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Karaoke songs to sing in January: classic and popular tracks to hype up the party

When you’re unsure where to go during the New Year holidays—after a family or relatives’ gathering, or following a New Year’s party with friends or coworkers—karaoke can be a great option, right?

Here are some perfect songs for the New Year and winter tunes we’d love for you to sing at those get-togethers!

We’ve put together a wide-ranging selection, from winter songs that capture bittersweet emotions to tracks themed around new beginnings—popular hits spanning the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.

Even if you don’t usually go to karaoke but have plans to join for the sake of the company, be sure to use this as a reference!

Karaoke songs to sing in January: Classic and popular tracks to hype up the karaoke party (51–60)

Winter FlowerHiroji Miyamoto

“Winter Flower” by Hiroji Miyamoto was written as the theme song for the TV drama Gosaigyo.

Released in 2019 as a digital-only single, Miyamoto’s impassioned vocals shake the listener to the core.

It’s a dynamic ballad featuring crisp, impactful piano and string arrangements, and Miyamoto himself positions the song within the kayōkyoku (traditional Japanese pop) genre.

Like a flower that blooms in the cold season, it carries a certain poignant loneliness—that’s part of its charm.

Be sure to try it at karaoke and let your emotions burst forth!

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey
A Good Day to Set Out – Momoe Yamaguchi

Composed by Shinji Tanimura, “Ii Hi Tabidachi” was created as a catchphrase song for the Japanese National Railways.

I think every Japanese person has heard it at least once.

Since it was made for idols to sing, the melody is simple so anyone can sing it.

It’s a classic nostalgic tune, so it’s sure to liven things up at karaoke.

My Favorite SongsKana Uemura

This is singer-songwriter Kana Uemura’s 11th single.

The track was produced by Seiji Kameda.

As she herself has said, the song expresses her gratitude to her fans and her resolve for the future.

The lyrics are striking for how closely they depict how she has engaged with singing up to now and what she was thinking at those times.

It’s a song that makes you want to sing with emphasis about the January event in the song, which marks a turning point for her.

Winter is starting.Noriyuki Makihara

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo
Winter Is Beginning - Noriyuki Makihara

A classic winter song by Noriyuki Makihara that has been covered by many artists.

Although January feels like the middle of winter, I think this song is relatable at any point in the season.

The lyrics are particularly striking for the charming way they portray the protagonist—eagerly looking forward to spending winter with someone special, making winter plans together, and actually enjoying the season with a sense of joy.

Karaoke songs to sing in January: Classic and popular tracks to hype up the party (61–70)

Endless sorrowAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki / Endless sorrow (Short Ver.)
Endless Sorrow Ayumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki’s “Endless sorrow” is a song that makes you feel like you can keep going together with someone you cherish, even if they face hardships this year.

Released in 2001, the song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Mukashi no Otoko.” Its lyrics express the resolve to overcome difficulties together as long as there’s even a glimmer of light, no matter how despairing things may feel.

Sing it with the hope that this year, too, friends, lovers, or family will support one another and keep living side by side!

HOMEShota Shimizu

One of the artists who represent Japan’s R&B scene, Shota Shimizu, made his debut with the single “HOME.” Released in February 2008, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

In 2015, a stage production based on this song was created.

The lyrics express a poignant feeling: even if you feel nostalgic for your hometown, you can no longer return to that place and time.

In the music video, the rain falling on Shimizu looks like a sorrowful, cold winter rain.

Before winter endsShota Shimizu

Shota Shimizu “Before Winter Ends” MV
Shota Shimizu before winter ends

Shota Shimizu’s single “Before Winter Ends” was released in December 2011.

It’s a ballad about lovers who are far apart and can’t easily meet, a warm, heartfelt love song that’s very characteristic of Shimizu.

It was also included on the 2012 album “Naturally.” The music video, featuring Shota Sometani and Nako Mizusawa, has a Christmas vibe with illuminations shining on a snowy night, but since it’s winter-themed, I think it would definitely fit to sing it in January as well!