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 to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular hits and classics (11–20)

Cheers, charisma! Year-end partySeven Charisma

The Charismatic Seven “Otsu-Karisma! Year-End Party” MV

Otsukarishima! Year-end party: The Seven Charismas

This is a fun party song from seven charismatic performers to brighten up your year-end bonenkai gatherings.

Set to an arrangement of an Italian folk tune, the lyrics weave in each member’s reflections on the past year, making a memorable impression.

It opens with the greeting, “Another year well done—otsu-karisuma!” and continues with humorous self-introductions that play to each character’s unique traits.

Released in December 2021, the track gained buzz on TikTok, inspiring a wave of fan-made videos.

It’s perfect not only for anyone looking to liven up bonenkai season, but also for those who enjoy lively banter among distinctive characters.

Sing along, share some laughs, and you’ve got the ideal song to wrap up the year.

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TOKYO SNOWSakurazaka46

TOKYO SNOW

TOKYO SNOW Sakurazaka46

A song that poignantly portrays Tokyo’s snowless winters has arrived from Sakurazaka46.

In this season when the year-end chill sinks into your bones, it deftly captures the feelings of those carrying unrequited emotions.

The track is included on the single “I want tomorrow to come,” released in October 2024.

Lyrics are by Yasushi Akimoto, with composition by Yuichiro Tsuru.

Tsuru had no musical experience until his junior year of college and reportedly began teaching himself composition after being moved by songs from Nogizaka46.

Recommended for those who want to look back on the emotions they’ve kept in their hearts as the year draws to a close.

Singing it at karaoke will gently evoke the late-year atmosphere.

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waiting in vaingood-for-nothing

Rokudenashi “Left Waiting” / Rokudenashi – Stood Me Up [Official Music Video]

Good-for-nothing left waiting

Rokudenashi is a collaborative unit between the vocalist Ninjin and a Vocaloid producer.

“Machibouke” is their second digital single, released in 2021, with lyrics and composition by the Vocaloid producer Hifumi.

The song portrays a girl burning with unrequited love for you, spending the year-end season lonely and alone.

In the instrumental break, the piano melody sounds slightly off-kilter, as if reflecting her emotional state.

It’s a perfect song for the melancholic mood of year’s end, so please give it a try and sing it!

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Winter is starting.Noriyuki Makihara

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo

Winter Is Beginning - Noriyuki Makihara

This song features warm lyrics and a melody that evoke the arrival of winter.

The lyrics, which depict happy moments with a lover, gently resonate with listeners.

Released in November 1991 and used as the commercial song for Sapporo Beer’s “Fuyu Monogatari,” it has become a beloved winter staple for many.

Noriyuki Makihara’s gentle vocals blend perfectly with the harmonica, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

It’s an ideal track to sing together and liven up year-end parties or karaoke with friends.

The vocal range isn’t wide, making it easy for anyone to sing, which is another part of its charm.

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travel anecdoteCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Souvenir Stories (Live at Nippon Budokan)

Souvenir Story Creepy Nuts

The song Miyagebanashi (“Souvenir Stories”) sings about the birth and journey of the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts.

It was included as the final track on their 2021 album Case.

The scene depicted in the song—two friends spending New Year’s Eve together at one of their homes—evokes memories of youthful days for many listeners.

Its stylish chord progression and groovy beat are also part of the appeal.

Be sure to sing it at karaoke, and get everyone to put their hands up during the chorus to hype things up!

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CocktailA.B.C-Z

A.B.C-Z / Cocktail (Music Video)

CocktailA.B.C-Z

“Cocktail” is a track released in August 2025 as the first installment of a three-month consecutive release.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Anna Takeuchi, it’s marked by a romantic ensemble with a floating, airy feel.

The lyrics depict someone drowning in a love as sweet as a cocktail.

You can’t help but be entranced by the members’ luscious vocals, which convey a fleeting, delicate longing.

Be sure to add this mellow dance tune to your playlist.

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[2025] Japanese Karaoke Songs to Sing at Year’s End: Popular and Classic Hits (21–30)

IrohaKent on this side

Iroha / Kocchi no Kento MV

Iroha and Kento over here

A gem of a song that shakes the soul, inspired by “Iroha nihoheto,” a classic seasonal motif of the year’s end and New Year.

Released by Kocchinoken-to in December 2023, this track explores themes of self-loathing and a longing to return to the past, resonating deeply with listeners.

His unique sound, which defies the boundaries of J-POP, blends power and delicacy, drawing us into its world as if by magic.

The music video on YouTube has reached around 200,000 views.

As the high ratings from viewers attest, this work has struck a chord with many people.

It’s the perfect song to sing tenderly at year-end or New Year gatherings.

Be sure to listen to it with someone special.

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