Ranking of popular songs for year-end and New Year parties

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai78rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo (Short Ver.)

The irresistibly cheerful and cute number is Ai Otsuka’s “Sakuranbo,” right? It’s a pure love song, with lovers likened to cherries in an adorable way, and it’s no exaggeration to call it one of her signature tracks.

In recent years, the comedy duo Nyanko Star has used it in their routines, so the song has likely caught on with younger generations as well.

It’s an upbeat, happy tune that people of all ages can enjoy singing at karaoke.

If you’re unsure what to pick for a year-end or New Year’s party, be sure to consider this one!

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miyabi

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MasqueradeShonentai79rank/position

We tried dancing to Kamen Butoukai by Snow Man × King & Prince

A glamorous dance number with which Shonentai made their debut in December 1985.

Starting with an unforgettable, rhythmically striking intro, the song topped the Oricon charts and won the Best New Artist Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.

Its lyrics depict the extraordinary world of a masked ball, and its inventive arrangement features a touch of 5/4 time.

Created under the concept of “a song that lets office workers tie their neckties around their heads and let loose,” it’s perfect for party entertainment! The choreography is memorable and easy to learn, and because it’s widely known across generations, it can get the whole venue fired up.

If you prepare costumes like masks and suits, you’ll enhance the atmosphere and stage an even more dazzling performance.

Many people will feel a sense of nostalgia—sure to make it an unforgettable memory!

Moechakka FireIssei80rank/position

[Anatacia] Moechakka Fire - Tried Dancing

This hard bass number by Issei Makoto, released in July 2024 as an homage to Ellen Joe from the game Zenless Zone Zero, is set in a maid café.

Its lyrics juxtapose outward charm with a cool, detached inner voice, weaving a distinctive world of cute vocabulary and biting irony.

The deep vocal range and highly addictive sound leave a strong impression, with a short yet rapid-fire structure.

Lip-syncs in maid outfits and finger-heart choreography spread on TikTok, and it topped YouTube’s music charts for the week in October 2024.

The simple hand moves are easy to copy, and when performed by a crowd, it’s guaranteed to get the whole venue hyped.

Do it in cosplay and it’ll be a surefire conversation piece.

Jamboree Mickey! Let’s dance!Tokyo Dizunī Rizōto no Kizzu Dansu Puroguramu81rank/position

“Jamboree Mickey! Let’s Dance!” Mirrored, Slow Motion — Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea “Jamboree Mickey” Dance Practice (Mirrored & Slowed)

A smile-filled dance song born from the Tokyo Disney Resort kids’ dance program.

Its fun rhythm makes you feel like you’re dancing with Mickey and his friends, and the easy-to-follow moves are a big part of its charm.

It’s a tune that naturally makes energetic kids want to move their bodies, and it’s perfect for a wedding performance, too.

With simple actions like clapping and jumping, even little children can join in with confidence.

The greatest appeal of this song is how it brings the entire venue together in smiles.

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Nakamū

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Silent majorityKeyakizaka4682rank/position

Keyakizaka46 'Silent Majority'

This is the debut single by the idol group Keyakizaka46, which was formed in 2015 and rebranded as Sakurazaka46 in 2020 for a fresh start.

With a stylish sound that differs from the typical image of idol songs and a powerful, youth-driven message toward society, it captured a wide range of fans.

The large-scale, perfectly synchronized performance reminiscent of a military unit is sure to excite audiences, drawing applause and cheers even as entertainment at year-end and New Year parties.

If you match the expressionless look from the original performance, you can recreate an even closer atmosphere—give it a try.

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Hoshino Takashi

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water lily blossomShonan no Kaze83rank/position

Shonan no Kaze “Suirenka” MUSIC VIDEO

You could even say it’s a high-energy summer anthem perfect for hyping up banquets and parties.

The fact that it took first place in the 2012 “High-Calorie-Burning Karaoke Songs” ranking shows just how powerful this track is.

Its masculine vibe makes it perfect for a New Year’s party where a bunch of guys get together to talk about their resolutions.

Sing it with lots of energy, putting in that “Let’s keep the momentum going this year!” spirit.

It might even be fun to swing a towel around like you’re at a festival to really set the mood.

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yuri

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WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro84rank/position

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

Ayaka × Kobukuro’s memorable first single, released in February 2007, is a song that sings of life’s winding road and the hope that awaits beyond it.

Born from a collaboration sparked by a joint appearance on a music program, it was also featured in a Nissan Cube commercial and debuted at No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The grand choral work of the three vocalists and its message—encouraging listeners to keep moving forward step by step even through difficult times—are deeply moving.

It’s a perfect song to sing at year-end parties, reflecting on a year of hardships and challenges while channeling hope for the coming year.

If you have confident male and female singers, definitely try it as a duet: a powerful yet warm classic.