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 (31–40)

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu - Eikou no Kakihashi (Glory Bridge)

Glorious Bridge - Yuzu

One of Yuzu’s signature songs, this track was also chosen as a theme song for the Athens Olympics.

It’s a classic that many people remember, as it played alongside countless moving moments.

Its warm lyrics, which seem to affirm all the effort you’ve put in, have supported the hearts of many listeners.

With a strikingly beautiful melody and a ballad-like feel, it’s very popular as a song that feels great to sing at karaoke.

It’s especially recommended for men confident in their vocals—if you can sing it well, it’ll get the crowd even more excited.

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sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

Sasanqua SEKAI NO OWARI

This famous ballad by the four-piece band SEKAI NO OWARI is also highly recommended.

It’s a song with down-to-earth lyrics by a group known for their striking electro and fantastical aesthetic.

I think this track really shines at karaoke after the excitement has peaked at year-end or New Year’s parties.

Practice well and deliver it coolly at just the right moment.

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GO!!!FLOW

FLOW GO!!! 15th Anniversary

GO!!!FLOW

It’s a song that keeps your energy up from start to finish.

There’s a rap-style section in the middle, and you can sing it in turns, so everyone can enjoy it together.

It’s the kind of song that makes it easy for listeners to join in, so it’s perfect for karaoke.

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Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda

Linda Linda THE BLUE HEARTS

This was the major-label debut single by THE BLUE HEARTS, the legendary punk rock band that set middle and high schoolers across Japan on fire from the late 1980s to the early 1990s and whose influence still hasn’t waned.

It’s a rock number that seems to capture the band’s momentum as-is, with a powerful impact, breakneck energy, and catchy lyrics and melodies.

Interestingly, the word “Linda” doesn’t appear anywhere in the lyrics, and Hiroto Kōmoto, who wrote and composed the song, has said, “It’s not even registered, so feel free to sing it however you like,” which means it could be fun to sing it at karaoke using whatever words you prefer.

It’s a recommended track for men to sing when you want to get the crowd going at year-end or New Year parties.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

Many of you may know this song because it was the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” Speaking of back number, they have many popular love songs, and among their tracks, this one portrays an unrequited love from a male perspective.

It tells a poignant story of a man waiting for a birthday message from the woman he likes, only for it not to come, realizing his feelings won’t be returned.

How about passionately singing this beloved ballad that’s popular with people of all genders?

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Beyond the Night SkySMAP

Beyond the Night Sky – SMAP

Beyond the Night Sky SMAP

Among SMAP’s ballads, this is one of the most classic.

It’s even included in school music textbooks, so there are few people who don’t know it.

Its slightly melancholic vibe makes it perfect for year-end and New Year party seasons, and if you sing it smoothly and with feeling, it looks really cool.

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SHAKESMAP

SMAP SHAKE 2013 FNS Music Festival

SHAKESMAP

This is a song by SMAP, a national superstar group in Japan, and hardly anyone doesn’t know it.

People of all ages are familiar with it, so it’s great for company karaoke, too.

You can all sing together or take turns—there are lots of ways to enjoy it.

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