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

Dance at my place (New Year’s Eve)Hoshino Gen

Let's Dance at My Place (New Year's Eve)

A heartwarming pop tune that colors year-end scenes spent with loved ones.

Although born during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Hoshino’s warm vocals and melody beautifully capture a stay-at-home vibe you can still enjoy.

When it was performed on the 71st NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen on December 31, 2020, a newly added second verse gave the piece even more depth.

Focusing on personal growth and new beginnings through everyday life at home, the song offers the courage to look forward even in difficult times.

It’s a track that shines with Hoshino’s signature playfulness and strong message—perfect for those who want to liven up year-end karaoke.

Let’s all dance and sing our hopes for the new year.

Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

This is a powerful rock number by Aimer that sings of a strong will to step into the future by overcoming past pain and conflict.

Released digitally ahead of the full release in December 2021 as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc, it became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.

Its grand sound—woven from brass and strings—fuses with her lustrous vocals to vividly portray the resolve and hope of those heading into battle.

It’s also popular as a motivational song, perfect for when you want to pour your burning feelings into a performance.

Try choosing it when you want a track that both excites the crowd and resonates in the heart at year-end parties or after-parties with coworkers!

LemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

It’s a moving number that portrays feelings for a dearly missed loved one.

Released in March 2018 as Kenshi Yonezu’s eighth single, it was written as the theme song for the drama “Unnatural.” The lyrics, which sing of profound sorrow and a sense of loss, strike a chord, and the bittersweet yet beautiful melody captured the hearts of many—truly a masterpiece.

The background of its creation, said to reflect his experience of losing his grandfather, also adds depth to the work.

If you’re looking for a ballad that resonates across generations for year-end karaoke, this song is perfect.

Overall, the key is relatively low and easy to sing, but the high notes in the chorus involve some leaps in pitch, so be sure to practice well before performing.

HappinessAI

AI – Happiness

Singer-songwriter AI, whose soulful and powerful vocals have encouraged many people.

This song was selected for Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign in 2011.

Its bright, powerful melody infused with gospel elements brings a festive flair that’s perfect for livening up year-end karaoke parties.

The lyrics, which celebrate the importance of smiles and the small joys in everyday life, are filled with a positive message that makes you want to sing it with friends as you wrap up the year.

Its wide recognition across all ages also makes it an ideal pick for a year-end party.

loveHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

Composed by Gen Hoshino as the theme song for the 2016 TV drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu), this number warmly portrays forms of love hidden in everyday life.

It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks, and the “Koi Dance” featured in the music video also became a hot topic as the drama’s ending.

Blending the oriental timbre of the erhu with a funky rhythm, it’s an irresistibly danceable pop tune that makes your body move.

Sing it at a company year-end party, and it’s sure to liven up the room—an established crowd-pleaser.

A town where it snowsyunikōn

UNICORN "A Town Where Snow Falls" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

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

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo

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.