[2025] Recommended for New Year’s Eve Karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs

travel anecdoteCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Souvenir Stories (Live at Nippon Budokan)

The song Miyagebanashi (“Souvenir Stories”) sings about the birth and journey of the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts.

It was included as the final track on their 2021 album Case.

The scene depicted in the song—two friends spending New Year’s Eve together at one of their homes—evokes memories of youthful days for many listeners.

Its stylish chord progression and groovy beat are also part of the appeal.

Be sure to sing it at karaoke, and get everyone to put their hands up during the chorus to hype things up!

Year-end songs from 12/26 onward[Alexandros]

Year-end songs from 12/26 onward

The song to quietly reflect on at year’s end, “Year-End Song After 12/26,” feels especially dear from December 26 onward! It’s a track by the irresistibly charismatic rock band [Alexandros], from the classic album “Schwarzenegger” released during their [Champagne] era.

While contrasting the hectic end-of-year bustle, the lyrics gently look back on the past year and really hit home.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing as if digesting those hazy, undefined emotions, all while being soothed by its relaxed acoustic feel.

Though it includes reflective themes, whether you’ve been rushing around or taking things at your own pace, be sure to praise yourself for all you’ve accomplished this year.

You Are the One Who Rings That BellAkiko Wada

Anokanewo Narasunoha Anata

Akiko Wada’s signature song, released in 1972.

In addition to her six performances of it on the NHK New Year’s Eve “Kohaku Uta Gassen,” it’s often featured on music specials, so it’s a song widely known across generations.

Sung for many years, it brims with hope, and both its lyrics and Wada’s soulful vocals are powerfully uplifting.

Its world view overlaps with the ringing of the New Year’s bells and with blessings, making it perfectly suited to year’s end.

It’s truly a song that lets you sing your heart out and wrap up the year feeling refreshed.

It works not only as a solo but also for gatherings where everyone can enjoy it together and say, “Great job this year.” It’s a song that seems to embrace everything the year has held.

Let's dance at my place (New Year's Eve)Gen Hoshino

Let's Dance at My Place (New Year's Eve)

This is a song that Gen Hoshino released on Instagram in response to the stay-at-home period in 2020.

Based on that, a version with performances by his band members and newly added second-verse lyrics was presented as “Uchi de Odorō (Ōmisoka)” on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The song conveys a strong sense of hope—wishing for the days to return when we can all smile together again after enduring the difficult time of having to stay at home.

Its gentle, rhythmic sound with a touch of disco-funk is also memorable, conveying a warmth that seems to ease hearts troubled by suffering.

It’s a track that radiates a growing sense of hope and energy for the coming new year.

SubaruShinji Tanimura

Subaru -Subaru-

Japan’s beloved classic “Subaru (The Pleiades)” is also one of the songs that symbolize the year’s end.

Released by Shinji Tanimura in 1980, it became a massive hit and his best-selling single.

Since it has been performed on the Red and White Year-End Song Festival five times, many people may picture those scenes when they think of the song.

Tanimura’s singing, which carefully weaves the beautiful sounds of the Japanese language, truly resonates.

It’s wonderful to sing it with quiet reflection, but I think the song’s resolute, forward-driving spirit also gives great courage.

If you sing the grand “Subaru” with your resolutions for the coming year in mind, you’ll surely be able to close out the year with a refreshing feeling.

Good job.Kent on this side

[Rec. Video] Good work / Kento from our side

Released in August 2025 to mark Kocchi no Kento’s third debut anniversary, this work is a heartwarming anthem born from his own experience of repeatedly losing to himself.

Even if you can’t become your ideal self, the lyrics affirm that this, in fact, is your true self—an encouraging message that will likely resonate with many in today’s world where comparisons are hard to avoid.

The playful sound, highlighted by a jaunty three-three-seven whistle rhythm, adds extra charm.

It’s a track filled with Kocchi no Kento’s gentle warmth.

Shin-Pen-Pineapple-Apple-PenPikotaro

Shin-Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen / PIKOTARO (Pikotaro)

Pikotaro, who took the world by storm with unforgettable catchphrases and a strikingly unique persona, is back.

Marking the 10th anniversary of his signature hit, this track showcases that one-of-a-kind style that brightens people’s faces with playful word sounds and an irresistibly catchy beat.

It’s the first installment of a project to release 80.

8 songs over the year starting in August 2025, and is included on the album “Tottemo Release 80.

8 (01).” Perfect for moments when you want to lift your mood without overthinking—or to light up any party with friends.