[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] For reunions and New Year parties! Karaoke songs to sing during the New Year (41–50)
I don't want to work.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai
Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai is a rock band known for songs about all kinds of foods and various relatable “been there” themes.
Among their tracks, this one especially resonates—it’s fun both to listen to and to sing.
As the title suggests, the lyrics single-mindedly express the feeling of not wanting to work.
If you find yourself at karaoke on the last day of the New Year holidays, right before you have to go back to work, be sure to sing this song and lay those “I don’t want to work” feelings to rest.
New Year (Japanese New Year)Denki Groove
This is a track by Denki Groove, the techno duo of Takkyu Ishino and Pierre Taki.
It’s titled “Oshogatsu” (New Year’s), and while the lyrics are full of New Year–related words, the music itself doesn’t particularly feel New Year-ish.
Instead, it has their signature high-class polish, and the way the song develops in complex sections keeps ramping up the excitement as you listen.
If you’re among Denki Groove fans, singing this one is guaranteed to get the crowd going.
Heart, on the dancing side.meiyo
Written specifically for the 2023 New Year’s edition of au’s “Santaro Series” commercials, “Kokoro, Odoru Hou de” by TikTok-sensation meiyo delivers a cheerful vibe.
The spot features Shota Matsuda, Kenta Kiritani, and many other cast members dancing joyfully to the track.
Its irresistibly upbeat sound will make you want to start dancing, making it a perfect pick for New Year’s karaoke—be sure to add it to your setlist!
The Song of the Twelve Zodiac AnimalsOpen! Ponkikki
This is a song that aired on Hirake! Ponkikki in the 1980s, and, just as the title suggests, it sings through the twelve zodiac animals in order.
If you watched the show back then, it may bring back fond memories—and some of you might still be able to sing it perfectly! Since it’s a children’s program song, it has a fun atmosphere throughout.
When you go to karaoke with relatives, it could be nice for the adults to sing it to help teach the twelve zodiac animals to the little ones.
I won’t forget the rain in January.THE ALFEE
THE ALFEE, who have continued to perform on the front lines throughout their long career.
This song, released as a single in 1988, is a minor-key ballad whose intro—fleeting and shimmering—evokes a wintry landscape.
The sound is beautifully crafted.
Sakazaki’s guitar in the instrumental break has a rich flavor, and above all, Sakurai’s vocals are incredibly cool! It makes you want to really sing it, surrendering yourself to the sound while savoring the lyrics.
January might not usually bring rain to mind, but it should fit perfectly on a rainy day.
It also sounds fun to rush into karaoke with your classmates at a reunion and belt it out together!
Orientgo!go!vanillas
How about performing a cheer-up song to express the feeling of “let’s do our best again this year”? Among them, the one I recommend for New Year’s karaoke is Orient, performed by the rock band go!go!vanillas—many people probably recognize them better by the nickname Vanillas.
The song carries a message about treasuring each day and living one day at a time, so it’s sure to lift your friends’ and family’s spirits.
You could also take cues from their live performances and add some ad-libbing to really get everyone excited.
Happy New YearIde Ayaka
Perfect for celebrating the New Year, singer-songwriter Aya Idaya’s song “Happy New Year” pairs a soothing melody with the feeling of welcoming the start of a new year with someone you love.
It reflects on the past year while filling you with hope for the one to come.
Sing it at New Year’s parties with family and friends or at karaoke, and it’s sure to add a heartwarming vibe and get everyone excited.
Especially if you’re spending New Year’s Eve with someone special, try ringing in the new year with this song.