[2025] Japanese karaoke songs you’ll want to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular hits and classics
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!
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[2025] Japanese karaoke songs to sing at year’s end: A roundup of popular hits and classics (41–50)
spring cleaningKing Ghidorah
Starting from the fresh idea of “cleansing” the rap world in the spirit of year-end housecleaning, this track showcases King Giddra’s members delivering sharp lyrics and hard-hitting beats to critique the hip-hop scene of the time while flexing their own skills.
Included on their debut album The Power from the Sky, released in December 1995, the song is highly regarded as a classic of Japanese rap.
Though it wasn’t released as a single, the album as a whole brought innovation to Japan’s hip-hop scene.
It’s a great pick when you want to add a bit of punch to year-end parties or karaoke.
Why not belt out its socially critical, self-assertive lyrics with your crew and turn up the heat?
A gentle cityHiromi Ohta
Steeped in emotive lyrics and a gentle melody that touches the heart, this work is a song released by Hiromi Ohta in October 1979.
Set in Tsukishima, it delicately portrays the protagonist’s feelings and daily happenings as they embark on a new life, leaving listeners with a warm impression.
The charm also lies in how it conveys the atmosphere of Tsukishima, with elements like the sound of mochi pounding and downtown dialect.
Included on the album “Hiromi Ohta Singles 1978–2001,” the track carries folk-song elements while showcasing Ohta’s unique individuality.
It’s perfect for listening alone on a quiet year-end night, or for sharing with someone special to spend a peaceful time together.
New Year’s March!Nijigasaki High School Idol Club
The song released by the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club in January 2024 features bright, forward-looking themes celebrating the start of the New Year.
It sings about enjoying the changing seasons and events from January to December while keeping a positive mindset throughout the year.
Opening with the phrase “Let’s go! Step forward!”, its lyrics brimming with hope for the future leave a strong impression.
The track was unveiled as a collaboration single with the smartphone game Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE!.
Issued as a double A-side single in two editions, it achieved commercial success, including reaching 5th place on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to savor the excitement of welcoming the New Year or kick off the year with a bright, uplifting feeling.
29Kana Nishino
This work by Kana Nishino, created as she entered the final year of her twenties, is a track included on the album “Love Collection 2 ~mint~.” The lyrics are filled with memories of her twenties, contrasting the carefree fun of her younger days with the reality of being swamped with work, while expressing both hopes and anxieties about her thirties.
Kana Nishino herself has said it’s “just like me,” making it a down-to-earth song that resonates with many listeners.
In the music video, three versions of Kana Nishino appear, letting you enjoy her playful, cute expressions and colorful fashion.
It’s a perfect recommendation for year-end parties or company gatherings, especially for anyone spending their last year in their twenties.
January(Night and) SAMPO
Although all members juggle full-time jobs with their music activities, (Yoru to) SAMPO is a five-piece rock band gaining attention, including winning the Grand Prix at the eo Music Try 20/21 contest.
Their track “January,” released on July 12, 2020, stands out with its simple rock ensemble and light, breezy melody.
The lyrics depict tidying up unnecessary things as the year turns, a theme that many hoping for a fresh start in the new year will likely relate to.
It’s a nostalgic pop tune that can make you feel positive as the year begins.
All-Night RadioAdo
Ado, a singer who started as a utaite and made her major debut in her teens, has been gaining attention both in Japan and abroad.
Her 21st digital-only single, “All Night Radio,” was written as the theme song for the live-streamed stage drama event ‘Ano Yoru de Aetara.
’ Its urban ensemble, highlighted by catchy guitar cutting, brings a refreshing vibe that can even brighten the atmosphere at karaoke.
It’s a light, lively pop tune that will add color to New Year’s Eve in these times filled with somber news.
SPECIALZKing Gnu
King Gnu is a four-piece rock band that changed its name from Srv.
Vinci in 2017.
Their genre-defying sound, reflecting their broad musical background, has taken the J-pop scene by storm.
Their 7th single, “SPECIALZ,” was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident.
With its dark ensemble and rapidly shifting song structure, it’s sure to draw attention even from those unfamiliar with the anime.
It’s a great pick for year-end events and karaoke, but since it’s quite difficult to sing, be sure to practice thoroughly before performing it in front of others.