![[2025] Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing over New Year’s: Classic and popular Japanese hits](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/-wb2PAx6aEs/maxresdefault.webp)
[2025] Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing over New Year’s: Classic and popular Japanese hits
As we enter the latter half of December and the year-end approaches, opportunities to go to karaoke increase with year-end and New Year parties during the holiday break.
If you’re thinking, “Since it’s the end of the year, I want to sing karaoke songs that are perfect for ringing in the New Year,” this article introduces recommended Japanese songs for year-end karaoke.
We’ve put together a selection that includes beloved classics from the Showa era, recent masterpieces that capture the New Year’s mood, and even the latest songs performed on the quintessential New Year’s Eve program, the Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Be sure to check it out!
[2025] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: Classic and popular Japanese hits (1–10)
Bye, see you again sometime!Kenshi Yonezu
Written specifically as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Tora ni Tsubasa,” this piece is an irresistibly catchy track that makes you want to sing it at New Year’s karaoke.
Kenshi Yonezu’s characteristically poetic lyrics and memorable melody blend beautifully, and the words—depicting the passage of time and life’s changes—are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Infused with the drama’s passionate legal-world motif and hopes for the coming year, this song is recommended for those looking to liven up year-end and New Year karaoke or express their New Year’s resolutions through song.
IlluminationB’z
The song is a gem written specifically as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Omusubi.” In the piece crafted by B’z’s Koshi Inaba and Tak Matsumoto, the brilliant moments reached after life’s ups and downs are likened to “illuminations,” infusing the lyrics with a warm poetic touch that lights a beacon of hope in listeners’ hearts.
Its approachable pop-rock melody delivers a fresh energy that’s perfect for the morning hours.
Together with the drama, which began airing on September 30, 2024, it brings many viewers vitality and positivity every day.
This track is also perfect for singing at karaoke over the New Year holidays.
With hopes for the coming year in our hearts, let’s sing together and get the party going!
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts
With the recent popularity of styles that fuse country, hip-hop, and pop, the breakout of Creepy Nuts—who embody just that kind of musicality—could be called inevitable.
Their massive hit, sure to be mentioned when we look back on the music scene of 2024, is a gem of a song where an inventive track meshes perfectly with irresistibly catchy lyrics.
Although it was originally written as the opening theme for a TV anime, it dominated charts at home and abroad after a dance challenge went viral on social media.
If you’re singing this one at karaoke, I recommend going all-out with a confident delivery, riding that year-end excitement straight through.
Subaru -Subaru-Shinji Tanimura
This is a renowned song by Shinji Tanimura, marked by its grand sense of space and powerful message.
The lyrics, which sing of the Pleiades star cluster, are filled with deep reflection that explores the meaning of life and our connection with the universe.
Released in 1980, the piece became emblematic of Tanimura’s solo career and is loved not only in Japan but across many Asian countries.
If everyone sings the chorus together, it can create a moving moment at the stroke of the New Year.
It is highly recommended for those who wish to reflect on life as the year draws to a close.
With its blend of solemn atmosphere and strength, this song invites you to embrace hope for the new year.
You Are the One Who Rings That BellAkiko Wada
This is a masterpiece that expresses, with deep meaning, the sound of bells ringing out at the very moment the old year turns to the new.
Released in March 1972, it is known as one of Akiko Wada’s signature songs.
Its lyrics, celebrating the joy of reclaiming hope and love, are perfect for the positive feelings that accompany the New Year.
The song won the Best Vocal Performance at the 14th Japan Record Awards and has been performed six times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, continuing to be cherished by many.
It’s a great choice to sing at year-end and New Year gatherings, filled with wishes for the year ahead.
Why not prepare to welcome a hopeful New Year together with your singing companions?
ToughSaucy Dog
A medium-tempo rock ballad that rides on a relaxed melody, portraying the anxieties and inner conflicts of everyday life.
Included in Saucy Dog’s mini-album “Blue Period,” released in October 2019, this song conveys the struggles of pursuing dreams during the year-end season and a strong will toward personal growth.
Its lyrics delicately capture emotions from dusk into night, paired with emotive vocals that truly stand out.
If you sing it at a New Year’s karaoke gathering, why not do so with a resolve to look back on the past year and set new goals? It’s sure to resonate with friends who share the same feelings.
December 31NMB48
This song poignantly portrays the feelings of a girl shedding tears alone in front of the TV on New Year’s Eve.
NMB48’s music is a pop tune packed with the members’ down-to-earth emotions.
Included on the February 2013 album “Teppen Tottande!,” it’s a ballad with Sayaka Yamamoto at center.
The lyrics, filled with frustration and determination over missing the chance to perform on Kouhaku, seem to gently push forward anyone striving toward their dreams.
Sing it with friends at New Year’s karaoke, and you’ll surely feel hope welling up for the year ahead.
For fans, this piece is a deeply meaningful song that symbolizes the growth and resolve of NMB48, the group based in Osaka.