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[2026] Japanese karaoke songs to sing at year’s end: a roundup of popular hits and classics
Have you decided what to sing at karaoke during the year-end party season? Unlike your usual karaoke sessions, it can be tricky to pick songs for company parties or after-parties with colleagues.
You want to liven things up without standing out too much, and you’d prefer songs everyone knows, but not ones that feel too safe—many people struggle with this balance.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of recommended songs that are easy to sing at year-end karaoke gatherings and can warm up the atmosphere.
From nostalgic classics to trending hits, you’re sure to find at least one track you’ll want to add to your repertoire!
[2026] Japanese karaoke songs to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular and classic hits (1–10)
Zankyo SankaAimer
This is a powerful rock number by Aimer that sings of a strong will to step into the future by overcoming past pain and conflict.
Released digitally ahead of the full release in December 2021 as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc, it became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.
Its grand sound—woven from brass and strings—fuses with her lustrous vocals to vividly portray the resolve and hope of those heading into battle.
It’s also popular as a motivational song, perfect for when you want to pour your burning feelings into a performance.
Try choosing it when you want a track that both excites the crowd and resonates in the heart at year-end parties or after-parties with coworkers!
LemonYonezu Kenshi
It’s a moving number that portrays feelings for a dearly missed loved one.
Released in March 2018 as Kenshi Yonezu’s eighth single, it was written as the theme song for the drama “Unnatural.” The lyrics, which sing of profound sorrow and a sense of loss, strike a chord, and the bittersweet yet beautiful melody captured the hearts of many—truly a masterpiece.
The background of its creation, said to reflect his experience of losing his grandfather, also adds depth to the work.
If you’re looking for a ballad that resonates across generations for year-end karaoke, this song is perfect.
Overall, the key is relatively low and easy to sing, but the high notes in the chorus involve some leaps in pitch, so be sure to practice well before performing.
HappinessAI
Singer-songwriter AI, whose soulful and powerful vocals have encouraged many people.
This song was selected for Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign in 2011.
Its bright, powerful melody infused with gospel elements brings a festive flair that’s perfect for livening up year-end karaoke parties.
The lyrics, which celebrate the importance of smiles and the small joys in everyday life, are filled with a positive message that makes you want to sing it with friends as you wrap up the year.
Its wide recognition across all ages also makes it an ideal pick for a year-end party.
loveHoshino Gen
Composed by Gen Hoshino as the theme song for the 2016 TV drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu), this number warmly portrays forms of love hidden in everyday life.
It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks, and the “Koi Dance” featured in the music video also became a hot topic as the drama’s ending.
Blending the oriental timbre of the erhu with a funky rhythm, it’s an irresistibly danceable pop tune that makes your body move.
Sing it at a company year-end party, and it’s sure to liven up the room—an established crowd-pleaser.
Dance at my place (New Year’s Eve)Hoshino Gen
A heartwarming pop tune that colors year-end scenes spent with loved ones.
Although born during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Hoshino’s warm vocals and melody beautifully capture a stay-at-home vibe you can still enjoy.
When it was performed on the 71st NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen on December 31, 2020, a newly added second verse gave the piece even more depth.
Focusing on personal growth and new beginnings through everyday life at home, the song offers the courage to look forward even in difficult times.
It’s a track that shines with Hoshino’s signature playfulness and strong message—perfect for those who want to liven up year-end karaoke.
Let’s all dance and sing our hopes for the new year.
MiracleGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s 7th single, released in May 2008, topped the Oricon Singles Chart as the theme song for the drama ROOKIES and ranked 4th on the 2008 Oricon year-end singles chart.
The lyrics, which straightforwardly depict the love of two people who met as if by a miracle, are striking for their wordplay that calls their encounter a “miracle” while layering it with the “trajectory” of days they’ve walked together.
The melody, woven from a hope-filled message and beautiful harmonies, warms the heart.
Often chosen for special moments like weddings and graduation ceremonies, this song is also perfect for an end-of-year party karaoke session—singing it together could wrap up the year in a warm, uplifting atmosphere.
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
This song has surpassed 700 million total streams and topped the karaoke rankings in 2023.
Known as one of Vaundy’s signature tracks, it was released in May 2020.
The lyrics passionately sing about days spent with cherished friends, filled with nostalgic memories and the glow of youth.
It was also featured in a Maruha Nichiro commercial, and its performance at the 2022 year-end Kohaku Uta Gassen propelled its popularity.
The high-range falsetto is particularly striking, making it an easy pick for those confident with higher notes.
Designed with call-and-response in mind, it’s perfect for live shows and ideal for high-energy year-end occasions.