[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)
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.
Christmas in summero nyanko kurabu
A romantic song that looks up at the summer night sky and thinks of Christmas.
Its lyrics capture the sweetness of love across seasons, offering listeners dreams and longing.
Included on the album “KICK OFF,” released in September 1985, this track is marked by Onyanko Club’s breezy pop sound and lyrics that center on youth and bittersweet romance.
As one of the album’s signature songs, it was performed live and captivated fans.
It’s the perfect tune for anyone who wants to sink into that tender, wistful mood of reminiscing about past Christmas memories on a summer night.
Sha-la-laSazan Ōrusutāzu
A moody Christmas song by Southern All Stars, also known as “Southern,” released as a double A-side with “Gomen ne Charlie.” The fact that it came out in 1980 really makes you feel how quickly time flies—and how amazing Southern are.
It’s also unusual that the duet with Haru Yoko becomes the single as is.
The mature lyrics—which can be read as “Since it’s Christmas night, I’d rather not think about anyone but you”—completely seal away Kuwata’s usual sense of humor.
I think this Christmas song is a classic in the tender, mellow side of Southern!
Japanese Pop of the ’80s: Popular Christmas Songs — From Big Hits to Hidden Gems (’81–’90)
Merry ChristmasItō Chieri
She sang songs, appeared in dramas, and was a regular on sketch comedy shows like “Shimura Ken no Daijoubu Da” and “Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV,” establishing herself for a time in what we’d now call a “varadol” (variety-show idol) position.
She debuted around the same time as Noriko Sakai and Risa Tachibana—so nostalgic! I think many people loved this song, “Merry Christmas.” The lyrics, which feel like “putting together Christmas songs on a cassette tape for a drive,” bring back memories of the bright Showa era.
It still sounds fresh even today.
Merry ChristmasMinamino Yoko
A lovely, idol-style Christmas song included on her sixth original album, SNOWFLAKES.
Since SNOWFLAKES is a concept album themed around Christmas, you can even play the whole record as party background music.
As an aside, the record jacket featuring Yoko Minamino in a white duffle coat is absolutely adorable.
The socially conscious lyrics—“There are so many children around the world in sad circumstances; may the blessings of Christmas reach them just the same”—really make you think.
A must-listen not only for idol fans.
Dance To ChristmasOsawa Yoshiyuki with Various Artists
When it comes to Christmas songs, we tend to imagine wistful ballads, don’t we? But there are also pop songs you can sing and dance to together.
That’s what “Dance To Christmas” is.
You can feel the fun vibe just from the title, right? This track is also known for featuring a number of stars, including Masayuki Suzuki, Kyoko, GWINKO, and the Bubblegum Brothers.
It’s arranged so that this star-studded lineup performs in chorus.
Be sure to sing along!
I want to have it ready by Christmas.Ozawa Natsuki
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to hum along as soon as you sense Christmas in the air.
Released in October 1987 as Natsuki Ozawa’s third single, this work is a classic of ’80s idol pop created by the popular lyricist Yasushi Akimoto and composer/arranger Koji Makaino.
Its catchy melody and synth-driven sound capture the Christmas atmosphere perfectly.
The lyrics convey a girl’s bittersweet wish to reunite with her lover and share her feelings by Christmas, reflecting the characteristically modest view of romance in the ’80s.
It’s a recommended track not only for idol fans but also for anyone interested in music from that era.