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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Classic songs that evoke the year’s end. Looking back on the year through music [Almost time to say goodbye to this year!] (41–50)
HappinessAI
Because AI’s “Happiness” was used as the commercial song for a soft drink’s Christmas campaign in 2011, it tends to be thought of as a winter song.
As we approach the end of the year and look back, there were days when we could smile easily and plenty of days when we couldn’t.
But all’s well that ends well! Listening to this song, which reminds us we’re not alone, naturally fills us with warmth and brings out our smiles.
Let’s wrap up this year with a smile and carry it into the next one!
Timeless songs that evoke the year-end season. Looking back on the year through music [Almost the end of the year!] (51–60)
Country RoadHon’na Yoko
A great recommendation for anyone planning a year-end trip back to their hometown is Country Road, sung by Yoko Honna.
This song is well known for being used as the theme song of Studio Ghibli’s film Whisper of the Heart.
It’s based on Take Me Home, Country Roads, released in 1971 by American singer-songwriter John Denver—a title that, in Japanese, is often rendered as “I want to return to my hometown.” The lyrics describe someone walking their own path without looking back at their hometown.
Even those who once left home with firm goals in mind—why not bring this song along and return to your memory-filled hometown at the end of the year?
Snow MenHoshino Gen
A song written specifically for Shiseido’s Maquillage web short film “Snow Beauty.” Its Black music-inspired rhythm and simple, steadily flowing melody glide pleasantly into the ears.
An adult’s unresolved love—impossible to forget even if one tries—is depicted through the metaphor of snow.
As the year draws to a close, it’s not such a bad idea to gaze at the falling snow and revel in unforgettable memories.
In My TownMr.Children
“In My Town,” included on Mr.Children’s 17th album [(an imitation) blood orange] released in 2012.
If you’re a Mr.Children fan, chances are you always listen to this song at the end of the year.
Many people are swamped with work around that time, but on your way home, don’t you sometimes feel a touch of loneliness or wistfulness in that distinctive year-end atmosphere? This song suits those moments perfectly, conveying that indescribable end-of-year mood.
HOMEShimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu’s debut single “HOME,” released in 2008.
While “home” literally means a house, it can also refer to your base of activity, and in this song in particular it carries the sense of a place you return to.
Many people head back to their hometowns around the New Year, but there are also those who don’t—or can’t.
This is a track that sinks deep into the heart of such listeners, evoking memories of one’s hometown or the people who cheer you on.
It just might serve as an anthem for those working hard through the year-end and New Year holidays.
December 31NMB48
A track from NMB48’s first original album, “Teppen Totande!” released in 2013.
The song conveys the frustration of not being able to appear on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Don’t we all have goals we couldn’t achieve in a year or moments that left us disappointed? This song turns that frustration into motivation, encouraging us to work hard in the coming year.
Christmas songback number
A song written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “5→9: The Monk Who Fell in Love with Me.” It’s about wanting to say the simple words “I love you,” yet not being able to… That bittersweet worldview is expressed together with music that evokes a white Christmas.
At the end of the year, why not try expressing your love and gratitude to someone special?