[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!
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[New Year’s Songs] Masterpieces and Popular New Year Tracks to Hear in the New Year (31–40)
January 1st
It’s a hymn that celebrates the first day of a new year and conveys a sense of strength.
It’s a well-known piece, often played during the New Year season and used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “New Year’s Hidden Talent Show.” There are several versions with different lyricists and composers, but the one with lyrics by Sonpo Senge and music by Shinko Ue is the most famous.
Because Sonpo Senge had close ties to Izumo Taisha, a monument inscribed with the song was erected on the east side of the Kaguraden at Izumo Taisha.
The song conveys gratitude for welcoming the New Year and a strong wish for a good year ahead.
Happy New Yeardongurizu
Kicking off in 2020, the childhood-friend music duo Dongurizu’s song “Kinga Shinnen” is a track that gives a jolt of energy to the typically laid-back New Year period! The lyrics cover common New Year’s customs as well as things you ought to get done during the holiday.
It’ll make you think, “I didn’t realize there was so much to do during a New Year that flies by so quickly.” The fast-paced arrangement—featuring a rap section—is another highlight.
Give it a listen as an upbeat New Year’s tune you can enjoy!
New Year (Japanese New Year)Denki Gurūvu
Speaking of New Year’s, it’s a festive day when you stuff yourself with delicious food from noon, get New Year’s money, and laze around… right? Denki Groove’s “Oshogatsu” captures that celebratory feeling to the fullest in musical form.
With its unique twists and turns, once you hear it, it becomes addictive—you’ll want to play it on repeat during a New Year’s when there isn’t much to do.
The sense of intoxication that carries you all the way through the outro is irresistible.
Immerse yourself in a New Year’s vibe like nothing you’ve experienced before!
O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi
Fuyumi Sakamoto, who has become almost a yearly staple of the year-end tradition Kohaku Uta Gassen, is an artist whose famous song “Yozakura Oshichi” you can’t help but want to listen to from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day.
Since its release in 1994, it has continued to be loved nationwide, with covers by other artists as well.
The brassy tones are unusual for enka, and the jazzy feel makes it a joy to listen to.
It might be a great one to try singing when you go to karaoke with the family over the New Year holidays!
kite (traditional Japanese kite, lit. “servant/henchman kite”)fuki no tō
Let me introduce “Yakko-dako,” a song by Fuki no Tou, a folk duo from Hokkaido who debuted in 1974 and were active for 18 years until 1994.
The song centers on the theme of kites flown high during the New Year.
You can picture a kite gliding freely through the sky, unconcerned with the passage of time.
Since their breakup, there hasn’t been any talk of a reunion, and perhaps the members of Fuki no Tou are each freely walking their own paths now.
It’s a charming song that I recommend for the New Year season.
[New Year’s Songs] Masterpieces and Popular New Year Tunes to Hear in the New Year (41–50)
Has the plum blossomed?
“Has the Plum Blossomed?” is a kouta (short song) based on the “Shongaebushi” melody, likening geisha to the seasonal flowers.
While the plants that appear in the lyrics are metaphors for geisha, the inclusion of flowers that symbolize the seasons also evokes imagery of beautiful landscapes.
As one of the Edo-period hauta (short lyrical songs), it is typically performed with shamisen and dance, strongly conveying the atmosphere of traditional Japanese performing arts.
Since the New Year is still a cold season, the song can also be felt as one that longs for the scenery of flowers blooming in full glory.
New Year’s postcard of lovehofudiran
Let me introduce “Koi no Nenga Hagaki” (“New Year’s Postcard of Love”), a song by the two-piece unit band HOF DYLON, who debuted in 1996, went on hiatus, and resumed activities in 2006.
The song’s theme is a New Year’s card from a girl the singer likes.
These days many people greet each other at the New Year by email or LINE, but this track might remind you of the fluttery feeling of not knowing whether a New Year’s card will arrive.
The lyrics, which capture the joy of the moment you receive the card, will warm your heart.