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

universal gravitationFukuyama Masaharu

Banyuinryoku

Released digitally in September 2025, “Universal Gravitation” was written as the theme song for the Nippon TV information program DayDay.

The song explores the idea that even when we feel lonely amid the clamor of the city, people are drawn to each other by an invisible force.

Its lyrics contrast a heart bewildered by the buildings’ scattered reflections with stars that, though unseen, are undeniably there—gently revealing the warm connections hidden in everyday life.

It’s a cheer song that stays by your side during the hectic morning rush and lifts you into a positive mood.

JANE DOEYonezu Kenshi, Utada Hikaru

Kenshi Yonezu, Hikaru Utada – JANE DOE

It’s a number that makes a swell of bittersweet emotion rise up.

Written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu, with vocals by Yonezu and Hikaru Utada, this track creates a one-of-a-kind chemical reaction.

It portrays a sorrowful yet beautiful love that seems to wish for someone to trace the blood left by wounds inflicted on oneself, and it’s the kind of song that loosens your tear ducts as you listen.

Utada’s voice, which sweeps through like the wind, further deepens the piece’s melancholic atmosphere.

Released in September 2025 on Yonezu’s single “IRIS OUT / JANE DOE,” this track served as the ending theme for the Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc theatrical anime.

Please savor the lingering afterglow of the story.

CharismaxSnow Man

Snow Man “Charismax” Music Video

A striking track that blends para para—the dance craze of the 1990s—with rapid-fire rap and a modern dance sound.

It’s a song released by Snow Man, known for their acrobatic performances, in August 2025.

The lyrics depict people stuck in dull routines unleashing their hidden brilliance and stepping into the spotlight, delivering a positive message that listeners themselves can become “charisma.” The music video even features a breathtaking scene with 250 dancers taking over the Shibuya crossing, visually amplifying the song’s energetic appeal.

Released after the single “SERIOUS,” this track is guaranteed to lift your mood.

Give it a listen when you want to boost your energy during housework or a workout!

The limits of languageHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Limits of Words” Music Video

This is a track included as a coupling song on the single “Onegai Bach!” released in September 2025.

Hina Kawata, who was approaching graduation, served as the center.

The song contemplates the vastness of the universe while expressing the limits of putting precious feelings into words, and celebrates a bond of hearts that transcends language.

Its acoustic sound is warm and wonderful.

It’s a message song you’ll want to give to someone setting off on a new journey.

Year-end songs from 12/26 onward[Alexandros]

[With Lyrics] [Alexandros] Year-end Song from 12/26 Onward

This song by [Alexandros] is perfect as a year-end track, just from the title.

The lyrics also make it a great fit for karaoke during the end-of-year party season.

It’s a mid-tempo folk song with Yohei Kawakami’s gentle vocals, so it’s a piece you can actually enjoy performing yourself with guitar and singing along.

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CocktailA.B.C-Z

A.B.C-Z / Cocktail (Music Video)

“Cocktail” is a track released in August 2025 as the first installment of a three-month consecutive release.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Anna Takeuchi, it features a romantic ensemble with a floating, airy feel.

The lyrics portray someone sinking into a love as sweet as a cocktail.

The members’ luscious vocals express a fragile longing that you can’t help but get lost in.

Be sure to add this mellow dance tune to your playlist.

Love Song in DecemberGACKT

GACKT “December Love Song”

This song gently portrays the warmth of lovers coloring a winter city.

Released by GACKT in December 2001, it became highly popular both in Japan and abroad, with versions produced in multiple languages.

It was created with a wish for peace, influenced by the experiences of the September 11 attacks in the U.S.

and a visit to Madagascar.

The tender melody in a ballad style and the lyrics imbued with the hope that children around the world can smile leave a strong impression.

Loved as a classic winter song, it even led to appearances on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen for two consecutive years.

The lyrics depict lovers thinking of each other in the cold, making it a song you’ll want to sing softly on long winter nights.

It’s a track you’ll want to play on a year-end evening spent with someone special.