[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] For reunions and New Year’s parties! Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at New Year (41–50)
HAPPY NEW YEARShirai Takako
“HAPPY NEW YEAR,” a song about welcoming the New Year with someone special, is a number by singer-songwriter Takako Shirai, who was known as the “Queen of Rock” in the 1980s.
This short track, about two minutes long, was included on the Christmas-themed mini-album ‘PRINCESS NIGHT,’ released in 1985.
Accompanied by acoustic piano, her gentle yet powerful vocals—befitting the “Queen of Rock”—draw you in as you listen.
Be sure to play it as you ring in the New Year with your partner or family.
It’s the dawn of Japan!
From the opening line to the very end, the repeatedly sung “dayo” might not make sense, but it’s a catchy song you can’t get enough of.
What’s more, it’s a mysterious song with a strange persuasiveness that makes you feel that if you work hard every day, a bright future will surely come.
I think you could call it a “truly amazing song, dayo.” This is real.
A HAPPY NEW YEARBase Ball Bear
With lyrics celebrating the dawn of a new year and an upbeat, lively rhythm, this is a memorable track.
It’s packed with the pop-rock elements characteristic of Base Ball Bear, wrapping listeners in warmth.
Included on the album DIARY KEY, released in October 2021, the song takes themes from Hatsumode at Meiji Shrine and the New Year’s sunrise.
The phrase “May there be lots of happiness” is repeated many times, so singing it at karaoke could strengthen bonds with friends, coworkers, and family.
It’s a perfect choice for those who want to liven up New Year’s parties or reunions.
The kindness and hopeful message woven into the lyrics are sure to resonate with everyone present.
Rising SunEXILE
Its bright, hopeful tone is perfect for the start of a new year.
Released in September 2011, this song is also known as a charity single supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
It carries a powerful message that any hardship can be overcome, and if sung at New Year’s gatherings or reunions, it’s sure to resonate with everyone.
Also used as the theme for an NTT Communications commercial, the piece drew attention for its grand music video featuring more than 500 supporting members.
As the new year begins, why not share the feeling of facing forward with hope and courage together?
Tokyo Winter Session feat. Yuu Setoguchi, Natsuki Enomoto, Souta Mochizuki, Akari Hayasaka, Haruki Serizawa, Mio GoudaHONEY WORKS
A bright, upbeat track featuring a star-studded cast of voice actors, chosen as the ending theme for the anime “Our Love Has Always Been 10 Centimeters Apart.” Its poppy, approachable vibe makes it easy to enjoy for listeners of any generation.
Of course, it’s also a great pick for New Year’s parties and reunions! It’s perfect for kicking off the year on a positive, happy note.
As the title “Tokyo Winter Session” suggests, it features a male-female call-and-response, so it’s even more fun as a duet to really capture the mood.
You might just feel the distance between you shrink through the song…
