[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!
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[2025] Recommended for New Year’s Eve karaoke! A roundup of popular and hit Japanese songs (21–30)
The Land of ‘Good Job’ (Otsukaresama)Kazuyoshi Saito
A song perfect for wrapping up the year has been born.
The melodies and lyrics woven by Kazuyoshi Saito are a warm cheer for everyone doing their best day by day.
The gratitude and care embedded in the words “otsukaresama” gently resonate in the heart.
Released in December 2008, this track became widely known as the theme for Takeda Pharmaceutical’s Alinamin commercial, capturing the hearts of many.
It’s a song that everyone leading busy lives should hear.
Sing it at karaoke on New Year’s Eve, and you’ll share a wonderful time—appreciating the hardships of the past year and embracing hope for the year to come.
365 daysMr.Children
A classic wedding song, Mr.
Children’s “365 Nichi.” It’s a track from their 2010 album “SENSE,” and despite never being released as a single, it’s very popular among fans.
It’s a quiet ballad that highlights the vocals, so it isn’t a bright party tune, but this well-known masterpiece is perfect for year-end karaoke.
If you’re spending the New Year together as a couple, it’s a song we recommend the man sings to the woman.
Matsuken Samba IIKen Matsudaira
When you listen to this song, doesn’t it make you feel happy? It’s Matsuken Samba II, sung and danced by Ken Matsudaira.
It’s been performed on year-end shows like NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, so most people have probably heard it at least once, regardless of age.
This dazzling, universally known song is guaranteed to get the crowd going if you sing it at a year-end karaoke party! It’s a fun song for call-and-response, so enjoy interacting with everyone.
If you’re up for it, get a wig and try copying the dance—highly recommended!
MatsuriYuma Teranishi feat. Pinko Izumi
This work, featuring an impressive fusion of traditional Japanese elements and EDM, is a wildly upbeat celebratory number created under the theme of “connecting the world through laughter.” Released in August 2025, it drew major attention for its cross-generational collaboration between singer-songwriter Yuma Teranishi and actor Pinko Izumi.
The structure, where Teranishi’s high-tone vocals intersect with Izumi’s punchy, declamatory singing, delivers a truly festival-like exhilaration.
It might be just the thing to listen to when you want to blow your worries away!
Beep boopFRUITS ZIPPER
A FRUITS ZIPPER number whose dizzyingly fast-paced, comical sound will make your body move before you know it.
The track was released in August 2025.
When it premiered at Saitama Super Arena, the entire venue came together in call-and-response.
Its unpredictable, heart-pounding progression and lyrics that radiate happiness are its charms.
Watch the official live video to learn the choreography, and it’s perfect for singing and dancing with friends at karaoke! Of course, it’s also great for a boost when you need some energy!
Over The Horizon!Naniwa Danshi
This is a song by Naniwa Danshi that heralds the start of a new adventure with a refreshing sound.
Included on the album “BON BON VOYAGE,” released in July 2025, the track brilliantly embodies the concept of “journeys and adventures.” It captures the exhilaration of stepping beyond the horizon with your friends and conveys a powerful hope that you can overcome any hardship—listening to it leaves you feeling uplifted.
When you dive into the unknown, this song gives you strength!
SenbonzakuraWhiteFlame feat. Hatsune Miku
Released in 2011, Senbonzakura is a Vocaloid song that has been loved for so long that it’s still popular even among today’s elementary school students.
Among younger generations, Vocaloid songs are mainstream, and there are plenty of big hits.
If you’re doing a year-end karaoke party with a younger crowd, why not give it a try? Senbonzakura is relatively easy to sing among Vocaloid tracks, but if you find it difficult, listen to Wagakki Band’s 2014 cover.
It’s a very high-energy song, so it’s sure to get everyone fired up!