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

If (they were) cousinssatō moka feat. Mom

If We Were Cousins feat. Mom / Moka Sato — Music Video

As karaoke winds down, you sometimes want to relax with a mellow song, right? In those moments, how about singing “If We Were Cousins”? It’s a track performed by singer-songwriter Moka Saitō and Mom.

The lyrics express the feeling that if the person you’re into were your cousin, you could spend all your time together.

The bittersweet words, paired with a city-pop style melody, are sure to leave a pleasant aftertaste.

It also works great as a duet for a male-female pair.

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somedayyuzu

Someday – Yuzu (cover)

As the year draws to a close, we tend to look back—resolving that next year will be the one, or getting a bit sentimental.

When the cold winter makes you feel lonely, how about a song like this? It’s a winter tune that’s perfect for the year’s end.

I feel like singing it gives me a boost of energy.

last year, this yearandāgurafu

“Last Year This Year” (full MV) / Under Graph

Released in December 2012 as a ballad portraying New Year’s Eve, this song begins with the sound of a koto and gently depicts year-end and New Year scenes along with feelings for one’s hometown.

The repeated greeting “Akemashite omedetou” (“Happy New Year”) conveys gratitude to loved ones and hope for the future.

It has that warm, heartfelt melody characteristic of Under Graph that really resonates.

The background is lovely too: it started as a radio project and was completed over about a year.

Aiming to become a New Year’s season standard, it portrays the beautiful image of Japan welcoming the new year with family and friends.

It’s a perfect track for anyone looking for a gentle, reflective New Year’s song to listen to with someone special.

spring cleaningkingu gidora

spring cleaning

Starting from the fresh idea of “cleansing” the rap world in the spirit of year-end housecleaning, this track showcases King Giddra’s members delivering sharp lyrics and hard-hitting beats to critique the hip-hop scene of the time while flexing their own skills.

Included on their debut album The Power from the Sky, released in December 1995, the song is highly regarded as a classic of Japanese rap.

Though it wasn’t released as a single, the album as a whole brought innovation to Japan’s hip-hop scene.

It’s a great pick when you want to add a bit of punch to year-end parties or karaoke.

Why not belt out its socially critical, self-assertive lyrics with your crew and turn up the heat?

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda

Nihon Zenkoku Sakenomi Ondo - Baracuda

This song by Barracuda is a classic that cheerfully depicts Japan’s drinking culture from north to south.

Its lyrics are memorable for their upbeat refrain of “We can drink!” as they celebrate monthly events and local specialties.

Released in December 1979, the track is said to draw inspiration from Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo in Disney’s Cinderella.

With approachable, dialect-laced lyrics and a lively rhythm, it’s guaranteed to liven up year-end parties and banquets.

Link arms and sing it together at a year-end drinking party, and you’re sure to make great memories.