[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] Recommended for New Year’s Eve Karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs
- [2025] Japanese karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular hits and classics
- [2025] Classic Karaoke Songs That Hype Up Year-End and New Year Parties
- Songs Men Want Women to Sing at Karaoke: Swoon-Worthy Picks [2025]
- Karaoke Songs to Sing in December: Perfect for Year-End Parties! Winter and Christmas Songs
- [2025] Perfect for reunions and New Year’s parties! Karaoke songs to sing at New Year
- Get the Party Pumped with Anisongs! Must-Play Classics and Bangers for Year-End and New Year Parties [2025]
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Karaoke is all the rage: Must-know recent songs [2025]
- [2025] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- [2025] Liven Up Your Party! A Roundup of the Newest J‑Pop Hits and All-Time Crowd Favorites
- Christmas songs sung at karaoke! Introducing easy-to-sing tracks
- Popular Japanese pop karaoke. Latest rankings [2025]
[2025] Karaoke songs to sing on New Year’s Eve: Classic and popular Japanese hits (11–20)
Would you like some Noto?Fuyumi Sakamoto
Set in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, this classic enka song depicts love for one’s hometown and a sense of nostalgia.
With vivid portrayals of Noto’s climate and culture—such as the biting Siberian winds, local trains that stop at every station, and the sound of the Gojinjo-daiko drums—it stirs homesick feelings in listeners.
Released in May 1990, it reached No.
13 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It was also performed at the 41st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year, becoming one of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature songs.
Filled with affection for Noto, this piece is sure to support those living away from their hometown.
If sung during New Year gatherings with family and friends, it may spark warm conversations about fond memories.
Your path of gloryYoshimi Tendo
This is one of Yoshimi Tendo’s signature songs, known for its moving vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Released in January 2002, it is a love-filled piece that portrays the bond of a married couple overcoming life’s hardships together.
The lyrics convey strength in the face of adversity and offer encouragement to those pursuing their dreams, resonating deeply with many listeners.
The song enjoyed a long run on the Oricon charts, staying ranked for 38 weeks and earning overwhelming support from fans.
It has been selected multiple times for NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and is slated to be performed again at the 75th edition in 2024.
It’s a perfect song to sing with someone special at karaoke during the New Year holidays.
A Gift Without a StampKazuo Zaitsu
It’s a classic with a heartwarming melody and memorable lyrics.
The songwriter and composer is Kazuo Zaitsu, known as the frontman of Tulip.
First introduced in 1977 on the NHK program “Uta wa Tomodachi,” it went on to gain great popularity and has been covered by many artists.
The song gently expresses feelings for someone special, themed around gifts and gratitude.
Its simple yet deeply meaningful lyrics resonate with listeners.
In the 2008 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was performed as a chorus by all the participants, and it continues to be loved across generations.
When you want to mark a life milestone or convey your thanks, why not hum this tune?
Get-go!EXILE
Released in September 2025, this work is the 52nd single and the first in about four years and five months.
The lyrics were written by ATSUSHI himself, expressing the joy of reuniting with his companions and gratitude to the fans.
It fuses EXILE’s signature R&B flavor with an exhilarating pop sound, creating a groove that feels both nostalgic and new.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to make a fresh start or feel the bond with your cherished friends.
Year-end songs from 12/26 onward[Alexandros]
![Year-end Song After 12/26 [Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_vKAC2Ml8i0/sddefault.jpg)
This song is exactly what the title says—a true year-end song.
When we think of the end of the year, Christmas songs usually come to mind, but this one beautifully captures the six-day gap from Christmas to New Year’s.
That’s right: those six days are for reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the next.
If there’s a song to sing at the year’s end, it’s surely this “Year-End Song for After 12/26.” I recommend singing it while looking back on this year and looking forward to the next.
New Year's EveMasashi Sada
Even if, looking back over the past year, there were painful or difficult memories, this is an upbeat song that says goodbye to that sadness on New Year’s Eve and welcomes a wonderful new year.
It’s a heartwarming song that makes you feel grateful for your own efforts over the year and for everything your family has done.
[2025] Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing to ring in the New Year: Classic and popular Japanese hits (21–30)
festivalSaburō Kitajima
It’s a famous song that could be called a classic of the Japanese spirit.
If you remember when it was passionately performed as the finale of the Red and White Song Battle, you’ll probably want to sing this to ring in the New Year.
With the energetic shout of “Soiya,” it feels like you can kick off a prosperous year.