Masterpiece and Popular J-Pop Christmas Songs of the 2000s

Merry XmasBoA

BoA / Meri Kuri

One of BoA’s signature songs, performed during the 2000s in both Japan and Korea, and still beloved today as a Christmas tune.

With a beautifully catchy chorus, the song portrays the joy of spending time with a loved one in the cold winter.

Released in December 2004, it was also featured in an au commercial.

As a classic Christmas song, it’s listened to by many every year, and in 2019 it ranked sixth in Music Station’s Christmas song rankings.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone wanting to feel warmth in the chilly season or to cherish moments with someone special.

Song of X’smapSMAP

SMAP Song of X’smap

A song performed at the end of 2004 by SMAP, the five-member group that thrived as a national idol and disbanded in 2016, as the theme for the drama “X’smap: Tora to Raion to Gonin no Otoko.” After initially being released exclusively via digital distribution, it was officially put on CD in January 2005 as the B-side to the single “Tomodachi e ~Say What You Will~.” With vivid imagery set on a holy night and lyrics that depict the joy of loving someone and being loved in return, it carries a message that anyone can be the star.

Composed by Yoko Kanno, its warm and emotive melody resonates in the heart—a ballad that colors the time spent with someone special on a winter night.

chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki

chicken rice

This heartwarming Christmas song was born from the collaboration between Masatoshi Hamada and Noriyuki Makihara.

Makihara’s warm, gentle melody pairs beautifully with the nostalgic lyrics crafted by Hitoshi Matsumoto.

The memories of a childhood that was modest yet full of warmth evoke a tender sense of nostalgia.

Released in November 2004, the song was also used as the image song for Fuji TV’s winter event “HOT FANTASY ODAIBA.” It’s a perfect pick not only for anyone wanting to soak in the Christmas spirit, but also for those who want to feel the preciousness of time spent with loved ones.

Christmas Eve RapKICK THE CAN CREW

KICK THE CAN CREW / Christmas Eve RAP

It’s a song that boosts the mood for celebrating Christmas.

It depicts spending time with friends on a special snowy night, as well as the loneliness felt by those who are by themselves.

In the chorus, the bittersweet feeling that “wishes don’t reach” is expressed, conveying the complex emotions of Christmas night.

As KICK THE CAN CREW’s distinctive rap intertwines exquisitely with soothing sampling, you’re wrapped in a warm sound.

Released as a CD single in November 2001, the track was later included on the best-of album “BEST ALBUM 2001–2003,” which helped it become widely known.

It’s a Christmas song that fits any scene—whether you’re spending time with friends or a partner, or singing it at karaoke.

Love Song in DecemberGACKT

GACKT “December Love Song”

GACKT’s winter ballad, released in December 2001, is known as a staple number often heard on winter street corners.

Inspired by the September 11 attacks and his experiences during a shoot in Madagascar, the piece was created around themes of world peace and love for all humanity, carrying a message that transcends personal romance.

It was chosen as the ending theme for Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV’s “THE Wide,” and later developed into a multilingual project with English, Chinese, and Korean versions.

With delicate strings that feel like gently falling snow and GACKT’s vocals that race from a whispering low register to a soaring high, the song brings a warm sense of comfort amid the bustle of December—perfect for winter moments spent with someone special.

Their HOLY X’MASGLAY

Their Holy X’mas

This is a winter ballad included on the 2002 album “UNITY ROOTS & FAMILY, AWAY.” Rather than a love-centered Christmas song, it is woven from the perspective of Christmas for all people, with diverse skin tones and eye colors.

The lyrics gently portray universal wishes for happiness, dreams, and the true meaning of Christmas, leaving listeners with a calm, warm feeling.

In 2023, an anthology edition was released two decades later, featuring a live arrangement version as well.

It’s a gentle song you’ll want to play quietly on a peaceful Christmas night spent with family and friends.

SECRET LOVE STORYKishidan

Kishidan – Secret Love Story

An unconventional rock band known for their pompadours and school uniforms, Kishidan released this winter love story in October 2003.

Set in a town where no snow falls, it’s a lyrical and dramatic number depicting a secret romance under the glow of an orange moon.

The solid, string-accented sound carries a poignant yet warm narrative that lingers in the heart.

The music video features Erika Sawajiri, who was then garnering attention as a young actress, and it won “BEST STORY VIDEO” at the 2004 Space Shower Music Video Awards.

It’s the perfect BGM for a winter night spent with someone special.