Japan’s Christmas soundtrack sits in a category of its own — built less on church carols than on city-pop classics, idol-group anthems and Vocaloid ballads. Here are 13 Japanese Christmas songs worth adding to a December playlist.
10 Japanese Christmas Songs To Check Out
“Koibito ga Santa Claus” (Yumi Matsutoya, 1980)
While “Koibito ga Santa Claus” was never released as an official single and only as part of Yumi Matsutoya’s 10th album, the song became a beloved city pop classic and a Christmas staple. The song evokes a fun and light mood that Christmas brings: a playful contrast to more traditional and intimate tunes.
“Meri Kuri” (BoA, 2004)
BoA released “Meri Kuri” in Japan as her 10th single, which has become so popular that it became part of Japan’s holiday tradition (think Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” or Wham!’s “Last Christmas”). If you want a feel of Japan once the holiday rolls in, give this one a listen.
“Noel no Yoru” (AKB48, 2011)
Japan’s idol scene also has an entry for Christmas music: AKB48’s “Noel no Yoru.” Like most girl idol groups, this takes a more youthful sound and touches on themes of love. If you’re an idol group fan, this song is worth a listen.
“Silent” (Sekai no Owari, 2020)
“Silent” is the 14th major single released by Sekai no Owari, a four-member Japanese rock band. The song was 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’s also a love song — a Christmas song you’ll want to hear, both as the seasons turn and well beyond them.”
“The First Christmas” (Kagamine Len, 2007)
You might find the vocals striking, and that’s because Kagamine Len isn’t a person at all. Kagamine Len is a Vocaloid — a synthesised singing voice released by Crypton Future Media in 2007, with an accompanying anime-style character used in cover art and visuals.
The lyrics are about a person spending Christmas alone for the first time. You might find yourself missing someone over the holidays — but wherever they are, don’t miss the chance to send them a heartfelt “Merii Kurisumasu!”
“冬がはじまるよ (Here Comes Winter)” (Noriyuki Makihara, 1991)
A semi-hit song by Noriyuki Makihara, a J-pop solo singer, though through the radio, and 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” (Mariya Takeuchi, 1981)
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)” (Misia, 2011)
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. 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)” (back number, 2015)
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. It’s a winter ballad about waiting for an answer to a confession of love. The single was also used as the theme song for the TV Drama 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made: Watashi ni Koi Shita Obōsan (From 5 to 9: The Monk Who Fell in Love with Me).
“My Gift to You” (Tatsuro Yamashita, 1993)
“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 a treat from the great Tatsuro himself.
“The Christmas Song” (Sailor Moon, 1996)
If you’re into manga or anime, then this one can be for you! Sailor Moon is the popular shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi, first serialised in 1991. The original 90s anime ran from 1992 to 1997, with multiple later adaptations including Sailor Moon Crystal. The 90s anime even came with its own Christmas soundtrack album.
This song is a track in the anime’s album that contains different carols sung by their voice actresses. If you find its melody familiar, it’s a Japanese rendition of the original classic sung by Nat King Cole in 1946.
“Christmas Love” (Southern All Stars, 1993)
Another classic makes it into the list. This song was released in 1993 by Southern All Stars (SAS), a Japanese rock band that has been 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” (Tatsuro Yamashita, 1983)
We’ve saved the best for last: Tatsuro Yamashita’s best-known Shōwa-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 of the 1980s, 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.
