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 (51–60)

Naughty SunORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE – Naughty Sun

Forbidden Sun ORANGE RANGE

This song was also used as the theme song for the drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e,” so many people are likely familiar with it.

It’s cool right from the very beginning, making it perfect for those who want to get hyped from the start.

Let’s all sing with energy from the opening and get the crowd going.

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wishsumika

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

Wish sumika

Released in 2019, the song “Negai” was written specifically as the theme song for the hit drama Ossan’s Love -in the sky-.

It’s a track that really grabs you, with a melody that heightens the poignant, emotionally resonant lyrics—one of sumika’s signatures.

The lyrics evoke a wintry atmosphere, making it a perfect karaoke choice for year-end and New Year parties.

The first-person pronoun is “watashi,” which gives the song a female perspective when you listen, and its straightforward feelings about an unrequited love make it a tear-jerker.

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For men (61–70)

Loco LotionORANGE RANGE

Locolotion / ORANGE RANGE

Locolotion ORANGE RANGE

With its slightly flashy, ORANGE RANGE–style lyrics, this is a song everyone can get hyped to, like going back to their younger days.

It’s one of ORANGE RANGE’s most popular tracks—often ranked in the top one or two—so even many older folks know it.

For the rap parts, pass the mic to someone who can do it well and let everyone help them shine.

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TsubasaUnder Graph

Tsubasa

Tsubasa Under Graph

Many people might only know this one song by Under Graph.

However, since it was a very popular song, a lot of people probably know the chorus lyrics.

Everyone can sing along.

There aren’t any songs for shouting and letting loose, but it’s not a quiet song either, so it suits any situation.

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TRUE LOVEFumiya Fujii

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

TRUE LOVE by Fumiya Fujii

Despite being a mellow ballad, this song has cemented its place as a karaoke staple.

Since you’re at it, don’t be shy—go all in with your best impression.

It’s guaranteed to hype up the room, and the “that felt pretty good” vibe you get afterward is a rare aftertaste other songs don’t quite offer.

Its surprisingly short length, given the image it has, also makes it perfect for karaoke.

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GOLDFINGER ’99Hiromi Go

Hiromi Go – Goldfinger 99

GOLDFINGER ’99 Hiromi Go

A super-passionate hit by Japanese star Hiromi Go, this song is loved for his sexy vocals, dance moves, and its unforgettable hook.

If you sing it at karaoke, you’ve got to do the chorus choreography.

If you’re in a room with a stage, it’ll get even hotter.

No matter how many years go by, it’s a reliable classic you’ll always want to sing at karaoke.

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For women (61–70)

A parade of timeless hits recommended for women!

Recommended songs for men were mostly upbeat tracks that can get everyone excited and lively. If you sing them together, you’re sure to have a great time! Next up, the recommended songs for women include famous classics and standard hits! We’ve also picked out enka songs that are popular among younger people at karaoke! There’s also an article that compiles recommended karaoke songs for women by age group, so be sure to check that out too! Related articles:

For women (1–10)

You Are the One Who Rings That BellAkiko Wada

You Are the One Who Rings That Bell (Original)

You Are the One Who Rings That Bell - Akiko Wada

Speaking of year-end, we think of the New Year’s Eve temple bells.

And when we think of bells, “You’re the One Who Rings That Bell” comes to mind—so how about singing this song at karaoke as a year-end-themed choice? With its grand, forward-looking lyrics by Yū Aku, it’s perfect for a year-end party right before welcoming the new year.

Plus, since it’s one of Akiko Wada’s signature songs, released in 1972, its wide recognition across all ages makes it an ideal pick for a gathering where many people come together.

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