Wonderful entertainment/performances

[2025] Classic Karaoke Songs That Hype Up Year-End and New Year Parties

Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!
Keyboard playerSAKI
I play Electone, piano, and piano with vocals, and I upload performance videos to social media like YouTube! I’ve loved Disney music since I was little and have played many pieces on the Electone. I’ve been a fan of GLAY since junior high, and from there I started listening to all kinds of music, both Japanese and international. In Western music, I like Avril Lavigne♫

Many of you probably go to karaoke for year-end or New Year parties, right?

At company gatherings, you might find yourself worried about song choices out of consideration for your boss or seniors.

You may become cautious, thinking, “What if I kill the mood…?”

But if you pick songs that are widely known across all ages and genders, or ones that get everyone involved with choreography or call-and-response, you’ll be fine!

Above all, it’s important to choose songs that everyone can enjoy together!

In this article, we’ll introduce go-to karaoke songs for year-end and New Year parties—popular picks that hit those key points—carefully selected by our editorial team!

We hope you find it helpful.

For men (41–50)

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

Perfect Sense Dreamer ONE OK ROCK

A ONE OK ROCK track that delivers energetic music and a powerful message.

Its defiant spirit and unwavering sense of self are portrayed alongside an exhilarating sound.

Released in February 2010, this song drew attention as a symbol of the band’s fresh new start.

It was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Arabikidan,” winning the hearts of many.

Sing it at karaoke and its driving lyrics and melody are sure to electrify the room.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants the courage to forge their own path, or to sing passionately with friends.

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DoraemonGen Hoshino

Gen Hoshino – Doraemon (Official Video)

Doraemon Gen Hoshino

A collaboration song between the nationally beloved anime Doraemon and Gen Hoshino, who has become a national musician.

It was released as the theme song for the Doraemon film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island,” which premiered in March 2018.

It’s a track that both kids and adults can enjoy.

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A-RA-SHIstorm

ARASHI – A･RA･SHI [Official Music Video]

A・RA・SHI Arashi

This is Arashi’s debut song.

It’s a very old track, but because it’s still one of their popular songs, I think many young people know it too.

If you sing along while watching the music video, you can feel the era in Arashi’s youth and their iconic silver suits, which really gets the conversation going.

During the chorus, everyone can dance and have a great time together.

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Age Age Every KnightDJ OZMA

DJ OZMA – Age Age EVERY Knight

Age Age EVERY Knight DJ OZMA

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this a song made to hype things up.

As the title “Ageage” suggests, it’s perfect for cranking up the energy—singing and dancing along.

It’s the kind of track where if one person starts singing, everyone jumps in, so it’s great for those moments when you want to get the vibe going at karaoke.

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Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN "Snow Smile"

Snow Smile BUMP OF CHICKEN

When it comes to BUMP’s winter songs, this is the one, right? “Snow Smile” is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s fifth single, released in 2002.

Even though many years have passed since its release, you still hear it every winter, and among Japanese rock fans it’s considered a quintessential winter song.

Listening to songs that evoke snow during the cold season can make you pensive, and it somehow makes the chill and your emotions feel even more vivid.

You might think it’s a heartwarming, cute track at first, but it’s actually a sad, heartrending love song that wells up with longing.

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Spot the differenceMasaki Suda

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

Spot the Differences Masaki Suda

A great recommendation for men is this signature song by Masaki Suda! With its simple melody and relaxed tempo, it’s also very popular because it’s easy to sing.

That’s why it’s a beloved karaoke staple, so if you’re thinking, “I want to sing this song!!,” go for it before someone else does.

For men with an average vocal range, the chorus might feel a bit high, so if it’s too tough, try lowering the key a little.

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For men (51–60)

HELLOMasaharu Fukuyama

HELLO / Masaharu Fukuyama

HELLO Masaharu Fukuyama

A masterpiece packed with the charm of Masaharu Fukuyama! Featured in TV dramas and commercials, it became a huge hit.

It won the Best Theme Song at the 4th The Television Drama Academy Awards in 1995, and was selected as one of the Top 5 Singles at the 1996 Japan Gold Disc Awards.

The lyrics, which depict the beginning of a romance, are filled with moving messages that truly touch the heart.

With its familiar, easy-to-listen-to melody and Fukuyama’s captivating vocals, this song has long been loved by those in their late-20s-to-40s generations and is a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

Give it a try at parties or year-end gatherings!

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