[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!
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[2026] Japanese karaoke songs to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular and classic hits (1–10)
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!
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.
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.