Ranking of popular songs for year-end and New Year parties
Year-end and New Year events to enjoy with friends or company colleagues.
From year-end parties that wrap up the year to New Year gatherings, some of you might be in charge of picking the BGM.
From songs you can use for slideshow movies to theme songs for entertainment segments.
In this article, based on reliable feedback from music fans who have contributed to our site, we’ve researched everything from the latest hits to timeless classics, and curated especially cheerful numbers that should fit the mood of a banquet.
Enjoy!
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Top 10 Most Popular Songs for Year-End and New Year Parties
paprikaFoorin8rank/position
This is the song chosen as NHK’s support theme for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
It has also established itself as a piece of dance music.
As a signature track of the first year of the Reiwa era, almost everyone knows it.
Its upbeat vibe makes it great for dancing as a year-end party act or using as background music for entertainment.
If you have kids, dancing together with them will surely liven things up.
Sazae-san dance9rank/position
If you want to steal the spotlight at a year-end or New Year’s party, this song is highly recommended.
It features a lively rhythm and comical choreography, and became a big hit mainly on social media.
It started gaining popularity around 2018, with many people posting “I tried dancing” videos on TikTok and YouTube.
Its familiar melody and humorous moves have been embraced by a wide range of age groups.
It all began when members of the street performance group “Nanikore? Gekidan” performed it on the street, and it was later featured on TV shows as well.
The choreography is easy for anyone to enjoy, so if you dance with your coworkers, you’re sure to get the whole venue hyped up together.
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon10rank/position
This song could be called one of Sakanaction’s signature tracks.
Released in September 2015, it was also used as the theme song for the film “Bakuman.” Packed with pop and danceable elements, the track spread through social media and permeated a variety of scenes.
Its balance between surreal, quintessentially Sakanaction impact and overwhelming catchiness is outstanding.
The exhilarating chorus is also uniquely Sakanaction—just listening to it gets you excited.
With that vibe, it’s a perfect fit for karaoke too! It’s sure to bring extra energy to year-end and New Year parties.
Ranking of Popular Songs for Year-End and New Year Parties (11–20)
A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko11rank/position
Known as a classic anime song, this track is guaranteed to get everyone hyped.
Released in October 1995 as the opening theme for Neon Genesis Evangelion, it remains popular to this day.
Yoko Takahashi’s powerful vocals and the lyrics depicting youth, growth, and potential leave a strong impression.
It’s perfect for end-of-year or New Year parties, and just the intro will bring the whole room together.
It may be a bit challenging to perform, but it’s definitely worth taking on as a group.
Riding the good vibes ☆ NIGHTFakkingu Rabittsu12rank/position
It’s an upbeat party tune packed with a super memorable phrase—“Riding a good wave!”—that went viral on social media and TikTok! That same phrase was even chosen for the 2018 Gal Buzzword Awards.
With its catchy tempo and killer hook, it’ll get you hyped! People from that generation, and those who aren’t, can all have fun shouting the phrase together.
And the vocals are great, too!
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN13rank/position
This is the third single by the four-piece rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, a track that was also used as an insert song for the TV drama “Tentai Kansoku,” which was inspired by the song.
With its memorable intro—created by layering eight guitars to evoke a shooting star—and its lyrical, catchy melody, it’s one of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature numbers.
It’s sure to liven up karaoke sessions at gatherings like year-end and New Year parties.
Since the overall key is low and the song has a driving feel, it’s a recommended rock tune even for men who aren’t very confident at karaoke.
Marigoldaimyon14rank/position
Aimyon has grown into a songstress who represents the modern era.
Among her works, “Marigold” is an iconic track.
There are few people who wouldn’t recognize it if it played at a party.
That makes it an all-around song—great for a performance skit or for karaoke.
If you can play guitar, try a solo acoustic version or form a small band.
There are many ways to enjoy this song, so go ahead and play your own original take on “Marigold.”