Lovely winter song

[2025] Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing over New Year’s: Classic and popular Japanese hits

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Composer/arranger, guitarist, and bloggerAyumi Saito
I started playing guitar in elementary school, and in junior high and high school I played the horn in the concert band. In college I became engrossed in composing and began using DTM. These days, I provide songs to artists as a composer, run a blog under the name “Sakki,” and post music lesson videos on YouTube. My musical roots are in rock, but I also love dance music!

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 (41–50)

Bura-bura BushiWataru Takada

Wataru Takada — Wandering Song

Bura Bura Bushi Takada Wataru

It’s a song packed with the unique charm of Wataru Takada’s breezy, deadpan singing.

There are times when you can’t help but feel like, “Another year has slipped by again,” right? Those melancholy feelings are sung with a lot of humor, so it might be the perfect track for anyone who wants to welcome the new year without any pressure (lol).

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[2025] Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing to ring in the New Year: 51–60 classic and popular J-pop tracks

HAPPY HAPPY GREETINGKinKi Kids

KinKi Kids – happy happy greeting (한글 자막)

HAPPY HAPPY GREETINGKinKi Kids

This is their fifth single, released in 1998.

It’s a song themed around various celebrations, packed with words related to festivities—not just New Year’s, but also birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and lots of “congratulations.” It’s a song I’d like to sing to express my gratitude for the year.

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Unstoppable ha~haEikichi Yazawa

Eikichi Yazawa “Tomaranai Ha~Ha” / ROCK IN DOME 2015

Unstoppable Ha~Ha Eikichi Yazawa

Despite not being released as a single, it’s become one of Eikichi Yazawa’s most universally recognized signature songs in Japan.

How about ringing in the New Year with this killer tune that sends the karaoke room’s energy to the max? And don’t forget to toss your towel—an oshibori or even a coat will do as a substitute.

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Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa

Sayuri Ishikawa - Amagi-goe

Amagi-goe Ishikawa Sayuri

When it comes to year’s end, this song is the one, isn’t it? It always plays on New Year’s Eve—listening to it while eating soba or preparing osechi.

It’s not only for the year-end season, but for some reason it always makes you think of that time of year.

It’s mysterious, isn’t it? Wishing you a good transition into the new year, I recommend trying to sing “Amagi-goe.”

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New WorldL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel “New World” (2007) Are You Ready, FujiQ

New WorldL'Arc〜en〜Ciel

This single was released in 2005 and remains a long-time fan favorite.

With a title perfect for the New Year, positive lyrics, and a driving, exhilarating melody, it’s just right for ringing in the new year.

It’s the kind of song that makes you feel ready to take on the coming year!

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FateOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Shukumei by Official Hige Dandism

Official HIGE DANDism, who made a huge breakthrough in 2019.

At first I thought, “How on earth do you read that band name?” and then they kept dropping hit after hit.

Maybe the rarity of having the keyboardist as the lead vocalist helped, but their arrangements are well thought out, the balance is great, and I feel like those airy melodies will flow on as the sound of the times.

They’re talented members, so I recommend them with high expectations as next-generation artists.

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You May DreamSHEENA&THE ROKKETS

Sheena & Rocket: You May Dream

You May Dream SHEENA & THE ROKKETS

This is a single released in 1979, back when they were still called Sheena & The Rookies.

It’s one of Sheena & The Rokkets’ signature songs, memorable for its soaring high notes in the chorus and wild guitar work.

It’s a rock tune I’d love for anyone with a dream they want to fulfill to sing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve.

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