10 Japanese Christmas Songs To Add To Your Holiday Playlist

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We know that our holidays wouldn’t be complete without tuning into our favorite festive tunes. With Christmas just right around the corner, you might want to celebrate by discovering new music, perfect for feeling the holiday spirit – the Japanese way! Get cosy and listen to these 10 Japanese Christmas songs that will surely make your holiday merry and bright.

Silent by Sekai no Owari

Silent is the 14th major single released by Sekai no Owari, a four-member Japanese rock band. The song was used as the main theme for the TV drama Kono Koi Atatamemasuka. “Silent” is a Christmas song that makes you feel like the coming season. A producer of the drama stated,

“ It is also a love song and I hope you look forward to the theme song which is also a Christmas song that you will want to hear in the seasons.”

The First Christmas by Kagamine Len

You might find the vocals of this song to be intriguing, and that’s all credit to a Japanese humanoid! You’ve read it right, Kagamine Len is a Japanese humanoid persona of an individual singing synthesizer by Crypton Future Media.

The lyrics are about a person spending Christmas alone for the first time. You might find yourself getting melancholy for missing someone dearly during the holidays, but wherever they are, don’t miss the chance to greet them a “Merii Kurisumasu!”

冬がはじまるよ (Here Comes Winter) by Noriyuki Makihara

A semi-hit song by Noriyuki Makihara, a popular solo singer, though through the radio, karaoke chart, it is considered one of most popular songs during the winter season in Japan. Even so, it can make your heart flutter as you spend time with the person you love. Sway and sing along with its jolly beat and catchy hook, you’ll love this Christmas classic for sure in no time.

Special Delivery by Mariya Takeuchi

This was Mariya’s 8th single from September 1981 and a track on her 5th studio album “Portrait” which was released a month later. Since it was still relatively early in her career, “Special Delivery”, which was written and composed by the singer, has that 50s or 60s American pop beat that used to imbue a lot of her music at the time.

Just the whole thing seems to describe that giddy young lady hopping, skipping and jumping toward the mailbox with that letter for her beloved, presumably overseas currently, in the hopes that he will be back for the holidays.

大きな愛の木の下で (Under the Big Love Tree) by Misia

Let’s not forget this song from Japan’s “national treasure in music.” Under the Big Love Tree is the 10th single in one of Misia’s first cover albums called Misia no Mori: Forest Covers.

It was featured and used as the music for the commercial of House Foods’ Hokkaido stew seasoning mix, starring Rena Tanaka, a Japanese actress and TV personality. If you want to hear more of Misia’s Japanese Christmas Songs, you can also listen to her album “So Special Christmas.”

クリスマスソング (Christmas Song) by back number

The “Christmas Song” is the 14th major single released by the Japanese rock power trio, back number. It was the band’s biggest hit in 2015 as it topped the Japan 100 chart for three weeks. This song will definitely get to you when you walk alone on a snowy night during winter.

The lyrics give you longingness for an answer to your confession of love. To add to the feels, find this single as the theme song for the TV drama “5-ji Kara 9-ji Made: Watashi ni Koi Shita Obousan”​​ (From 5 to 9: The Monk who Fell in Love with Me)

My Gift to You by Tatsuro Yamashita

“My Gift to You” is one of the tracks in Season’s Greetings, a holiday cover album by the well-known Japanese “King of City Pop.” The song is a rendition of the original version sung by Alexander O’Neal. Its mid-tempo soulful sound brings us warmth and reminds us of what is truly meaningful to give this Christmas. Whether you’re in for the song’s mellow vibe or its touching message, this cover is definitely a treat from the great Tatsuro himself.

The Christmas Song by Sailor Moon

If you’re into manga or anime, then this one can be for you! Sailor Moon is a popular Japanese shōjo manga series that was both written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi. Later on, it became a TV series that aired from 1992 until 1997. Yes, they have a Christmas soundtrack. This song is a track in the anime’s album that contained different carols sung by their voice actresses. If you find its melody familiar, it’s actually a Japanese rendition of the original classic sung by Nat King Cole in 1946.

Christmas Love by Southern All Stars

Another classic makes it into the list. This song was released in 1993 by Southern All Stars (SAS), a Japanese rock band that is one of the best-selling music groups in the country for more than 30 years. You can relate to this song if you’re dearly missing someone you love far away from you this Christmas. If you’re feeling blue or having a silent night, this might make your heart feel a little lighter.

Christmas Eve by Tatsuro Yamashita

We left the best for last! We finally arrive at Tatsuro Yamashit’a’s best Showa Era festive song, feel the Christmas magic by listening to one of Japan’s iconic Christmas songs: “Christmas Eve.” If someone is asked to reminisce about Christmas in Japan, this would probably ring in their background. This single was Tatsuro’s best-selling song in the 1980’s, but people don’t mind hearing it over and over even after almost 40 years. If you’re just driving around, you can get a taste of what their holidays feel like by listening to this iconic Christmas staple. Definitely, one of those Japanese Christmas Songs to play over the holiday season.