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 (1–10)

Go for it!Ulfuls

Ulfuls – Guts da ze!!

Guts da ze! Ulfuls

This is the ninth single by the four-piece rock band Ulfuls, said to have been born from advice given by Tetsuya Komuro—the music producer who dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s—who told them, “I think music like disco suits you guys.” Known for its impactful phrases and funky guitar, it’s a track that showcased Ulfuls’ presence and appeal to the world.

If everyone belts out the chorus that everyone knows, your year-end or New Year karaoke party is sure to heat up.

With its straightforward arrangement and catchy phrases, it’s a karaoke song recommended for men who want to boost the energy on site, guaranteed to get people going regardless of how good they are at singing.

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For men (11–20)

Water lily flowerShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Suirenka” MUSIC VIDEO

Suirenka Shonan no Kaze

Isn’t this a song that someone always sings when you go to karaoke? If you sing this one, the crowd will definitely get hyped! Just like in the music video, swing your towel with all your might.

Add in the call-and-response and make some noise together—there’s no doubt you’ll have a great time!

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New Treasure IslandSakanaction

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

Shin Takarajima Sakanaction

This song could be called one of Sakanaction’s signature tracks.

Released in September 2015, it was also used as the theme song for the film “Bakuman.” Packed with pop and danceable elements, the track spread through social media and permeated a variety of scenes.

Its balance between surreal, quintessentially Sakanaction impact and overwhelming catchiness is outstanding.

The exhilarating chorus is also uniquely Sakanaction—just listening to it gets you excited.

With that vibe, it’s a perfect fit for karaoke too! It’s sure to bring extra energy to year-end and New Year parties.

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KanadeSukima Switch

Sukima Switch: SUKIMASWITCH / Kanade: KANADE 100 Million Streams Commemoration!! ~The 15-Year Journey We Walked Together~

Kanade Sukima Switch

This is the second single by the music duo Sukima Switch, whose name was chosen based on the idea that if you pick a name that sounds cool, it will end up sounding lame later—so they decided to make it lame from the start.

Known as one of Sukima Switch’s signature songs, it has been featured in numerous tie-ins, including as an insert song in the film “Rough.” Because it’s a song you often hear in many places, it’s a number everyone can hum along to at year-end or New Year parties.

Although the melody has many accents, such as leaps in pitch, it’s a relaxed ballad, making it easy to sing at karaoke.

It’s a gem of a classic that men with karaoke plans over the holidays should definitely try.

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mixed nutsOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Mixed Nuts [Official Video]

Mixed Nuts Official HIGE DANDism

Mixed Nuts was released as the opening theme song for the TV anime SPY×FAMILY.

This upbeat, highly catchy track is by Official HIGE DANDism, a four-member Japanese band commonly known as Higedan.

The title Mixed Nuts is a playful nod to peanuts—Anya’s favorite in the series.

With big-band-style horns blaring, the song perfectly matches the stylish and exhilarating world of SPY×FAMILY.

It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at karaoke, too.

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ultra soulB’z

B’z / ultra soul

ultra soulB'z

Among the beloved karaoke staples, this is the song where you can belt it out and hype everyone up with call-and-response—no question! B’z’s signature track “Ultra Soul” is a powerful rock tune that’s quintessentially B’z.

If everyone shouts the call at the end of the chorus together, the sense of unity goes through the roof and the energy is guaranteed to spike! The vocal range is quite high and wide, so it’s a bit challenging, but power through with passion and momentum and sing your heart out!

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R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

R.Y.U.S.E.I. Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE

This is a signature song that brought the name of Sandaime J SOUL Brothers to nationwide recognition.

The choreography is memorable and drew attention, making the track popular, so it might be best to perform it together with the dance.

If you find it hard to learn the entire routine, I recommend at least mastering the Running Man that comes right after the chorus.

As the title suggests, the lyrics convey a strong sense of hope inspired by a meteor.

There aren’t many words, so I think it’s best to sing it coolly while keeping the song’s world view in mind.

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