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 (ages 11–20)

SenbonzakuraWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / Senbonzakura

Wagakki Band - Senbonzakura

This song is what brought attention to Wagakki Band, a group formed by members involved in traditional Japanese performing arts.

It’s a cover of “Senbonzakura,” originally released as a VOCALOID track, and the song’s worldview matches beautifully with the traditional instruments.

The vocalist, Yuko Suzuhana, also holds the title of master in shigin (traditional Japanese recitation), and her deep, powerful voice is striking.

Because the band has many members, its hallmark is a rich, heavy sound, so it’s important to aim for vocals—like Suzuhana’s—that can hold their own against the instruments.

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cherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo (Short Ver.)

Sakuranbo Otsuka Ai

The irresistibly cheerful and cute number is Ai Otsuka’s “Sakuranbo,” right? It’s a pure love song, with lovers likened to cherries in an adorable way, and it’s no exaggeration to call it one of her signature tracks.

In recent years, the comedy duo Nyanko Star has used it in their routines, so the song has likely caught on with younger generations as well.

It’s an upbeat, happy tune that people of all ages can enjoy singing at karaoke.

If you’re unsure what to pick for a year-end or New Year’s party, be sure to consider this one!

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flameLiSA

LiSA “Homura” -MUSIC CLIP-

Homura LiSA

During her student days, she was even called the “Avril Lavigne of Gifu.” LiSA, a female singer known for her powerful vocals and captivating voice, released this as her 17th single.

The song was chosen as the theme for the animated film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, which became the highest-grossing film worldwide in 2020.

Alongside the film, which turned into a social phenomenon, the track became a massive hit.

It’s a song almost everyone has heard, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for karaoke with people of all ages at year-end or New Year parties.

Try singing it with emotion, channeling the original, and you might just become the star of the night.

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Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa

Crossing Amagi Pass

Amagi-goe Ishikawa Sayuri

Enka, the heart of Japan—among its many songs, here’s one that resonates with people of all ages.

Strongly associated with performances on shows like the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, it’s Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Amagi-goe.” A powerful intro, heartfelt vocals, and forceful lyrics.

The build-up to the chorus has a momentum that could rival a rock band.

And then, that chorus arrives right when it counts! Savor the joy of being able to sing this song.

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Chocolate DiscoPerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume “Chocolate Disco”

Chocolate Disco Perfume

Perfume is an electropop group produced by Yasutaka Nakata.

This is their signature song, “Chocolate Disco.” The track, themed around Valentine’s Day, was released on February 14, 2007.

Their dance, performed in perfect sync by the three members, is really unique.

It’s sure to be a hit at year-end or New Year’s parties if three close friends sing and dance to it together.

It doesn’t require strong vocal ability, so it’s also recommended for people who aren’t confident singers.

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For women (21–30)

To Those Who Know the Blue of the SkyAimyon

Aimyon – A Person Who Knows the Blue of the Sky [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A Person Who Knows the Blue of the Sky - Aimyon

For New Year’s parties and year-end gatherings, it’s nice to have at least one song by singer-songwriter Aimyon in your repertoire.

Her strength lies in lower-key songs that are easy to sing at karaoke, and it’s good to keep one or two of the current hits on hand.

From bright, pop masterpieces to her early, edgier tracks, Aimyon offers plenty of great choices to sing—she’s a standout source of appealing karaoke songs in the Reiwa era.

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paprikaFoorin

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

Paprika Foorin

A song that truly symbolizes 2019 and was loved by people of all ages.

Composed by Kenshi Yonezu, it became a hot topic, and there’s something intriguingly addictive about children singing its unique worldview.

Once you hear it, you’ll find yourself humming it at unexpected moments.

How about everyone singing it together at the year-end party while looking back on the past year? It’s sure to make for a wonderful gathering.

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