[2026] Japanese karaoke songs to sing at year’s end: a roundup of popular hits and classics

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki

Era – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

It’s a timeless classic that has been covered by many singers and never loses its luster, even after decades.

While Miyuki Nakajima’s powerful vocals are one of her great appeals, in this song her gentle voice really touches the heart.

The passage of time can be fleeting, but this piece encourages you to keep moving forward, step by step, toward the future.

It’s the kind of song you want to sing to welcome the New Year with brightness.

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Snow BlossomNakajima Mika

Mika Nakashima 'Yuki no Hana' Music Video

When the song was first released, it was used in a candy commercial.

In 2019, a film inspired by this track was produced and became a hot topic.

Mika Nakashima is well-known for her love ballads, and this song is one of the prime examples.

Its heartrending melody evokes the loneliness of winter.

How about singing this song while reminiscing about old memories?

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youKōda Kumi

Kumi Koda / “you” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

I listened to it again for the first time in a while, and I think this song by Kumi Koda is a perfect winter ballad for December.

The lyrics and melody are really lovely, so it’s pleasant to listen to and makes for a song that fits a calm winter perfectly.

Be sure to sing it at karaoke.

A gentle cityŌta Hiromi

A Gentle Town — Hiromi Ohta

This work, with its emotionally rich lyrics and gentle melody that sink into the heart, is a song released by Hiromi Ohta in October 1979.

Set in Tsukishima, it delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist starting a new life and the events of their everyday days, leaving listeners with a warm impression.

The charm also lies in how it conveys the atmosphere of Tsukishima—through details like the sound of mochi pounding and the dialect of the old downtown.

Included on the album “Hiromi Ohta Singles 1978–2001,” the song incorporates elements of folk while showcasing Ohta’s distinctive individuality.

It’s perfect for listening alone on a quiet year-end night, or for sharing with someone special to spend a calm, soothing time together.

Turning Uparashi

ARASHI – Turning Up [Official Music Video]

It’s a song that makes you want to start singing while bouncing to its pop vibe.

It also incorporates elements of dance music and rap, and after just one listen, anyone’s energy will rise and feel like singing together in a circle.

There are plenty of chorus parts throughout, so splitting the vocal sections among multiple people will make it even more fun.

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DEAR…againHirose Kōmi

Kohmi Hirose / DEAR…again

This song is a romantic winter piece that really suits the season starting in December.

I think her songs go perfectly with winter and snow.

I listened to it many times, memorized it, and sang along.

The high notes are quite difficult, but I think it’s fun if you give it a try.

A winter fairy is melting a snowmanKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “A winter fairy is melting a snowman” [short ver.]

This song was one I personally loved.

I sang it a few times at karaoke, too.

Its very cute and unique sound draws listeners in.

It’s definitely a song I want you to learn and try singing.

The style is a bit unusual, and the chorus is in English.