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 and classic hits (31–40)

New Treasure IslandSakanaction

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

Shin Takarajima Sakanaction

This song captivates people with a music video that evokes nostalgia.

Didn’t you hear it in all sorts of places in 2019? It’s a track that subtly became a hit and represents Sakanaction.

While it has a kayōkyoku-style vibe, it packs in rock elements too, leaving a stylish and cool impression.

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Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven

The Ninth for Ten Thousand People: Ode to Joy 2009 (Osaka-jō Hall) 1/3

Ode to Joy Ludwig van Beethoven

Isn’t Beethoven’s Symphony No.

9, the “Ode to Joy,” a piece that everyone has heard? This famous “Ode to Joy” has been covered and arranged by many artists.

Since it’s a tune anyone can recognize, why not choose it at karaoke at the end of the year to savor a sense of joy as you wrap up the year?

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Happy Endingback number

back number – “Happy End” Music Video

Happy End back number

Back Number’s 16th single, “Happy End.” It’s a love song themed around parting, and its heartrending lyrics evoke a range of emotions.

With a relaxed tempo and a key that suits the average male voice, it should be easy to sing with poise.

Be sure to showcase your beautiful voice to many people with “Happy End”!

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Snow White's girlfriendBase Ball Bear

Shirayuki No Kanojo

Her of the Snow, Base Ball Bear

This work by Base Ball Bear beautifully captures the wintry atmosphere and the ache of bittersweet love.

It’s included on their indie-era album HIGH COLOR TIMES, released in March 2005, and is distinguished by its breezy guitar-pop sound.

The lyrics recount memories with a pure and beautiful “you” that evokes Snow White, resurfacing alongside the crisp winter air.

Vivid scenes—year-end bustle and snowy landscapes—are depicted with finesse, and the fragility and poignancy of a lost romance resonate deeply.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, it’s perfect for year-end parties or gatherings.

Deliver it tenderly, and it will make a fitting song to close out the year.

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In My TownMr.Children

In My Town

In My Town Mr.Children

This song, included on the album [(an imitation) blood orange] released in November 2012, poetically depicts everyday scenes such as year-end crowds and footsteps splashing through puddles.

Kazutoshi Sakurai’s delicate vocals and the band’s warm sound resonate deeply.

The album sold 530,000 copies in its first week and ranked 8th on Oricon’s year-end album chart.

Reflecting the sentiments after the earthquake, it resonated with many listeners.

When you feel the loneliness and solitude of the year’s end, this song is sure to soothe your heart.

Sing it at karaoke, and it will wrap the room in a gentle, mellow atmosphere.

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[2025] Japanese karaoke songs to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular hits and classics (41–50)

Even when next year comesMy Hair is Bad

Matarainenni Nattemo

Even next year, it’ll still be My Hair is Bad.

It’s a song that captures the ache of unrequited love—perfect for listening on long autumn nights.

Included on My Hair is Bad’s October 2016 album “woman’s,” it’s a track that resonates especially around year’s end and during seasons of parting.

The lyrics portray feelings that sway between longing for a happy ending and facing reality, striking a chord with many listeners.

This work is marked by the band’s emotionally rich lyrics and distinctive sound, earning strong support from fans.

It’s recommended for those troubled by love, or for anyone who wants to reflect on the past year at year’s end while feeling hopeful for the next.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to touch someone’s heart.

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last year, this yearUnder Graph

“Last Year This Year” (full MV) / Under Graph

Last year, this year, Under Graph

Released in December 2012 as a ballad depicting New Year’s Eve, this song begins with the sound of the koto and gently paints scenes of the year-end and New Year, along with feelings for one’s hometown.

The repeated greeting “Happy New Year” carries gratitude to loved ones and hope for the future.

It has that warm, heartfelt melody characteristic of Under Graph that really resonates.

The backstory is charming, too: it started as a radio project and took about a year to complete.

Aiming to become a year-end and New Year standard, it portrays the beautiful way people in Japan welcome the new year with family and friends.

It’s the perfect track for those seeking a calm, reflective New Year’s song to enjoy with someone special.

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