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 women (1–10)

MarigoldAimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Marigold Aimyon

Aimyon has many songs with poignant, true-to-life lyrics that really hit you in the heart.

She’s one of the singer-songwriters who represent the Reiwa era.

Among her work, “Marigold” features a melody that’s embraced not only by younger listeners but also by older generations.

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TouchYoshimi Iwasaki

Touch – Yoshimi Iwasaki (Full)

Touch Iwasaki Yoshimi

A classic by Yoshimi Iwasaki, best known as the opening theme of the anime Touch.

It’s easy to sing, so it’s a popular karaoke choice for women.

Since it was used in a baseball anime, you also hear it often as a cheer song at high school baseball games.

No matter the singer’s age, it sounds cute, making it a must for karaoke during year-end and New Year party season! It could be a fun gag pick for men, too.

And if you’re up for it, try the chorus choreography as well.

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Racing into the NightYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Racing into the Night” Official Music Video

Racing into the Night YOASOBI

YOASOBI is a band that has gained popularity with the slightly unusual approach of composing songs based on novels.

‘Yoru ni Kakeru’ is YOASOBI’s debut and signature song, created from Mayo Hoshino’s novel ‘An Invitation from Thanatos.

’ While the original is sung by a woman, you’d be surprised how many male singers cover it as well.

It’s a high-difficulty song, but whether a woman sings it perfectly or a man pushes into falsetto, it always gets the crowd going—highly recommended!

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New Era (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)Ado

[Ado] New Genesis (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

New Era (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED) Ado

Shin Jidai (New Genesis), the theme song for the anime film ONE PIECE FILM RED, is a track by Japanese singer Ado.

One Piece is an anime whose serialization began in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997.

In the film, the character Uta, a songstress, performs this song.

With an exhilarating 1980s-inspired feel, the song was written and composed by Yasutaka Nakata.

The mysterious diva Uta, who captivates the world, appears in public for the first time to sing New Genesis.

Ado’s slightly different vocal approach from her usual style adds momentum and broadens the expressive range of the work.

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heavy rotationAKB48

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]

Heavy Rotation AKB48

An AKB48 number that sings of a burning feeling—keeping a crush spinning on heavy rotation.

Set to a catchy melody, it portrays the heart of a girl in love in a poppy, upbeat way.

Released in August 2010, the song made waves as part of a project tied to the general election that determined the single’s lineup.

The music video, directed by photographer Mika Ninagawa, highlights the members’ sexiness with striking visuals.

It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for end-of-year and New Year karaoke parties.

The choreography is easy to learn, and dancing together builds a great sense of unity.

Recommended as a party staple that people of all ages can enjoy!

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Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – "Osaka LOVER"

Osaka LOVER DREAMS COME TRUE

A bright number by DREAMS COME TRUE that portrays the frustrations of a long-distance relationship.

Released in March 2007 as their 38th single, it was also included on the album AND I LOVE YOU released that December.

The lyrics sprinkled with Osaka dialect really leave an impression.

The bond between the two, tied together deeply across the distance between Tokyo and Osaka, truly resonates.

Among DCT’s songs, this one is especially popular with younger listeners, so it’s an easy pick for year-end or New Year parties.

Its fun vibe makes it a hit not only for those with relationship experience but for everyone.

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The Story You Don't Knowsupercell

Bakemonogatari ED – The Story You Don’t Know

The Story You Don’t Know — supercell

Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari, a signature song by the creator collective supercell, was released on August 12, 2009.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari and gained explosive popularity among anime fans.

Today, it’s a classic loved by many beyond the boundaries of anime songs.

It frequently ranks as a karaoke staple and is a perfect pick for year-end or New Year parties.

If you want to sing an anime song but are unsure what to choose, this one is especially recommended!

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