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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 hits and classics (101–110)

New Year’s March!Nijigasaki Gakuen Sukūru Aidoru Dōkōkai

The song released by the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club in January 2024 features bright, forward-looking themes celebrating the start of the New Year.

It sings about enjoying the changing seasons and events from January to December while keeping a positive mindset throughout the year.

Opening with the phrase “Let’s go! Step forward!”, its lyrics brimming with hope for the future leave a strong impression.

The track was unveiled as a collaboration single with the smartphone game Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE!.

Issued as a double A-side single in two editions, it achieved commercial success, including reaching 5th place on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to savor the excitement of welcoming the New Year or kick off the year with a bright, uplifting feeling.

29Nishino Kana

Kana Nishino “29” MV (Short Ver.)
29Nishino Kana

This work by Kana Nishino, created as she entered the final year of her twenties, is a track included on the album “Love Collection 2 ~mint~.” The lyrics are packed with memories of her twenties, contrasting the carefree fun of her younger days with the reality of being swamped with work, while expressing both excitement and anxiety about her thirties.

Nishino herself has said it’s “just like me,” making it a down-to-earth song that resonates with many listeners.

The music video features three versions of Kana Nishino, showcasing playful, cute expressions and colorful fashion.

It’s a perfect recommendation for year-end parties or company gatherings, especially for those who are spending their last year in their twenties.

Dear…Nishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Dear...(short ver.)'
Dear...Nishino Kana

This is another song I absolutely want to sing once December comes.

When it comes to love songs, you can’t leave out Kana Nishino.

It’s a winter song with really great lyrics—you’re guaranteed to be moved.

Be sure to learn it and try singing it at karaoke.

It might make men fall head over heels.

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri

Sayuri Ishikawa “Amagi-goe” LIVE Ver. (from Sayuri Ishikawa On Stage: Utazammai 2015 at Hakataza)
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri

When it comes to winter enka, this is the song.

I always feel like listening to it as the year draws to a close.

It’s also a staple on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

I’d say there isn’t a Japanese person who doesn’t know this song.

The vocal “kobushi” hits you right in the chest.

And that signature line in the chorus makes you want to sing along, doesn’t it? You might not sing enka at karaoke very often, but I highly recommend this one for the New Year’s season.

I’m in love.Every Little Thing

In Love: Every Little Thing cover by YUKKA feat. K☆
I’m in love.Every Little Thing

It’s a classic winter love song that I remember and feel like singing when December or the year’s end arrives.

The lyrics are so beautiful that they’re bittersweet and well up in my heart.

It’s a happy song that somehow makes me feel good and fills me with happiness even as I sing it.

[2026] Japanese Karaoke Songs to Sing at Year-End: Popular and Classic Hits (111–120)

broad daylightKing Gnu

A mellow song, “Hakujitsu,” by the hybrid band King Gnu.

It also serves as the theme song for the NTV Saturday drama ‘Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer.’ It begins with a calm tone but builds toward the end.

Thanks to the interplay of melody lines, it’s a song that multiple people can enjoy singing together at year-end parties.

RikaSIX LOUNGE

“Rika” SIX LOUNGE Music Video / Illustration by Miku Masuda
RikaSIX LOUNGE

A song portraying deep bonds and complex emotions with a loved one was released by SIX LOUNGE in August 2023.

It powerfully depicts two people supporting each other amid harsh realities, backed by a heavy rock sound.

Set in the cold winter of December, it opens with an image of dreaming about singing of peace in front of a heater, and its lyrics—where love and inner conflict intertwine—are sure to leave a lasting impression.

This track showcases the band’s distinctive musicality to the fullest.

It has received high praise from the singer aiko and has captured the hearts of many listeners.

How about singing it at year-end karaoke to convey your complicated feelings for someone important to you?