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)

Yeah! Super Holiday!Aya Matsuura

Aya Matsuura – Yeah! Meccha Holiday [PV]

Yeah! Super Holiday - Aya Matsuura

It’s a classic packed with the fun of summer and the energy of youth.

Released in May 2002, it’s still beloved as one of Aya Matsuura’s signature songs.

The poppy, catchy melody and cute choreography leave a strong impression.

The lyrics brim with anticipation for summer, positive self-expression, and a longing for love.

It’s perfect for when you want to get hyped with an idol track.

If everyone dances together, the atmosphere instantly brightens.

And even if it isn’t summer, this song is guaranteed to fill you with energy!

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For women (31–40)

crescent moonAyaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka Mikazuki

Upbeat, fun songs are great for year-end and New Year karaoke parties, of course, but a powerful ballad for that key moment is essential.

In that case, how about Ayaka’s classic “Mikazuki”? It’s an absolutely superb ballad that moves you with its richly emotional world.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with poise, just like Ayaka—powerful yet beautifully delivered.

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Snow BlossomMika Nakashima

Mika Nakashima “Yuki no Hana” MUSIC VIDEO

Snow Flower by Mika Nakashima

Mika Nakashima and her winter-defining song “Yuki no Hana.” It’s no exaggeration to say you’ll hear this number at least once every winter.

Released in 2003 as Nakashima’s 10th single, it even inspired a film that premiered in 2019.

The song has been covered by numerous artists both in Japan and abroad.

Try singing it during year-end or New Year’s parties in the snowy season to boost the winter mood.

It’s a well-known track, so it’s sure to get everyone excited.

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HeroNamie Amuro

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

Hero Namie Amuro

This is the song we often heard as the theme for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics.

And since 2018 was the year Namie Amuro retired, we heard it frequently on TV and around town as well.

It’s a song everyone knows—one that makes you hum the chorus without thinking.

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White LoveSPEED

White Love – SPEED (Full)

White LoveSPEED

SPEED is a four-member dance and vocal group.

When it comes to their beloved winter classic across generations, it has to be “White Love.” In addition to being performed twice at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, the song was also used in commercials, so people of all ages are likely to know it.

Its relaxed, swaying tempo makes it easy to get into regardless of generation.

When singing it, having everyone wave their hands together could be a nice touch.

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Ninjari Ban BanKyary Pamyu Pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Ninja Re Bang Bang

Ninja Re Bang Bang Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

It’s a cute song with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s unique, distinctive worldview.

Let’s watch the music video together, sing along, and immerse ourselves in Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s world.

Even if someone doesn’t know the song, its whimsical lyrics will quickly stick in your head and you’ll end up remembering them.

On the way home, everyone might find themselves humming it.

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Love Revolution 21Morning Musume

Morning Musume. 'The Love Revolution 21' (MV)

Love Revolution 21 Morning Musume

Speaking of Morning Musume, this is their signature song—the one everyone’s probably heard.

It’s best sung energetically by all the women together.

Don’t be shy; if you go all out with the choreography while singing, it will definitely hype up the crowd.

In the end, let’s rope in the guys too and have everyone join in a big sing-along!

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