[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!
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[2025] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: Classic and popular Japanese hits (1–10)
National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarracuda
A smash hit that celebrates Japan’s drinking culture nationwide, this song is perfect for ringing in the New Year.
Its charm lies in humorous lyrics that weave in local specialties and festivals from various regions, always finding reasons to raise a glass.
Released in December 1979, it posted an astonishing 720,000 sales and remains beloved as Barracuda’s signature tune.
It’s guaranteed to light up year-end and New Year parties—whether it’s a bonenkai or shinnenkai—any occasion where people enjoy a drink.
The lyrics sprinkled with regional dialects are great fun too, and singing it together will boost the energy even more.
A town where it snowsUnicorn
A gentle portrayal of year-end scenes, this song is known as a classic by Unicorn.
Set against falling snow and the quiet passage of time, its lyrics about cherishing moments with a loved one are deeply moving.
Released in December 1992 as their eighth single, it reached No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
Originally conceived as a Christmas song, it was later reshaped to capture the entire year-end season.
It features a shuffle-style beat and a melody influenced by mid-period Beatles.
Perfect for taking a breather during the busy year-end.
It’s an ideal track for those who want to treasure time with someone special or reflect on the past year before the New Year.
Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to create a warm, festive New Year’s atmosphere.
Dance at my place (New Year’s Eve)Gen Hoshino
This song drew attention as a message tune that reframes the self-restrained lifestyle brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in a positive light.
With a melody and lyrics brimming with Hoshino Gen’s signature playfulness, it warmly accompanies those feeling loneliness or a sense of stagnation.
After being released on social media in April 2020, a special version featuring newly added second-verse lyrics was performed on the December 31 broadcast of the 71st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
As the New Year arrives, if everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to make for a wonderful countdown.
Wrapped in Hoshino Gen’s gentle vocals, why not carry hope for the year ahead in your heart?
[2025] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: Classic and popular Japanese hits (11–20)
New Year’s Eve SongRemioromen
Released in 2010, this song features a melancholic melody and lyrics that are incredibly emo.
It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve—while reflecting on the past year and getting lost in thought, you’ll find yourself quietly looking forward to the one to come.
Sing this song, and you might even move the people around you.
the last day of the monthSpitz
It’s a powerful rock number that feels like it’s racing across the New Year’s night sky.
As the closing track on Spitz’s album “Souvenir,” it was also used in a soft drink commercial in 2006.
The exhilarating sense of speed in the performance and the clean vocals blend together in perfect balance.
The lyrics express a determination to overcome hardship and move toward a fresh beginning, making it perfect for listening at the very moment the year turns.
If you sing this song on New Year’s Eve, feeling the rising excitement as the countdown approaches, the moment you welcome the new year will become even more special.
With hope for the year ahead, why not raise your voice and sing your heart out?
era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima
Just like the title of the song suggests, it’s a classic that’s been sung across the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.
Times turn, times come full circle.
As Miyuki Nakajima sings, things that were popular in the ’80s are popular again now; old things are revived and used at the cutting edge.
The songs Miyuki Nakajima sings can be heavy, gentle, warm, and sorrowful all at once.
I also recommend listening to Miyuki Nakajima’s songs other than “Jidai.”
365 daysMr.Children
A song woven with love messages that can continue day after day is one you’ll want to sing during the special moments of year’s end and New Year’s.
Featured on Mr.
Children’s album “SENSE,” released in December 2010, the track was also used in commercials for NTT East and NTT West, resonating with many listeners.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s delicate vocals gently embrace the unwavering feelings for a loved one.
If you sing this song as you ring in the New Year with someone dear, it will surely become a cherished memory.
With hope for the year ahead, why not sing it while pouring your feelings into it for that special person?