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 (21–30)

School HeavenFinger Five

School Heaven

Gakuen Heaven Finger Five

This song depicts the bittersweet memories of student days.

Released in March 1974 as one of Finger Five’s signature hits, it sets to a lively melody the competition among students for the seat next to the prettiest girl in class.

The lyrics are instantly relatable, as if speaking for everyone’s feelings.

With its fun vibe, it’s sure to liven up karaoke at year-end and New Year parties! The call-and-response parts make it easy for first-time listeners to sing along, so everyone can enjoy it together.

It’s a great pick when you want to get the crowd going while reminiscing about your school days.

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Pure AsiaPUFFY

PUFFY – True Asia

Asia no Junshin PUFFY

Even if you weren’t born in the era when this song was popular, it’s a classic you somehow know from TV and such.

Since many people only know the chorus, it’s great to have everyone sing just the chorus to get the crowd going.

The chorus choreography is simple, so if those who know it take the lead, everyone can dance and have fun together.

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Don't give upZARD

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

Don't Give Up, ZARD

When you think of ZARD, it’s this song.

There are many people who always listen to this song to cheer themselves up when they’re feeling down.

The lyrics are very straightforward, and it’s a song that motivates you.

If you hear it at karaoke after a long time, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to listen to it again when you get home.

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foreignerSaki Kubota

Stranger by Saki Kubota

Saki Kubota - Stranger

This track, with its intriguingly suspicious intro, is a remarkably memorable number brimming with exotic flair, released in 1979.

That might sound like a familiar tale, but this is a superb classic that masterfully distilled a worldwide flavor into J-pop and turned it into a hit.

The more you listen, the deeper it gets—a timeless song you’ll want to introduce at karaoke to younger generations who might not know it.

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Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda - Red Sweet Pea

Red Sweet Pea Seiko Matsuda

Although it’s an idol song, this track conveys something that feels like a cherished part of the Japanese spirit.

Seiko Matsuda’s clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart, making it a timeless masterpiece.

It’s often sung at karaoke, and it’s easy to see why everyone falls in love with its bittersweet melody.

It’s a ballad you should sing with all your heart, immersing yourself fully in the song.

Captivate everyone just like Seiko-chan does.

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Moonlight LegendDALI

DALI – Moonlight Densetsu (Moonlight Legend) Sailor Moon

Moonlight Densetsu DALI

Known as the opening theme of the anime Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, this song is a classic that resonates with anyone in love.

Its lyrics, which depict a fated romance guided by the moonlight, are filled with both wistfulness and hope.

Sung by DALI, the catchy melody is guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session! Released in March 1992, it was so popular that it was recognized in the Anime Grand Prix’s anime song category.

It’s a perfect pick for year-end or New Year party karaoke—a tune that people of all generations can enjoy.

If everyone sings along while mimicking the choreography, the whole venue is sure to come together in excitement.

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DIAMONDSPRINCESS PRINCESS

Princess Princess 'Diamonds <Diamond>'

DIAMONDSPRINCESS PRINCESS

“DIAMONDS” by PRINCESS PRINCESS—better known by their nickname “Puri-Puri”—is one of their signature songs and a forerunner of the girls’ band boom.

Released on April 21, 1989 as their seventh single, it topped the Oricon charts.

Its punkish vibe is energizing just to listen to, and with call-and-response parts built in, it’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped together!

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