A classic that evokes the year’s end. Looking back on the year through music [Just a little left of this year!]
What kind of year has it been for you?
This year felt long yet short, and at last it’s time to wrap it up!
Year-end always comes with all sorts of events, and music is essential for getting into the spirit, right?
So in this article, we’ve picked out plenty of songs that are perfect for the end of the year.
From songs about the year’s end to winter tunes, we’ve gathered popular tracks across generations—so you’re sure to find the perfect song for you!
Whether you’re someone who says, “This year was great,” or someone who feels, “This year was so-so,” we’ve got a full lineup of year-end songs we hope you’ll listen to.
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Timeless songs that evoke the year’s end. A year in review through music [Almost the end of the year!] (71–80)
Rock ‘n’ roll drummers love cleaning.Gita Panda
An artist who made his major-label debut at 24 and is now expanding his fan base while producing albums for various musicians, Guitar Panda.
The track “Rock ’n’ Roll Drummers Love Cleaning,” included on his 8th album, Guitar Panda’s Rock ’n’ Roll Pandemic, features irresistibly catchy phrases that stick in your head.
Its cleaning-themed lyrics are likely to evoke the year-end atmosphere familiar to people in Japan.
It’s a catchy pop tune that also makes you rethink your relationship with cleaning.
I’m here (feat. STUTS)butaji
This song, which depicts the joy of walking down a year-end boulevard together and the feelings that return more vividly as time passes, is captivating for its unique sound that fuses electronic elements with folksy live instrumentation.
Butaji’s distinctive vocals blend beautifully with STUTS’s track-making.
Included on the album “RIGHT TIME,” released in October 2021, the track delicately expresses loneliness, regret, and the feeling of thinking about someone, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a perfect song for those spending the New Year’s period alone or anyone who wants to look back on time with someone special.
Why not surrender yourself to Butaji’s voice and quietly reflect on the past year?
Mr.SnowmanE-girls
With its memorable hook and addictive rhythm, this cute winter song will have you humming along before you know it.
It was also featured in a commercial for “e-ma throat lozenges.” A love song that portrays a woman’s feelings, it captures the kind of tender emotions that feel like your heart might just melt.
Don’t you sometimes long for someone’s warmth when the cold winter sets in? It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while watching the falling snow and thinking of someone special.
Timeless songs that evoke the year’s end. Looking back on the year through music [Almost there for this year!] (81–90)
Good fortune comes to a cheerful home.chiitana
It’s the perfect track to elevate the New Year’s holiday spirit.
Included on Chiitana’s June 2019 album “Arianote,” this song centers on the proverb “Good fortune comes to a smiling home,” conveying the importance of smiles and a positive attitude.
Interweaving traditional Japanese seasonal motifs, it vividly portrays scenes like the lively year-end atmosphere, mochi-pounding gatherings, and the tolling of temple bells on New Year’s Eve.
With an uptempo BPM of 180, the song blends elements of pop and electronica into dance music that energizes listeners.
The VOCALOIDs IA and ONE deliver sprightly rhythms and a catchy melody, making it a perfect pick for anyone getting ready to welcome the New Year.
Winter Fantasykazan
“Winter Fantasy” is the signature song by Cousin, a duo formed by two cousins, and it became their biggest hit.
Released in 1995 as their third single, the track was used in a commercial for an alcoholic beverage brand.
The song beautifully conveys the clear, crisp atmosphere of winter.
On the calendar, it’s DecemberBeibī Reizu JAPAN
Some of you may be looking for songs that energize you for the coming year.
In that case, I’d like to recommend “Koyomi no Ue de wa December.” It’s a song presented as being performed by an idol group that appears in the NHK morning drama series Amachan, while the actual vocals are by Babyraids.
It’s a catchy pop track where the rhyme on the word “December” in the title feels especially pleasing.
Another reason to recommend it is the abundance of phrases that evoke the year’s end.
New Year’s March!Nijigasaki Gakuen Sukūru Aidoru Dōkōkai
It’s an anthem by the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club that sings of hope and joy for the New Year! This single was released on January 24, 2024, and was created as part of a collaboration project with the smartphone game Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE!.
The lyrics, which express the fun of each month from January to December, evoke the changing seasons while reminding us of the importance of spending the year with a bright, positive outlook.
Featuring all members of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, the song premiered at their 6th live concert and has been well received by fans.
It’s the perfect track to play at year-end and New Year events, or anytime you want to celebrate the start of a new year.