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[New Year’s Songs] Timeless classics and popular New Year tunes you’ll want to listen to at the start of the year

For New Year’s, you want to listen to songs that fit the season, right?

You might think of traditional pieces like “Haru no Umi,” but isn’t it surprisingly hard to find J-pop that feels perfect for New Year’s?

In fact, while there are tons of Christmas songs, there are relatively few songs for the New Year.

In this article, we’ll introduce lots of tracks you’ll want to play as the year begins, focusing mainly on J-pop!

Be sure to read to the end and soak up the New Year’s spirit!

Of course, we’ve also picked out the classic New Year’s staples!

[New Year’s Songs] Masterpieces and Popular New Year Tunes to Hear in the New Year (71–80)

last year, this yearandāgurafu

“Last Year This Year” (full MV) / Under Graph
last year, this yearandāgurafu

A song by Under Graph that draws you in with its nostalgic atmosphere.

The exquisite blend of the koto’s beautiful tones and a rock sound creates a comforting feel.

Released as a digital single in December 2012, it was also included on the album “7+one ~Oto no Irodori~” released in July 2013.

It carefully depicts year-end and New Year scenes—going back to one’s hometown, reunions with friends, and hopes for a new year.

It’s a perfect track for those who feel grateful to have welcomed the new year.

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Auld Lang Syne / Hotaru no Hikari

Auld Lang Syne – “Happy New Year” 🙂
Auld Lang Syne / Hotaru no Hikari

Did you know that “Hotaru no Hikari” is not originally a Japanese song, but a Scottish folk tune? The original song, titled “Auld Lang Syne,” has long been beloved in Scotland, where it is informally regarded as a quasi-national anthem and played on celebratory occasions such as New Year’s, weddings, and birthdays.

In Japan, “Hotaru no Hikari” is widely known as a Japanese song and is especially associated with the year-end and New Year season because it is sung at the end of NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Hearing the grand chorus by the artists makes you really feel the start of a new year, doesn’t it?

yuri
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Seven Lucky GodsSuiyōbi no Campanella

Let me introduce “Shichifukujin” by Wednesday Campanella! Wednesday Campanella is a music unit formed in 2012, and the vocalist Utaha joined later in 2021 as the second lead singer.

Their popularity took off through activity on social media like TikTok, and their main appeal lies in their pop sound.

“Shichifukujin” also has a bright vibe, making it a perfect track to listen to at the start of the New Year! By the way, while you can do the ‘Shichifukujin Meguri’—a pilgrimage to shrines and temples that enshrine the Seven Lucky Gods—at any time of year, it’s said to be most auspicious if completed by January 7th of the New Year.

Kawamura Mina
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New Year in Japan (NIPPON)Kamon Tatsuo

[Tatsuo Kamon] This is what New Year’s was like in Japan. “NIPPON no Oshōgatsu”
New Year in Japan (NIPPON)Kamon Tatsuo

This is a New Year’s song by Tatsuo Kamon, who’s popular for his parody songs.

It’s full of relatable “New Year at home” moments that will make you laugh without even trying! I’m sure it depicts scenes you’ll see this New Year as well.

Spending such simple, ordinary New Year’s days is a kind of happiness, isn’t it?

Hane Keisuke
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New YearRepezen Chikyuu

Repezen Chikyu – 56th Single「Happy New Year」
New YearRepezen Chikyuu

This is a song from the music group Repezen Foxx, who are also popular as YouTubers, back when they performed under the name Repezen Chikyu.

The light, upbeat track incorporates the feel of traditional Japanese instruments, conveying a lively and fun atmosphere.

The lyrics focus on otoshidama—New Year’s gift money that children often receive from their grandparents—which is one of the pleasures of the holiday for kids.

It also portrays people trying to get their hands on a large sum of money by any means, depicting bad behavior.

In that sense, it can be taken as a cautionary example, suggesting we wouldn’t want children to grow up with that kind of mindset.

kappamaki
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In conclusion

We introduced plenty of songs perfect for the New Year.

Traditional music passed down through the ages really gives off that unmistakable “New Year!” feeling, doesn’t it? Meanwhile, J-pop songs about the New Year often express familiar emotions—like nostalgia for one’s hometown—or paint vivid New Year scenes.

Be sure to find your favorite tracks and enjoy a wonderful New Year!