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[2025] Recommended for New Year’s Eve Karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs
This is a must-read for anyone planning to hit karaoke at year-end parties like bōnenkai to wrap up the year! This time, under the theme “Japanese songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve,” we’re showcasing a rich selection of timeless hits spanning the Shōwa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.
In addition to the classic karaoke favorites, the lineup centers on songs you’ll especially want to sing on New Year’s Eve—tracks themed around the occasion and those famous numbers performed on Kōhaku—so there’s something everyone can enjoy, regardless of generation.
Be sure to check it out!
[2025] Recommended for New Year’s Eve karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs (1–10)
ToughSaucy Dog
It’s a song that depicts the anxieties and inner conflict from dusk into night, and it seems to be a track that symbolizes Saucy Dog’s musical style.
A mid-tempo rock ballad, it features Ishihara’s emotionally rich vocals and the band’s meticulous performance.
Released in October 2019 and included on the mini-album “Blue Period” released the same year, this piece has also become a staple at their live shows.
It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve karaoke if you want to reflect on yourself as you wrap up the year.
With a singable range from mid2B to hiD, it’s definitely worth a try.
IrohaKent on this side
A perfect song has arrived to liven up New Year’s Eve karaoke.
Kocchi no Kento’s track, inspired by the year-end tradition “Iroha ni Hoheto,” expresses a longing to return to happier times in the past.
It’s J-pop, featuring a sound that balances power and delicacy.
Released as a digital-only single on December 9, 2023, it marks Kocchi no Kento’s fifth single.
It also seems like a great choice for anyone looking to reflect on themselves as the year draws to a close.
JANE DOEKenshi Yonezu, Hikaru Utada
It’s a number that swells with a piercing sense of longing.
Written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu, with vocals by Yonezu and Hikaru Utada, this track sparks a one-of-a-kind chemical reaction.
It portrays a sorrowful yet beautiful kind of love—like a plea to follow the trail of blood left by one’s own wounds—that loosens your tear ducts the moment you listen.
Utada’s voice, sweeping through like the wind, deepens the song’s melancholic atmosphere even further.
Released in September 2025 on Yonezu’s single “IRIS OUT / JANE DOE,” the track served as the ending theme for the feature-length anime Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.
Please let yourself sink into the lingering afterglow of the story.
the last day of the monthSpitz
When it comes to the exhilarating standout track that closes out the 2005 album “Souvenir,” it has to be that song by Spitz.
Its lyrics, declaring a commitment to staying true to oneself and heading toward a new beginning, make it the perfect tune to hear on New Year’s Eve.
Chosen in 2006 as the new campaign song for Aquarius, this piece is a refreshing number bursting with Spitz’s signature rock spirit.
The powerful music crafted by the four members born in 1967 resonates with people across generations.
It’s a song I highly recommend for anyone looking to fire up a year-end karaoke session or find an anthem that gives you a push into the new year.
National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarracuda
From the Showa era to Reiwa, one song that has continued to be loved is Barakuda’s smash hit.
Released in December 1979, this track celebrates Japan’s nationwide drinking culture through the message that “you can drink anytime,” with themes drawn from regions across Japan and annual events.
The lyrics humorously and playfully spotlight local specialties and famous products from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, each time finding a new reason to have a drink.
It’s said that the song was based on a parody that spread among international students as a way to learn about Japanese holidays.
The idea that there’s always a reason to drink is delightful, and it’s sure to get the crowd going if you sing it at karaoke on New Year’s Eve!
Cheers, charisma! Year-end partySeven Charisma
A perfect song has arrived for anyone who wants to amp up the New Year’s Eve karaoke! This track by seven charismatic performers is ideal for soaking in the year-end party vibe.
As the uniquely individual members sing while reflecting on their past year, they’re sure to tickle listeners’ hearts.
Released in December 2021, the song features a catchy melody based on the Italian folk tune Funiculì, Funiculà.
It even sparked buzz on TikTok and captivated many fans.
It’s the perfect pick for singing together with friends at year-end and New Year’s parties.
How about choosing this song to wrap up your bonenkai?
December RainYumi Arai
Known for her clear voice and delicate emotional expression, Yumi Arai’s songs are perfect for singing at karaoke on New Year’s Eve.
This work is a wistful ballad depicting the arrival of winter and a love that has been lost.
It weaves in scenes of rainfall, wintry landscapes, and waking up in bed, imbued with feelings for days gone by.
Released in October 1974, the song was also included on the album MISSLIM and has been covered by many artists.
It was performed on a Fuji TV music program and is highly recommended for those who feel the loneliness and nostalgia of year’s end.
Why not try singing it at a year-end party or karaoke when you want to enjoy a calm, mellow mood?