Lovely karaoke song

[2025] Japanese karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular hits and classics

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

As December comes around each year and the end of the year approaches, chances to sing karaoke at year-end parties and company gatherings tend to increase.

Since it’s a special time, you might be thinking of singing the perfect year-end song to get everyone excited.

In this article, we introduce classic J-pop songs about December scenery, the year’s end, and New Year’s Eve, spanning different eras and genres.

Whether you want to fire up the crowd with a group singalong for one last hurrah, or deliver a gentle performance to bid farewell to the year, pick a song that suits you and enjoy a wonderful year-end!

[2025] Japanese karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at year-end: A roundup of popular hits and classics (71–80)

youKumi Koda

Kumi Koda / “you” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

you Koda Kumi

I listened to it again for the first time in a while, and I think this song by Kumi Koda is a perfect winter ballad for December.

The lyrics and melody are really lovely, so it’s pleasant to listen to and makes for a song that fits a calm winter perfectly.

Be sure to sing it at karaoke.

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Turning Upstorm

ARASHI – Turning Up [Official Music Video]

Turning Up Arashi

It’s a song that makes you want to start singing while bouncing to its pop vibe.

It also incorporates elements of dance music and rap, and after just one listen, anyone’s energy will rise and feel like singing together in a circle.

There are plenty of chorus parts throughout, so splitting the vocal sections among multiple people will make it even more fun.

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DEAR…againKohmi Hirose

Kohmi Hirose / DEAR…again

DEAR…again Kohmi Hirose

This song is a romantic winter piece that really suits the season starting in December.

I think her songs go perfectly with winter and snow.

I listened to it many times, memorized it, and sang along.

The high notes are quite difficult, but I think it’s fun if you give it a try.

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[2025] Japanese karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular hits and classics (81–90)

A winter fairy is melting a snowmanKaela Kimura

Kaela Kimura “A winter fairy is melting a snowman” [short ver.]

A winter fairy is melting a snowman - Kaela Kimura

I personally loved this song.

I’ve sung it a few times at karaoke.

It’s very cute, and its unique style draws listeners in.

It’s definitely a song I’d love for you to learn and try singing.

The melody is a bit unusual, and the chorus is in English.

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A HAPPY NEW YEAR -Happy New Year-Yumi Matsutoya

Happy New Year / A Happy New Year

A HAPPY NEW YEAR -Happy New Year- Yumi Matsutoya

With its somewhat wistful, lonely sound, Yumi Matsutoya’s “A HAPPY NEW YEAR” is perfect for the year’s end.

It’s a track from her 1981 album “Let’s Meet Last Night,” featuring a memorable, continuous piano arpeggio phrase.

The song was also used in the film “Take Me Out to the Snowland.” It’s a love song filled with the hope of “May you have a good year” and the desire to spend the coming year with you.

After a run of high-energy songs at karaoke, how about dialing it back with the gently melancholy “A HAPPY NEW YEAR”?

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CalendarKo Shibasaki

Calender

Calendar Shibasaki Kou

When it comes to year-end karaoke, the real joy isn’t just singing—it’s getting together with friends and coworkers to excitedly look back on your memories.

That’s why I highly recommend singing Ko Shibasaki’s “Calendar.” As the title suggests, it’s a song crafted to reminisce from January through December.

While no one’s year will match the lyrics exactly, you’ll surely find moments that resonate with you.

You can also have fun by tweaking the lyrics to fit your friends’ experiences.

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White LoversKeisuke Kuwata

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

Shiroi Koibito-tachi Kuwata Keisuke

It’s a very nostalgic song, and every winter I can’t help wanting to listen to it—it really stays with you.

It’s a classic winter tune loved by people of all ages, so you should definitely have it ready for karaoke.

I think it’ll be a hit at year-end parties and bonenkai as well.

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