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’s end: A roundup of popular hits and classics (81–90)

MAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki / M (Short Ver.)

M Ayumi Hamasaki

It’s a nostalgic number that I remember often listening to during cold winters and at the end of the year.

It’s a song that suits winter.

The wonderful lyrics match a piercing melody that makes me feel wistful, but I think it’s also perfect for the year’s end.

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Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa

Angela Aki “Tsugaru Strait - Winter Scene” Music Video

Tsugaru Strait Winter Scene - Sayuri Ishikawa

It’s a very famous song—enka—but I think it’s still a beloved classic.

Am I the only one who’s reminded of the year-end Kouhaku when I hear it? It conjures up a very cold winter scene, and it’s also a popular enka classic at karaoke.

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orionKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

Orion Kenshi Yonezu

This song was also used as the ending theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion.

The lyrics, which depict a beautiful winter night sky, are romantic and lovely, aren’t they? The cool, distinctly Kenshi Yonezu-style sound is another hallmark of this track.

It’s a song filled with a fleeting wish.

I’d love to listen to it together with someone special.

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Horse and deerKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

Horse and deer Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu’s “Uma to Shika” served as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama No Side Game and also drew attention for its collaboration with the Rugby World Cup 2019 held in Japan.

There’s clapping in the chorus and A melody, so singing along while clapping creates a sense of unity and excitement.

With strings like violins in the accompaniment, it can also be enjoyed as a gorgeous, orchestra-like piece.

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Goodbye ElegyMasaki Suda

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

Goodbye Elegy Masaki Suda

Masaki Suda’s “Sayonara Elegy” is also the theme song for the Nippon TV Sunday drama “Todome no Kiss.” It’s an up-tempo track that conveys both poignancy and strength.

The way Masaki Suda strums an acoustic guitar with full force while singing is also striking.

At the year’s end, pack all your accumulated bittersweet feelings into this song and sing your heart out.

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Dear...Kana Nishino

Kana Nishino 'Dear...(short ver.)'

Dear... Kana Nishino

This is another song I absolutely want to sing once December comes.

When it comes to love songs, you can’t leave out Kana Nishino.

It’s a winter song with really great lyrics—you’re guaranteed to be moved.

Be sure to learn it and try singing it at karaoke.

It might make men fall head over heels.

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[2025] Japanese karaoke songs to sing at the end of the year: A roundup of popular and classic hits (91–100)

Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa

Sayuri Ishikawa - Amagi-goe

Amagi-goe Ishikawa Sayuri

When it comes to winter enka, this is the song.

I always feel like listening to it as the year draws to a close.

It’s also a staple on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

I’d say there isn’t a Japanese person who doesn’t know this song.

The vocal “kobushi” hits you right in the chest.

And that signature line in the chorus makes you want to sing along, doesn’t it? You might not sing enka at karaoke very often, but I highly recommend this one for the New Year’s season.

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