutions.
Why not? / Who cares? / It’s all good.GO!GO!7188
An exhilarating rock number that fuses traditional Japanese aesthetics with a sense of speed.
Featured on the first album released after their label switch in June 2010, “Go!!GO!GO!Go!!,” this track bears a title inspired by a late-Edo-period popular movement and expresses a festive atmosphere through contemporary dance beats.
It opens with vivid imagery—crimson skies and water lilies—and builds to a chorus whose repeatable phrases invite everyone to sing along, creating a design that unites the entire venue in shared excitement.
It was also included on a live release featuring recordings from the August 2010 tour, proving its ability to ignite crowds.
A lively, uplifting song perfect for gatherings like New Year’s parties or reunions!
The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster
This song, which has become popular as the perfect anthem for New Year gatherings, is the group’s 12th single, released in August 2018.
It was selected as Japan Coca-Cola’s annual image song and became widely familiar through commercials in the PyeongChang Olympics and FIFA World Cup versions.
A warmly arranged version was also produced for the winter season, enhancing the holiday mood.
Its positive message, depicting a world filling with smiles, is well suited to the start of a new year; the powerful, liberating chorus unites the entire venue like a rousing fight song.
The rich harmonies of Little Glee Monster and the handclap-driven energy are sure to brighten any reunion or New Year’s party!
[2026] Perfect for reunions and New Year’s parties! Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at New Year (11–20)
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
WANIMA’s signature song, released on January 1, 2017, became widely known through au’s “Santaro” commercial series and is a pop-punk number loved by all ages, from children to adults.
Based on a traditional Japanese song, it passionately conveys the importance of taking on challenges and maintaining a positive mindset.
With its fast-paced sound and easy-to-sing melody, it’s perfect for kicking off a new year.
Sing it at New Year’s parties or reunions, and it will create an upbeat atmosphere of “Let’s do our best this year!” Encouraging listeners to take a brave first step without fearing failure, this track is an ideal anthem for New Year’s resolutions.
New Year’s Gift ~TOUDAIMOTOKURASHI~misoshiru’s
A song by Miso Shiru’s, known as close allies of RADWIMPS, who have now become a wildly popular rock band across Japan.
It’s a comic song featuring exhilarating vocal work and lyrics about all the things everyone probably thought at least once in elementary school regarding New Year’s gift money.
Many of us were told by our moms, “I’ll hold onto it for you,” when we got our New Year’s money as kids.
This song depicts the not-so-simple battle of trying to say, “It’s about time you gave it back!!” Beyond being highly relatable, it’s got that signature fun Miso Shiru’s arrangement, so it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going if you sing it at karaoke!
New Year’s March!Nijigasaki Gakuen Sukūru Aidoru Dōkōkai
A bright, upbeat song to celebrate the start of the New Year—perfect for karaoke during the holiday! Released by the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club in January 2024, this track sings about the importance of keeping a positive mindset throughout the year.
It leaves a strong impression with its outlook of moving toward a hopeful future while enjoying monthly events and the changing seasons.
The song was released as a collaboration single with the smartphone game Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE!.
When it was first performed at the 6th live concert, it reportedly received high praise from fans.
It’s a great pick for New Year’s parties or reunions when everyone wants to feel uplifted.
Let’s celebrate the start of a new year with its energetic vocals!
Rock ‘n’ Roll New Year’s Gift MoneyOhtaki Eiichi
A song that paints New Year’s scenes in Japan to a rock ’n’ roll rhythm perfectly captures the excitement of the season.
It weaves traditional events like the Joya no Kane temple bells, the first shrine visit of the year (Hatsumōde), and kite flying into catchy, pop-style lyrics, with playful nods to classic Western music phrases.
Showcasing Eiichi Ohtaki’s unique musical flair, the track was included on the 1977 album “NIAGARA CALENDAR.” There’s even an anecdote that the sound effects at the beginning were recorded by Ohtaki himself.
Sing it at a New Year’s party or class reunion and it’s sure to get everyone—across generations—fired up.
It’s the perfect song for anyone wanting to soak up the New Year spirit or enjoy a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western styles.