[80s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems!
As the Christmas season approaches, even those who aren’t particularly into the holiday find themselves unconsciously humming timeless Christmas songs.
Japan’s 1980s music scene—an era that produced countless hits and classics in the nation’s musical history—gave rise to many Christmas songs that are still sung today.
In this article, we’re spotlighting those iconic Christmas tunes born in the ’80s, presenting a diverse lineup that ranges from chart-toppers everyone has heard at least once to hidden gems.
It’s also recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about 1980s kayōkyoku, which in recent years has been drawing keen attention from younger music fans.
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80s Japanese Music: Popular Christmas Songs — From Big Hits to Hidden Gems! (71–80)
presentHagiwara Kenichi
This song by Kenichi Hagiwara, an iconic actor-singer of the 1980s, is a Christmas tune released in May 1988.
It portrays the bittersweet feelings of a girl who, for some reason, ends up spending Christmas alone this year, after celebrating with her parents up until last year.
Many listeners may find themselves moved to tears by his deeply expressive vocals.
The track is included on the album “Horeta.” It’s a song packed with all of Shoken’s charm and perfect for the holiday season.
Overflowing with affection for loved ones, it’s a beautiful piece to enjoy with your partner or family.
X’mas PartyHarada Shinji
This is an original Christmas song by Shinji Harada, a singer-songwriter who achieved idol-like popularity in the 80s and sings in a piano-and-vocal style.
It depicts the hustle and bustle of the city at Christmas.
The urgent-sounding piano fits the song perfectly.
The Second Christmaschūrippu
When you spend time with someone special, even cold winter days feel warm…
This is a love song that sings of such straightforward feelings.
It’s a track by the band Tulip, known for producing numerous classics like “Saboten no Hana” and “Kokoro no Tabi,” included on their 16th album, “New Tune,” released in 1985.
The relaxed tempo and the rich, expansive sound arrangement are absolutely irresistible.
Listening to it brings a sense of calm.
How about letting this song color your Christmas this year?
Third ChristmasSHOW-YA
SHOW-YA is a five-member rock band known as a pioneering all-female group, and in 2021 they broke into the global scene.
Their song “3rd Christmas,” included on their fifth album Immigration, is a comfortable number with a gentle rock ensemble.
The lyrics, which depict a Christmas that can no longer be spent with a lover, evoke a poignant feeling alongside the wistful melody.
It’s a sentimental Christmas song that reveals a different side of SHOW-YA, who are often associated with hard rock.
Funky ChristmasNakahara Meiko
Singer-songwriter Meiko Nakahara, who debuted with the catchphrase “the second Yuming” and was also dubbed the “queen of school festivals.” The track “Funky Christmas,” included on her best-of album Meiko’s BEST SELECTION 10+1, drew attention for being produced by TOM TOM, renowned as a heavyweight of Chicago soul.
Its romantic lyrics overflow with the sense of anticipation for Christmas that remains unchanged even as the era has shifted from Showa to Reiwa.
With its dazzling melody and ensemble that linger in the ear, it’s a classic among Christmas songs.
Full of ChristmasKudō Shizuka
Shizuka Kudo is a singer who thrives across a wide range of fields—not only in music, but also as an actor, TV personality, jewelry designer, and painter.
The song that closes her best-of album “gradation,” X’mas ga Ippai (Full of Christmas), features a dreamy intro that conjures the holiday just as the title suggests.
Its lyrics, filled with love for someone special, seem perfectly suited to color the holy night.
With a melody that blends pop brightness with a touch of wistfulness, it’s an unforgettable, timeless winter song.
Christmas AvenueYakushimaru Hiroko
Since her debut, Hiroko Yakushimaru has enjoyed immense popularity as a central figure in Kadokawa films, and she remains highly active both as an actress and as a singer.
Christmas Avenue, a track from her second album Yume Jūwa, is striking for its clear yet deeply resonant vocals laid over a relaxed shuffle beat.
The lyrics evoke the sparkle of Christmas cityscapes, offering a soothing sense that helps you forget worries and stress.
With delicate strings that create a sense of spaciousness, it’s a Christmas song that never loses its luster, no matter how times change.