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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 (91–100)

A gentle cityŌta Hiromi

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.

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Turning Uparashi

ARASHI – Turning Up [Official Music Video]
Turning Uparashi

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.

zunx2P
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DEAR…againHirose Kōmi

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.

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A winter fairy is melting a snowmanKimura Kaera

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

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.

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A HAPPY NEW YEAR -Happy New Year-Matsutōya Yumi

With its somewhat wistful, lonely sound, Yumi Matsutoya’s “A HAPPY NEW YEAR” is perfect for the year’s end.

It’s a track from her 1981 album “Let’s Meet Last Night,” featuring a memorable, continuous piano arpeggio phrase.

The song was also used in the film “Take Me Out to the Snowland.” It’s a love song filled with the hope of “May you have a good year” and the desire to spend the coming year with you.

After a run of high-energy songs at karaoke, how about dialing it back with the gently melancholy “A HAPPY NEW YEAR”?

Hamada Takuya
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