[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!
- Karaoke Songs to Sing in December 2026! J-Pop Picks Perfect for Christmas and Year-End Parties
- [2026] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [2026] Best Karaoke Picks for New Year’s Eve! A Roundup of Popular and Hit Japanese Songs
- Songs to Play at the End of 2026! A Roundup of New Year’s Eve and Winter J‑Pop
- [2026] Representative Famous Enka Songs: A Compilation of Classic Favorites [Beginner-Friendly]
- [2026] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Latest and All-Time Favorite J-Pop Hits
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- Songs that make you sound good at karaoke
- [2026] Perfect for reunions and New Year’s parties! Karaoke songs to sing at New Year’s
- [2026 Edition] Songs You Can Scream at Karaoke: Recommended Japanese Tracks for Blowing Off Steam
- Karaoke songs everyone can sing: Japanese tracks that are easy to enjoy with a group.
- Recommended for great singers! A collection of impressive songs if you can sing them
- [Year-End/ New Year Parties] A Big Feature on Hype Anisongs! Classic Anime Song Masterpieces
[2026] Japanese karaoke songs to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular and classic hits (1–10)
A town where it snowsyunikōn
It’s a winter classic woven from snowy cityscapes and the unhurried pace of year’s end.
Released in December 1992, the song peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon chart.
With lyrics by Tamio Okuda, it depicts the bustling streets of late December and a couple spending quiet time together amid the rush.
The shuffle-based beat and melody are said to strongly reflect mid-period Beatles influences.
It’s a perfect track not only for livening up year-end parties and karaoke, but also for sharing peaceful moments with someone special.
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
This song features warm lyrics and a melody that evoke the arrival of winter.
The lyrics, which depict happy moments with a lover, gently resonate with listeners.
Released in November 1991 and used as the commercial song for Sapporo Beer’s “Fuyu Monogatari,” it has become a beloved winter staple for many.
Noriyuki Makihara’s gentle vocals blend perfectly with the harmonica, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
It’s an ideal track to sing together and liven up year-end parties or karaoke with friends.
The vocal range isn’t wide, making it easy for anyone to sing, which is another part of its charm.
travel anecdoteCreepy Nuts
The song Miyagebanashi (“Souvenir Stories”) sings about the birth and journey of the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts.
It was included as the final track on their 2021 album Case.
The scene depicted in the song—two friends spending New Year’s Eve together at one of their homes—evokes memories of youthful days for many listeners.
Its stylish chord progression and groovy beat are also part of the appeal.
Be sure to sing it at karaoke, and get everyone to put their hands up during the chorus to hype things up!
2026: Japanese karaoke songs to sing at year-end. A roundup of popular and classic tracks (11–20)
New Year’s Evesadamasashi
It’s written “Ōmisoka,” but read as “Ōtsugomori.” It’s a gentle, folk-style song characteristic of Masashi Sada.
Calm and easy to sing.
The song says to forget the sad events of this year and welcome the new year in a good mood.
It makes you look forward to that slightly bittersweet year-end moment when the year comes to a close.
The Land of ‘Good Job’ (Otsukaresama)Saitō Kazuyoshi
Kazuyoshi Saito continues to add his own distinctive color to the Japanese music scene.
Released in December 2008, this song gained major attention as the theme for Takeda Pharmaceutical’s Alinamin commercial.
Its gentle melody—crafted as a cheer for people leading busy lives—and Saito’s warm, slightly wistful vocals resonate deeply.
Centered on the gratitude and care embodied in the phrase “Otsukaresama desu” (“thank you for your hard work”), the song is perfect for year-end parties and farewell gatherings.
It’s sure to become a karaoke staple that everyone can sing together to encourage one another.
You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko
As a song perfect for December, when the year draws to a close, we’d like to introduce one of Akiko Wada’s well-known hits.
Released in March 1972, this track is among the most popular and representative works in her long career.
With lyrics by Yū Aku themed around the times and loneliness, and an emotionally rich melody by Kōichi Morita, it leaves a strong impression and resonates with many listeners.
It has been performed six times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and was also used in a commercial in 1991.
Its hopeful lyrics and Akiko Wada’s powerful vocals are sure to provide a moving conclusion to the year.
Subaru -Subaru-Tanimura Shinji
It’s a masterpiece known for its profound lyrics that explore life and dreams from a cosmic perspective, paired with a melody that resonates deeply.
Released by Shinji Tanimura in 1980, it has since been covered by many artists and has gained great popularity not only in Japan but across Asia.
In 1987, it appeared at the 38th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and Hibari Misora also covered it in her 1984 album “Sui-sen no Uta: Hibari Misora Sings Pops.” At year-end karaoke, its lyrics—where nostalgia and hope intersect—can make for memorable moments.
If you’re in the mood to reflect on the meaning of life and our cosmic connections, give it a listen.