[2025] Perfect for reunions and New Year’s parties! Karaoke songs to sing at New Year
During the New Year holidays, many of us go back to our hometowns and end up with plenty of chances to go to karaoke—whether with friends, at company New Year parties, or at family gatherings.
With friends you don’t have to worry too much, but when you’re singing in front of your boss or relatives, don’t you sometimes find it surprisingly hard to choose the right songs?
So in this article, we’ve put together a list of songs that perfectly capture the seasonal vibe of the New Year period.
Focusing on New Year-themed tracks, we’ve selected songs that everyone—from kids to adults—can enjoy and get excited about, so please use it as a reference!
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[2025] Perfect for reunions and New Year’s parties! Karaoke songs to sing during the New Year (1–10)
HAPPY NEW SHOW TIME!Katrina Griebel (Sally Amaki), Kokona Ootori (Manaka Iwami), Shizuka (Ikumi Hasegawa)
As a pop song to celebrate the New Year, this is exactly the kind of track that will get everyone hyped at karaoke.
Performed by a unit of three voice actors—Sally Amaki, Manaka Iwami, and Ikumi Hasegawa—the song features lyrics sprinkled with New Year’s traditions and a bright, glamorous melody.
Released in January 2024, it was also used as an insert song in the game World Dai Star.
Sing it at New Year’s parties or reunions, and it’s sure to liven up the atmosphere.
Blending traditional Japanese elements like osechi and karuta with hope for the future, the lyrics offer a message that resonates across generations.
New Year’s gift of Rock ’n’ RollEiichi Ohtaki
A song that paints New Year’s scenes in Japan to a rock ’n’ roll rhythm perfectly captures the excitement of the season.
It weaves traditional events like the Joya no Kane temple bells, the first shrine visit of the year (Hatsumōde), and kite flying into catchy, pop-style lyrics, with playful nods to classic Western music phrases.
Showcasing Eiichi Ohtaki’s unique musical flair, the track was included on the 1977 album “NIAGARA CALENDAR.” There’s even an anecdote that the sound effects at the beginning were recorded by Ohtaki himself.
Sing it at a New Year’s party or class reunion and it’s sure to get everyone—across generations—fired up.
It’s the perfect song for anyone wanting to soak up the New Year spirit or enjoy a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western styles.
JanuaryTETORA
A new song from TETORA that captures the fresh start of the New Year has arrived! Featured on their album “13 Months,” released in June 2024, this track embodies feelings toward the month of January, which comes around every year.
With husky, soothing vocals layered over an energetic rock sound, it’s the perfect song for the New Year.
The lyrics reflect on the past while inspiring hope for the future, making it easy to relate to when singing karaoke at New Year’s parties or reunions.
True to TETORA’s reputation for live performances, the powerful delivery grabs listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a song that gives you a push toward the year ahead.
[2025] For reunions and New Year parties! Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing during the New Year (11–20)
March of 365 StepsKiyoko Suizenji
It’s an upbeat, march-style number with uplifting lyrics.
If you want to liven up a New Year’s party or a class reunion, why not pick this one? Released in November 1968 and chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational the following year, this song is known as one of Kiyoko Suizenji’s signature hits.
As the lyric says, “Happiness doesn’t come walking to you,” it teaches the importance of taking the first step yourself to seek happiness.
It’s a song that can put everyone in a bright mood as you welcome the new year.
Beloved across generations, it’s a safe choice to sing in front of your boss or relatives.
O-SHO-GA-TSUONIGAWARA
The perfect song to enjoy the once-a-year New Year’s holiday is O•SHOW•GA•TSU by ONIGAWARA, a two-man pop duo.
Released in 2016, it was included as the B-side of their first photo-book single, GATTEN Shouchi-no-suke ~We can do it!!~.
Concerned about overworked Japanese people, it gently urges, “At least take a break for New Year’s.” With its lively beat, catchy melody, and a rap section in the middle, it’s packed with features that will light up any karaoke session.
Give it a try at karaoke!
Is the bath nice?Shiritsu Ebisu Junior High School
A song by Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku that portrays warm moments with family.
It gently depicts scenes from returning to the countryside for New Year’s.
The protagonist heating the bath for their family conveys a spirit of filial devotion.
The August 2021 version included on the album “FAMIEN’21 L.
P.” offers a reinterpretation by the group’s new lineup with newly added members.
This piece has long been sung as the theme song for the summer outdoor concert “Famien.” It’s recommended for singing at New Year’s gatherings or school reunions, when you meet old friends again, to express your feelings for your hometown and family.
With its heartwarming melody and lyrics, it’s sure to bring the whole venue together.
KiteNoriyuki Makihara
It’s a warm, uplifting song that evokes the image of flying a kite in the clear winter air.
Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album released in November 2007, “I Thought Sadness Was of No Use,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for the TV drama Good Doctor.
The lyrics feature motifs like “headwind” and “thread,” symbolically expressing the courage to face difficulties and the bonds with loved ones.
With melodies and words that resonate deeply, it won the Japan Gold Disc Award for Best Karaoke Song.
It’s a wonderful choice to sing when gathering with hometown friends and relatives at New Year’s, sharing hope and determination for the year ahead.