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

School HeavenFingā 550rank/position

School Heaven

This song depicts the bittersweet memories of student days.

Released in March 1974 as one of Finger Five’s signature hits, it sets to a lively melody the competition among students for the seat next to the prettiest girl in class.

The lyrics are instantly relatable, as if speaking for everyone’s feelings.

With its fun vibe, it’s sure to liven up karaoke at year-end and New Year parties! The call-and-response parts make it easy for first-time listeners to sing along, so everyone can enjoy it together.

It’s a great pick when you want to get the crowd going while reminiscing about your school days.

LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.51rank/position

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)

It’s a signature song by a Japanese female idol group.

Released in September 1999, it became the group’s first million-selling single and topped the Oricon karaoke chart for 17 consecutive weeks.

Centered on the theme of love, its lyrics deliver a bright, uplifting message and sing of hope for Japan’s future.

It was used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Find the Idol!” and as a commercial song for the aesthetic salon “Ellessee.” Perfect for year-end and New Year party performances, its catchy melody and fun choreography are sure to energize any venue.

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu52rank/position

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

The music of Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE is appealing for its uplifting messages that resonate with young people.

Released in June 2014, this song features lyrics centered on themes of dreams, hope, and friendship.

With an energetic sound that fuses dance music and pop elements, it gives listeners a boost of energy.

It was also selected as the 2014 campaign song for Tokyo City Keiba, earning love across generations.

It’s perfect for entertainment dances at year-end and New Year parties as well—its powerful rhythm and positive lyrics are sure to liven up any crowd.

Rat-tat-tatSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu53rank/position

‘Rat-tat-tat’ Official Music Video / Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE

Isn’t this one of those songs that sticks in your head no matter when you hear it—totally addictive? “Rat-tat-tat,” released digitally in 2019 by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, is the kind of track that loops in your mind after a single listen.

It’s also used during Halloween Nights at Universal Studios Japan, where people dressed as zombies dance to it—the contrast is striking and makes it really fun to watch.

The choreography is simple, but the key is sharp execution—clean stops and starts with dynamic shifts—making it a dance tune that will surely make viewers want to get up and move too.

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utatane

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I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo54rank/position

I'm going to Tokyo.

This hit song by Ikuzo Yoshi, which portrays the lives of young people living in rural areas, was released in 1984.

Since then, it’s been used in all sorts of ways—remixes, funny videos collaborating with other tracks—and has become familiar even to those who don’t know its original release.

The outfit alone—like the twisted headband and happi coat—immediately identifies him, so it’s easy for people to recognize and enjoy if you sing it at a party.

Let’s liven up the year-end season with this track, which can be considered a pioneer of Japanese rap.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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DoraemonHoshino Gen55rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Doraemon (Official Video)

This is a song that Gen Hoshino released in February 2018 as his 11th single.

It was produced as the theme song for the national favorite anime film Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island, and it became a hot topic when the movie was released that March.

The sound is striking for its fusion of New Orleans second-line style with a distinctly Japanese sense of humor, and the interlude even quotes the nostalgic “Boku Doraemon” melody.

It’s a song everyone knows, from kids to adults, so it’s guaranteed to get the whole venue hyped.

The chorus is catchy and will make everyone want to sing along.

If everyone joins in, the sense of unity will be unbeatable!

Dancing HeroOginome Yōko56rank/position

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.]

The original song of singer Yoko Oginome’s “Dancing Hero,” released in 1985, was “Eat You Up,” a disco-style track that was popular in the UK at the time.

Although Oginome was pursuing an idol image back then, the Eurobeat-flavored song became a big hit, even breaking into the top 10 on the Oricon charts.

Later, comedian Nora Hirano used the song in her act, and in 2017 the Osaka Prefectural Tomioka High School Dance Club incorporated it into their choreography with the “Bubble Dance,” which went viral.

This led to a revival hit.

With its flashy bubble-era fashion and comical dance, it’s guaranteed to bring the house down when performed at year-end parties and similar events.

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nikki

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