[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
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- [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 to sing at New Year (51–60)
Go! That way!wanuka
Singer-songwriter Wanuka rose to fame after posting singing videos on YouTube.
When it comes to his New Year’s song, “Susume! Sotchi da!” is the one that stands out.
It was featured in au’s Santaro commercial in 2021, so many people have probably heard it.
The lyrics encourage taking positive action toward the future, so singing it should help you spend the New Year in a cheerful mood.
Overall, the song has a laid-back vibe, so relax and give it a try.
I don’t want to work.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai
Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai is a rock band known for songs about all kinds of foods and various relatable “been there” themes.
Among their tracks, this one especially resonates—it’s fun both to listen to and to sing.
As the title suggests, the lyrics single-mindedly express the feeling of not wanting to work.
If you find yourself at karaoke on the last day of the New Year holidays, right before you have to go back to work, be sure to sing this song and lay those “I don’t want to work” feelings to rest.
KiteMakihara Noriyuki
It’s a warm, uplifting song that evokes the image of flying a kite in the clear winter air.
Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album released in November 2007, “I Thought Sadness Was of No Use,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for the TV drama Good Doctor.
The lyrics feature motifs like “headwind” and “thread,” symbolically expressing the courage to face difficulties and the bonds with loved ones.
With melodies and words that resonate deeply, it won the Japan Gold Disc Award for Best Karaoke Song.
It’s a wonderful choice to sing when gathering with hometown friends and relatives at New Year’s, sharing hope and determination for the year ahead.
New Year (Japanese New Year)Denki Gurūvu
This is a track by Denki Groove, the techno duo of Takkyu Ishino and Pierre Taki.
It’s titled “Oshogatsu” (New Year’s), and while the lyrics are full of New Year–related words, the music itself doesn’t particularly feel New Year-ish.
Instead, it has their signature high-class polish, and the way the song develops in complex sections keeps ramping up the excitement as you listen.
If you’re among Denki Groove fans, singing this one is guaranteed to get the crowd going.
[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!
