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

My PrincessROIROM

ROIROM ‘My Princess’ Music Video

This is a love song, the second pre-debut release from ROIROM, the duo of Hiromu Honda and Michi Hamakawa.

Set against a Christmas backdrop, the lyrics are memorable for expressing feelings toward an irreplaceable person.

Winter motifs like candlelight and snowy scenery are woven throughout, creating a romantic world.

Sonically, warm melodies blend with a stylish beat, resulting in contemporary pop that avoids leaning too sweet.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side on a winter night spent with someone special.

39DISCOsunisute

[MV] 39DISCO / Sunisute – SneakerStep Prod. STPR MUSIC

Released in November 2025, this track epitomizes Sunisute’s momentum.

Centered on themes of “drinking” and “hospitality,” it unfolds a mic relay over a breezy disco beat, carrying an irresistible groove that gets your body moving.

The lyrics welcome listeners as guests, making it a perfect BGM choice to hype up end-of-year and New Year gatherings or any party.

It’s a high-energy hospitality anthem.

U.S.A.DA PUMP

DA PUMP / U.S.A. (short ver.)

Released in June 2018, this was DA PUMP’s 29th single and became a massive hit that turned into a social phenomenon.

It’s a cover of Italian singer Joe Yellow’s 1992 song of the same name, featuring Eurobeat’s high-energy rhythm and a catchy melody.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV show “Osama no Brunch,” its sound—blending nostalgia with freshness—sparked buzz.

Thanks to viral spread on social media, it won the Excellence Award at the 60th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a sure-fire party anthem that everyone, young and old, can dance to—perfect for year-end parties and after-parties.

The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE

The Future Projection II

A signature ballad by Dreams Come True that captures lovers’ hopes for the future.

Included on the album “LOVE GOES ON…” released in November 1989, this piece is an expansive piano ballad running over seven minutes, yet it carefully portrays everyday scenes like phone conversations and casual gestures during a drive.

In 1993, it was featured in a Sony Handycam commercial, and the “brake light” moment mentioned in the lyrics became such a hot topic that many couples imitated it.

Beloved as a wedding and reception staple, it’s also sure to wrap a year-end party in warmth if you sing it there.

With its relaxed tempo that makes it easy to sing and the comfort of being widely known across generations, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke.

Love SongGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Love Song

Released in May 2007, the group’s third single was the first love song by GReeeeN, a four-member music group from Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, and it remains a beloved classic across generations.

Riding a pop melody with pure feelings for a loved one, the song peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart, sold over 300,000 CDs, and became the first full-track mobile download to surpass one million.

It has also been featured in numerous tie-ins, including as the promo CM song for shows like Uta Star!! and the drama ROOKIES.

Its simple, catchy melody and straightforward lyrics make it easy to sing at karaoke—perfect for end-of-year parties and any time you want to brighten the mood.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

SMAP – The Only Flower in the World

As a signature song of SMAP, a group loved nationwide for many years, this 35th single was used as the theme for the TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” (The Way I Live).

Penned by Noriyuki Makihara, its message—“not number one, but the only one”—is filled with warmth that affirms the everyday efforts you make.

With a relaxed tempo and a modest vocal range, it’s easy to sing, and because it’s a universally known classic, everyone can join in at a company year-end party.

Sway your body while copying the chorus choreography, and the whole venue is sure to come together in high spirits.

A heartwarming ballad perfect for the year’s end.

Love so sweetarashi

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

Released in February 2007 as the theme song for the drama Hana Yori Dango 2 (Returns), this 18th single solidified Arashi’s popularity.

Its lyrics, centered on the universal theme of love—memories and bonds with a cherished person being etched in the heart beyond physical distance—resonate with listeners by calling up their own precious memories.

Selling about 204,000 copies in its first week and ranking 4th on Oricon’s 2007 annual singles chart, the song is a timeless classic loved across generations.

With its bright, catchy melody that’s easy to learn for karaoke, it’s the perfect hit tune to sing with close friends at year-end parties—sure to get everyone fired up.